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09/05/2025 14:45:00
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John Griffiths

It is with great sadness that we inform you that Mr John Griffiths, Goostrey herd, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday 13th February 2025.

The Western Holstein Club has meant so much to John over the years, but he was well known liked and respected all over the country, not just a great show man but a great character, nick named by many as Gentleman John, he was the perfect gentleman, as most men will know when their wives tell them, or at least mine did “why can’t you be more like John” Jill would often say to me.

John’s show career stretches over many decades, I can remember as a young lad milking in the shippen with unit buckets with my dad and Alf Price our stockman and John would call in to have a check on the competition, they would always have some great banter, but always the best of friends.

One cow he had a lot of success with was Goostrey Coll. I was reminded by Oggie Smith of one of her descendants sold in the Goostrey Dispersal Sale, Goostrey Coll 225, who sold for £5,000 and went on to win inter breed champion at Nantwich Show. John also had a great reputation for turning out some really smart young bulls, always well behaved, and would always be led to perfection.

John served for many years on the National Judging Panel and was a popular choice for many shows, with an ability to make exhibitors feel good about their cows even if they were stood at the bottom.

John spent most of his earlier years at their farm at Goostrey along with his parents and his older brother Micheal, they started with 30 Shorthorns and a thriving cheese business. Then in 1960 they bought the farm at Byley, and that became the main dairy unit with John staying at Goostrey to manage the young stock and bull rearing enterprises.

John’s stockmanship skills have been passed on to his son Richard who continues to look after animals, milking and foot trimming.

John enjoyed many hobbies such as shooting and would be invited all around the country to different shoots, he met a lot of great friends on those shoots.

His long-time friend Sue also introduced him to more hobbies such as tennis, and travel. John hadn’t travelled much until he met Sue, but they soon caught up for lost time.

For all those who knew John he will be greatly missed. Our thoughts are with partner Sue, son Richard, and daughter in law Sally at this sad time. 

Ray Brown, Western Holstein Club President.