Tributes to Hartlepool's well-known 'John the Butcher' who has died aged 78

John Wilson was known to most of his many friends and customers as simply John the Butcher and whose shop in West View was part of the community for almost 40 years.

He passed away at the age of 78 on Sunday, January 10, after suffering heart failure.

People used to come from miles around to the shop in Davison Drive for John’s home cooked meats after honing his skills over nearly 50 years.

His son Shaun Wilson, 55, said: “You would pull up outside on a Friday and Saturday morning and there would be queues of 20 or 30 people waiting to get inside.

"It was very much a community butcher’s shop that had one heck of a reputation. He turned the shop from nothing to one of the busiest in town that got a brilliant name and became a big part of West View and the whole town.”

Related story: Respected timber merchant carried to funeral on family forklift truck

John began his trade as a butcher’s boy for the Co-op in aged 15 in 1958 making deliveries on his bike all over town.

Over the next 20 years with the Co-op he worked his way up to become a master butcher managing many of its butchers businesses in town including at the Central Stores and indoor market.

In 1978 he took the leap and bought his own business in Davison Drive which he ran with wife Carol. As the business grew, so did the staff to eight.

John would often be in the shop from 5am to 10pm. Shaun added: “He was a traditionalist. He had a boiler room where he cooked all his hams and pork, basically making everything from scratch.

"He was a very well known man in the town and was just a real people person and a pillar of the community.”

John also gave back to the community supporting Hartlepool hospital fundraising appeals, sponsoring events and gave gifts for the children’s ward.

He also enjoyed foreign holidays and spending time with his family who also include daughter Sharon, 51, six grandchildren and great grandson.

After living above the shop for 20 years John moved to the marina in 2002.

He sold the business and retired in 2013.

Support your Mail and become a subscriber today. Enjoy unlimited access to local news, the latest on Pools and new puzzles every day. With a digital subscription, you can see fewer ads, enjoy faster load times, and get access to exclusive newsletters and content. Click here to subscribe.