By Paul I
February 27 2026

Attended the Service for John at Canley Crematorium, 11.15am, today. John, a lifelong Atheist, had requested a Humanist ceremony for his family, friends, the rugby community and former work colleagues.  Tales of fun, of John's career, life and important dates, were delivered with style, humour and honesty, including the final timeline provided by John himself. Barry, John's son, spoke with love, affection and heart of John's various moments of his life, including John's request for not, in Barry's words, ' soppy bol--cks.'  Ex-boss, former Sports Editor , Alan Poole, provided a glowing testimony to John's work ethic , pride and professionalism.   Truly epic. The approx, 80, attendees were also provided with a glimpse of John's musical tastes including Prefab Sprout and Kenny G.  Who knew. Following the ceremony, BPA was the venue for the wake.  It was a moving and a classy send-off. 

I would like to end with this, below,as it seems apt, composed and delivered by Barry himself: 

" Ode to the Sports Journalist."

Ode to the one with the laptop and pen, explaining the laws that confuse most men

A master of breakdowns, a king of the stat, finding twelve different fouls in the tip of the hat. 

From cold, rainy nights sat at Butts Park, to the Six Nations lights, so bright and so stark.

They speak in the jargon - " a big shift up front", while dodging the prop's post-match grunt.

Through scrums that collapse and lineouts that fail, they spin a heroic and grand- sweeping tale. 

Though the coffee is cold and the wi-fi is shite, they'll stay in the press box long into the night. 

With a " me-oh-my" and a sharp witty line, they're the first to the scoop every single time. 

John Wilkinson (4.5.1951 - 21.1.2026) - The Last Farewell

Discussion started by Unofficial Coventry Rugby (IP Logged), 27/02/2026 18:44

Unofficial Coventry Rugby
27/02/2026 18:44

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2026:03:14:10:36:03 by Kimbo.

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