It is with profound sadness that we share the news that our colleague John Smith passed away in January whilst in hospital after a short illness.
John was the Chef in the Garrick and was known to many LSE staff and students. He was held in deep affection by all those who knew and worked with him. An incredibly supportive manager to his team, his passing has left us heartbroken.
Larry Kramer as LSE President has written privately to John’s family to express the sympathy of our whole School community. Our deepest condolences to John’s wife, Christel and daughter Skye.
John’s funeral is being held on Friday 21 February at 1pm at Medway Crematorium, Robin Hood Lane (upper), Chatham, Kent, ME5. 9QU.
John’s family and friends will be gathering after the ceremony at La Villetta, 8 Pudding Lane, Maidstone ME14 1lN.
If you want to attend the service with John’s colleagues from LSE Catering, please contact Alice To in the catering office.
With thanks to Ian Spencer, Director of Residential Services for the tribute.
My condolences to the family of the late John Smith. I am deeply sorry for your loss. I had the privilege of knowing John briefly, and he was a friendly and kind person who always spoke fondly of his daughter. He was a proud man and an even prouder father. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.”
I am going to miss your friendly smile every morning and light-hearted banter. You were adored by so many at LSE – especially your team who I know miss you dearly.
My heart goes out to you, Christel and Skye ❤️
I have worked with John for the past few years, he was a very good manager to work with ,may his soul rest in peace. He will be missed.
John was part of the LSE family. When we lose family or in this case colleagues, it’s so sad. My sincere condolences to Crystelle and their daughter Skye at this very sad time.
We learned with deep shock and sorrow of your passing, we were not ready for this. we will miss your helpfulness all around the division. May your gentle soul rest in eternal peace, May God console your family during this difficult time.
Deepest condolences to John’s family, it was such a shock to hear such sad news. I will miss the chats i used to have with John. I know you will be deeply missed by all that knew you.
Rest in peace John x
John, it is a great pleasure to know you professionally and personally. My dear friend good bye and we will meet again. My prayers go to your daughter and your wife for comfort. I miss you my dear friend for our small chit chat, may your soul rest in peace
😭😭😭😭😭
I was deeply saddened to hear the passing of who I called a dear friend. I don’t have many really close friends but John was one I can definitely was very close. I will miss you mate so so much. May your soul rest in peace and my condolences to Cristel, Skye and family.
Today I remember John Smith, a leader who not only guided our team, but also inspired us with unwavering commitment and genuine care for each individual.
Though he may be gone, his legacy of excellence and kindness will continue to live on within our team. May your soul rest in eternal glory.
It’s so sad to hear you have passed on, John you are not just my Boss but a special person a shoulder to cry on,and a good listener l will definitely miss you the rest of my lifetime as a working wife who will not stop nagging at you. whom I Tina will be nagging at?John your passing on has left big sad hole in my heart.l pray for the protection of the Almighty to watch over your wife Christel and Skye . May your soft gentle soul rest in perfect peace 🙏🏿
It is with a heavy heart that I write this letter, as words cannot fully capture the deep sorrow I feel. Since have been working with you, you have
been more than just a boss to me, you
have been a mentor, a confidante, and a true friend. Your genuine kindness and rare, beautiful soul touched my life in ways I never imagined possible. It’s hard to say goodbye, May your perfect Soul rest in peace
I know you can’t read this or see me writing this. I want the world to know what a kind soul you were and how till the very end filled with compassion. You were the kindest and most selfless person anyone will ever wish to work with. You were brave and always there for us your team whenever we needed you. You made an impact in the lives of us that worked with you. There is not enough paper in the world to begin to write tribute for you but no one deserves it more. A good husband to Christelle and great Dad to Skye. The memory of us calling each other YOUNG MAN, every morning when we see each other at work will forever be implanted in my heart. You made GARRICK and exciting place to work for us your team. You have left us but you will never leaves our heart. To others you were a person but to we your team you were a true friend and a leader. Your spirit will forever lives in our minds. May your beautiful memory provide comfort to your family during this difficult time. Cheers to the memories of the guy who made GARRICK exciting place to work. Heaven gained quite an angel when you left us. Adieu my friend till we will part no more. My deepest condolences to the family. Always in our mind s and forever in our hearts
Since the day I met you at Rosebery Hall, you have been a very good person and manager, always willing to talk to me wherever I happen to be at garrick. May your soul rest in peace.
Oh, how awfully sad. John was a lovely chap and will be sadly missed.
My deepest condolences go out to his team, colleagues, and especially Christel and Skye. May he rest in eternal peace.
My deepest condolences to John’s family, it was such a shock to hear such sad news following the Christmas break. It was a pleasure working with John on various projects and the chats we had throughout the years as I usually dine in the Garrick for lunch, John was a kind and caring person. Rest in peace John
I was heartbroken to learn of the incredibly sad passing of John.
I had known John for over 25 years as he was a regular in the first pub I managed on Whitehall.
During the years we had so many great chats and I so valued his advice. He will be sorely missed . My heart goes out to his family .
Rest in peace .
This is such awful news and very difficult to come to terms with. John was a special person who was always ready with a friendly smile and kind words. I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences to his family and may he rest in peace.
Sincere concolences to his loved ones. He will be sorely missed by many.
I will miss our early morning chats when we would the world to rights … how i miss all that now .. such a good heart and a gentle soul…. rest in peace John
My deepest condolences to John’s family. It was such as a pleasure to know you, talking about football especially about LFC
All we have to remember ;that God gives and takes it.
Be in peace.
It’s sad to hear John is passed awaw! Sincere condolence to family of John.
May his soul will rest in peace!
Wtih Tribute
Surya Sunwar
I was saddened to hear the news.
My deepest sympathy goes to Christel and family during this difficult time.
I will always remember how proud John was of his family. He often spoke about Skye’s achievements and loved sharing photos, his pride and love were evident in every word.
It’s so sad to hear that John is passed away! it’s hard to believe because he’s been seen in Garrick not long ago. Heartfelt condolence to family of John.
May John’s soul rest in peace.
With Tribute
Surya Sunwar
My deepest condolences to Johns family.
John was an awesome boss who always had everyone’s best interests at heart. We will miss your presence and guidance, but I hope and pray you are in a better place resting in perfect peace.
You will be missed by many.
I didn’t know John personally, but I remembered seeing him in his chef uniform in the hustle and bustle of Garrick. He struck me as someone truly dedicated to his work. Seeing this message made me sad, and I wanted to leave a few words here.
May you rest in peace, John. My deepest condolences go to his family—I hope you find strength in the impact John has had on so many people, both those who knew him and those who didn’t.
Hi John may your gentle soul rest in the bossom of the lord.
Till we meet again in heaven. I miss all your jokes most especially calling me Mr chips any time you see me in garrick. Rest in power my dear friend.
So sad. John, I will miss our daily morning chats about work and life in general. My sincere condolences to the family. Rest in peace John!!!
My deepest condolences to John’s family. I was heart breaking to learn about John passing away. I will miss John’s breakfast visits and frequent chats and jokes. Rest in peace my friend.
Such sad news of your passing, John your were always such a kind, gentle, sweet man. I will miss our morning chats when we always had a chuckle about something or other.
My heartfelt condolences to his beloved family, who he spoke with such love for.
Rest in peace John
Such as great character. We used to talk in the mornings about football and hes beloved Liverpool FC. The incoming title is for you John.