John Philip Sills (4 Jun 1946 - 14 Sep 2025)

John was a gentleman. Over the many years I worked for him he treated everyone with kindness and dignity whether they were staff, suppliers or customers, and regardless of ‘rank’. He nurtured his staff and had a huge “family” of colleagues who had a warm respect and affection for him. He was a funny, genuine man who ploughed his own furrow and didn’t always conform to political correctness! His passing is a sad loss.

Very sad day, rest in peace chap

My family and I are forever grateful for the opportunities John, Ed and the Saville team gave us.

Many, including John, became friends and some became my closest. Our time together went beyond just business which was in itself a wonderful experience but became a social relationship with fun, laughs, banter and a real pleasure for which I am extremely grateful.

Very sad to hear of his passing, my thoughts go out to his family, friends and colleagues and I appreciate all the fond memories of my time with him, rest in peace chap.

John was a close friend of my mum and dad (Jean and Peter) for more than sixty years, and he worked with Dad at Savilles in the 1960s. He was known to my sister and I as 'Uncle John' when we were young. Alison and I will remember him for his kindness, enthusiasm and cheerful good nature. We are especially grateful for the unwavering friendship and support John gave Dad during his final couple of years of life. Love and best wishes to Janine and family. Rest in Peace John.

A wise man,a friend to many,a sad loss. RIP John
Stephen Artingstall

John was a true pioneer and leader
From venturing up the A1 in his Moggy 1000 to building an empire of employees and friends

I had the fortune to meet John of York as I affectionately called him, on holiday in Majorca! I was writing my book at the time, it’s called Life is a Hotel and has since been published. It was the most memorable holiday spending time with John, and the girls, Jan and Chris. My book was published in August, John bought two copies and had started reading the book. Some people are merely acquaintances in life but are never forgotten. Rest in peace John of York, love and thoughts to Jan and to Chris. It was a pure pleasure. Nick

I was fortunate enough to meet John for lunch back in July. He was on great form.

We reminisced about my time at Saville AV, and the many people we both knew throughout the industry, along with our shared love of cars and travel.

We both had a very enjoyable few hours together and had arranged to meet again, I can’t believe that will never happen.

Truly one of the great characters of the AV world, and the person who gave me my first break in 1987 when I was just 18. I will be forever grateful that I had the opportunity to thank him for that and enjoy his company so recently.

So saddened to hear of your passing John. You are a true gentleman. Full of humour and one of the most inspiring people it had been my honour to work with.
When circumstances forced Jennie and I to start our own business to were right there. Supportive in every way possible. We will be forever indebted to you.
God bless and rest in peace John.
Sadly, for health reasons, I will not be able to attend your celebration of life. But you will be in our hearts.

I first met John back in 1985, when I was a salesman for a supplier of Saville AV. I could not have asked for a nicer customer, gentleman and incredible human being to have known.

He was a mentor to many and it was a privilege to have had contact with him for so many years.

My sincere condolences to John's family for such a loss of such a wonderful gentleman.

I will never forget my time working with John. His handshake was his word, and his word meant everything. He was a true gentleman and an exceptional businessman. I always valued our chats in his office, and I never once heard a bad word spoken about him, he was respected by all. The lessons I learned from him will stay with me throughout my working life

Our condolences to John's family and friends at this difficult time. Thank you for kindly choosing the Hospice to receive donations, in memory of John. This is a lovely way to honour the memory of John and in turn, help us to continue caring for others. We are forever grateful.
With warmest regards,
Amanda
In Memory Supporter Care
St Leonard’s Hospice