Jonathan Blacow (7 Mar 1957 - 22 Mar 2026)

In loving memory of Jonathan Blacow who sadly passed away on 22nd March 2026

He was born in Hong Kong in 1957, arriving into the world far from home because his parents were serving in the Navy. That early beginning — a childhood shaped by movement, stories, and the sense that the world was bigger than any one place — stayed with him for life. He grew up loving festivals, travelling, and the freedom hiking to the middle of nowhere, always happiest when there was something new to see or someone interesting to meet.

One of his most legendary tales was the time he hitchhiked to Glastonbury at just fifteen. He told this story with great pride, and he told it to his grandson — much to the absolute horror of his daughter, who suddenly realised she had no moral high ground left when it came to lecturing teenagers about sensible behaviour. It was classic him: rebellious, funny, and completely unapologetic. We won't get into the Christmas that he got his grandsons crossbows here....

He supported Gillingham FC with the kind of loyalty that can only be described as heroic. His working life took him from Flyt Pumps in Colwick to the rounds of a postman, and wasn't just a regular at the Voll, but a part of the furniture.

He was Dad to Kara and David. Grumps to Calvin, Cole, Ronni, Molly, and Connie. Great Grumps to little Esme. Each of them knew him as a man of few words, but when he did speak, it was usually hilarious, perfectly timed, and sharper than anyone expected.

He loved his family deeply. He also loved his cider and his weed with a devotion that was, frankly, part of his charm. His wit was dry, his humour effortless, and his presence steady — the kind of man who didn’t need to fill a room with noise to make it feel full.

He lived simply, honestly, and entirely on his own terms. He leaves behind stories that will be told with pride, laughter, and the occasional eye-roll — exactly as he would have wanted.