John Robert Buxton (27 Dec 1955 - 4 Apr 2026)

In loving memory of John Robert Buxton who sadly passed away on 4th April 2026.

John was born two days after Christmas at home. His father, Fred, was a postman and his mother, Barbara, was a machinist in the Lace Market and with his older sister, Lynette, he brought the family members up to four, starting his life in Clifton.

While he was still small, even though money was tight, his parents moved the family to Wilford as they preferred the primary school there. They wanted their children to have the best education they could provide. They were very proud when John passed his 11+ and got into Mundella Grammar School in the Meadows. He was very intellectually inquisitive and was studying for his A’ levels when he got itchy feet to earn money and signed up to do a Joinery Apprenticeship at Applebys. He was extremely motivated and developed his skills working at various companies including Needhams and Longhurst in his 30s and 40s. His determination and motivation were pivotal to his success, working many 100+ hour weeks to save enough money to buy his investment properties in Nottingham. His first few he bought with Andrew along Forster Street. Over the years, he grew his business into a successful student property portfolio that spanned across the student areas of Nottingham eventually known as Buxton Properties. At his peak in the late 1990s John bought 10 student houses in one year. His drive was something he would demonstrate throughout his career in his own work and expected and encouraged in others.

John and Dawn met one evening in a bar in Nottingham, a little later in their mid 20’s they decided to backpack across the Ionian Islands together for a couple of months and then bought their first house on Asher Lane, Ruddington. They married in 1985 and welcomed Matthew into their lives on the 22nd May 1986 and Sam on Valentine’s Day, the 14th of February 1992. Like John’s parents they wanted the very best educationally for their boys. John was seriously focused on building up his business and worked long hours so that the boys could be educated privately, Matthew boarded at Trent College, Long Eaton and Sam boarded at Oakham School, Oakham. Both boys feel hugely privileged to have had those opportunities given to them.

John worked very, very hard but he had many ways to relax as well. He and Dawn especially enjoyed walking – they did many long walks – the Coast to Coast and the Cleveland Way with Brian and Sandra are only a small fraction of many – and he walked a great deal in Derbyshire with Dawn, one of his favourites being Mam Tor. He played squash to a good level and introduced Matthew and Sam to the sport from a young age. He liked cycling, skiing, hiking and weight training to keep himself fit. He loved being outside and exploring nature. Dawn and John visited Eyam and Hope in Derbyshire, renting the same two cottages from Dorothy and Terry for over 40 years. And then there were the family holidays in Sutton on Sea as the boys grew up. In the early days, there were many caravan holidays with the Tomlinson boys, of course. There are so many memories of big family parties hosted by Lynette, which were all enjoyed together. John brought up his boys to value being close to family.

I haven’t mentioned the cars – he had a real passion for Porsche 911’s, especially the earlier ones and, over time, ended up owning three. He spent a lot of time in those Porsche showrooms. And they weren’t for show, John and Dawn toured all over Europe, driving to Spain and Portugal on the Drive Espana tours with Les and Joan. Also, driving across the whole of Europe all the way to Bulgaria, to name just a few.

And then there are the dogs – the first one was a Labrador and then two Cocker Spaniels, one after the other. Somehow, the first Spaniel, Zac, was just irreplaceable to John.

John had so many gifts. His mental arithmetic was extraordinary. He had a strong character, a very good mind, he was a deep thinker and had an excellent judge of character. He spoke his mind but it was worth listening to and he was thoughtful, caring and generous. He liked to encourage people to do and be their best and he helped people close to him throughout his life. He was a man of integrity and he achieved his dreams.

Sadly, he was taken away far too soon.

Rest in peace.