A former High Sheriff of Suffolk has died aged 85, just weeks after his beloved wife of more than 60 years.
John and Peggy Thurlow spent almost their whole lives together; after saying ‘I do’ at 23 and 22, they built a home, welcomed three children, and later became grandparents to six grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.
John was born in Stowmarket on July 30, 1938, the second child of Jack and Sybil Thurlow.
The family name of Thurlow will surely be familiar to many in Suffolk’s farming community; John’s great-grandfather had established George Thurlow and Sons Ltd, an agricultural engineering business, in 1875 in Bury Street, Stowmarket.
This business is now known as Thurlow Nunn Standen (TNS) and part of the Thurlow Nunn Group.
John started the Thurlow Nunn vehicle retail business in Stowmarket in 1984 and the Group now operates from 18 sites across Suffolk, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire and Bedfordshire.
Peggy, too, was born into the agricultural community and it was this shared heritage which first brought them together.
Peggy was born on a farm just three miles away in Creeting St Peter, the second of Bob and Lily Wrinch’s four children.
John and Peggy became an item after meeting at the Stowmarket Young Farmers. (Image: Sally Tew)
Peggy was very much a farmer’s daughter, getting up to mischief with her younger brother Rob, her partner in crime.
She never lost her love for the countryside, having grown up surrounded by the dairy cows her father tended and his prized Suffolk Punch horses. When she learned to drive, she did so cheerfully on her father’s tractor.
After attending first All Hallows in Ditchingham and then Felixstowe College, Peggy spent some time living away from home in Croyden, working for Raymond Bessone, better known as 'Mr Teasy Weasy,' who was a famous hairdresser in the 60s.
Having moved back to Suffolk, Peggy joined the Stowmarket Young Farmers. Peggy was the club secretary – and who should catch her eye but the club chairman, John Thurlow?
By this time, John had left Framlingham College, an establishment which remained dear to his heart, and completed his National Service in the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME).
John climbed the ranks to Lance Corporal, and it was commented that he had a natural flair for commanding respect, with people warming to his quiet, pleasant manner.
John and Peggy tied the knot at Earl Stonham Parish Church on June 22, 1962 with the reception held at Peggy’s family home.
John and Peggy Thurlow on their wedding day in 1962. Image: Sally Tew (Image: Sally Tew)
John and Peggy married at Earl Stonham Parish Church on June 22, 1962. Image: Sally Tew (Image: Sally Tew)
After first living in Stowupland, the couple settled in Elmswell, where they raised their three children, Sally, Nicola and James.
John’s father died suddenly in 1968, and John had to step up into a managerial role, the fourth generation of his family to do so. John always remained exceptionally proud of the business, and it was with great pride that he saw his children and their children, too, joining its ranks.
John became well-known and respected by farmers in Suffolk, and beyond. The Suffolk Show was the highlight of the year, and John would enjoy arriving at the show immaculately dressed to enjoy catching up with old friends.
The Thurlows remain the show’s longest running standholders, having exhibited for more than 100 years.
Over the years, John would hold the positions of Past President, Chairman and Honorary Director. However, his children believe his proudest moment came when he showed the Queen Mother around the Thurlow Nunn stand during her visit.
His crowning achievement came in 2003 when he was sworn in as High Sheriff of Suffolk.
A proud John Thurlow pictured with the Queen Mother at the Suffolk Show. Image: Sally Tew (Image: Sally Tew)
John and Peggy Thurlow, surrounded by their children and grandchildren. Image: Sally Tew (Image: Sally Tew)
Peggy was a huge support to John over the years. She was naturally gregarious, and would always seem to know everyone, having a great knack for remembering names and faces.
While John was quieter, he made sure to visit every site in person to wish his colleagues a merry Christmas every year. His children were always impressed at his bravery, for he would often make a point of introducing himself to customers, and asking if they were happy with their service.
In their later years, John and Peggy enjoyed bridge and horse racing, where John would proudly wear his old Framlingham College tie.
Peggy died on May 27, aged 84. John died the following week, on June 8, aged 85 after living with dementia for five years.
Their family held a joint Thanksgiving Service in Bury St Edmunds last week and received many messages of condolence.
The Thurlow family is committed to raising funds for Dementia UK. To make a donation in memory of John and Peggy, visit: johnthurlow.muchloved.com
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