John Irvine
A Life Well-Lived
John was born in Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk and died in Edinburgh, having celebrated his 70th birthday a week earlier, surrounded by his beloved family. It is with shock and the most profound sadness that we find ourselves contemplating his loss, but with absolute gratitude, respect and love that we celebrate his life.
John will be remembered as an imposing physical presence at 6ft 5", with a fierce intelligence, a dry sense of humour and a profoundly eclectic taste in music. Behind a formidable professional persona lay astonishing depths of warmth, kindness and generosity. John was loved, appreciated and enormously respected throughout his life by a huge number and breadth of people.
His early years were spent in Hampshire, to which he retained a lifelong connection through family who remained there, and as a dedicated , often tormented fan of Southampton FC.
John studied at Reading University and began at the Greater London Council what was to become a stellar career in property. He came to Scotland from London in 1992 to lead Grosvenor’s Scottish office, and ultimately headed Grosvenor’s UK and Ireland Development team while remaining based in Edinburgh. John took huge pride in his professional work and invested himself fully in all he did. He delivered many successful projects (including his beloved shopping centres - of which Liverpool One was undoubtedly the pinnacle), but his colleagues prefer to remember a formidable man and clear communicator who led with integrity, humility and empathy. Having achieved so much and been so fully committed to his career, he made the wise decision aged 54 to refocus his life, and threw himself into retirement with the same drive and enthusiasm as he had brought to his work.
John's professional achievements were matched by impressive sporting prowess. As a young man in London he rowed with the Quintin Boat Club, winning many races, achieving 'Elite' status, and as a career highlight rowed at Henley over multiple years. It was a source of lifelong frustration to him that a medal at Henley was one of the few wins to elude him. Cycling and walking were lifelong passions, with some of his happiest memories involving slogging up and over Alpine, Pyrenean and Atlas mountain passes on a 12-gear bike, with fully laden panniers. There are few long UK walks John did not tackle, many of them multiple times. He was a man who loved a challenge and who relished the careful planning and preparations involved.
Having lived in Edinburgh during the Scottish years of his working life, John and his first wife Jane bought a property in North Berwick in 2010. It was here that John's passion for rowing was rekindled when he discovered the North Berwick Rowing Club. The St Ayles Skiff was a very different boat from the river rowing craft of his previous rowing career, but it was an exciting new challenge to which he rose with typical determination and brilliance. The medals once again began piling up, as John found himself among a new group of similarly talented and committed rowers. There were punishing training regimes to be planned and undertaken, regattas and 'Worlds' to be travelled to and triumphed at, and bonds of friendship (and competition!) formed which were a huge source of fun and connection for John. He took so much pleasure in this time in his life, and touched so many lives with the whole-hearted way he threw himself into both the rowing itself and the more tedious admin of the club. It was a testament to his sustained lust for life that he was able to boast of being at the fitness peak of his life at the age of 62.
The prime position of the new North Berwick property would be hard to better, with stunning views across the islands of the Forth towards Fife, but wanting to make extensive changes to the house itself, John concluded quickly that it would be less painful and indeed barely more costly to start from scratch, offering the chance to create a home into which he could pour all his many years of property development experience and passion. Turnstone, the resulting house, gave him untold pleasure - he felt that every property he had been involved in previously had required at least some element of compromise. Turnstone embodied his (somewhat minimalist) taste, his exacting technical and material standards and was the home of his dreams which gave him undiminished joy over the years, not least in creating and maintaining its extensive garden.
John was endlessly curious and continued to educate himself right to the end. He undertook courses including politics, philosophy, art, musical appreciation, film studies, geology, literature and ornithology. This curiosity extended to people - his genuine interest in others made him a joy to converse with. He cared deeply about the natural world and was increasingly concerned with social justice. During early retirement he volunteered as the director of a Housing Association, and in 2018 he became a trustee of The Ridge, a charity in Dunbar which seeks to provide the necessary skills training and support to enable local people to overcome challenges to the fulfillment of their potential. John gave tirelessly of his time, experience and wisdom to this role, and went on to also act as Chair of the subsidiary Construction social enterprise, The Ridge Foundations CIC, which used the restoration of derelict historic buildings as the vehicle to provide apprenticeships in stonemasonry and joinery. John was also a generous donor in support of The Ridge's work, and his involvement was pivotal in securing a force for good in the lives of local people.
John's commitment to The Ridge was perhaps enhanced by a growing relationship with its Managing Director, Kate, who would later become his second wife. Both felt themselves to be extraordinarily lucky to have found each other. The happiness each brought to the other's life was immeasurable, sharing interests not only in The Ridge, but in gardening, walking, art, travel, and indeed some of the less recherché reaches of John's musical tastes. It is a true tragedy that their marriage and all their many plans together were cut so cruelly short.
Family was of absolute importance to John. He always felt that his success and happiness in life was built on the wonderfully stable, encouraging and loving upbringing provided by his parents Janet and David. John spoke often of his appreciation of this foundation as the basis which enabled him to go out into the world with confidence and with clear values which always stayed with him. He was devoted to his younger brother Richard, with whom he shared a ('slightly' competitive) love of sport, and to his beloved nieces Emily and Rachel. He watched and supported their progress, encouraged their interests with real affection and pride, and was so thrilled to see them overcoming challenges and experiencing success. This small family was expanded dramatically as he was welcomed into the vast tribe of Darrahs. Kate's sons Hamish and Finlay formed a strong connection with John and were overjoyed to see the happiness he brought into her life. John became an important parental figure, providing guidance and support to them both and their time shared together was filled with laughter. Kate's siblings, Ruth and Rachel and their families, in particular, became very dear to John, and were an enormous source of comfort and happy distraction during his recent illness.
John was diagnosed with Polycythemia Vera in 2001, a serious bone marrow blood condition which he was able to manage successfully over 25 years. This morphed into an aggressive rare bone blood cancer, Myelofibrosis, in mid 2025, after a sequence of unrelated serious health challenges over the prior 3 years. John rose to these challenges with his usual strength and determination, overcoming each in turn, but the final diagnosis gave him a dramatically shortened life expectancy. A non-negotiable rollercoaster began of symptoms and treatments which quickly sapped his energy and undermined his quality of life, but never the dignity and courage with which he continued to live. All those who had the privilege to know and love John are shocked and bereft at the speed with which he was overtaken.
These final challenging months were a very small part of a life so vividly and so fully lived, and it is with absolute joy and gratitude that we can look back on John's life, and celebrate the positivity of all the many wonderful memories we have of him.
John died peacefully, surrounded by loving family on 29th March 2026. He will live on in our hearts forever. We are and will be better people for having had the privilege of knowing him.
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When he was with GD in London I always associated him as a supporter of Portsmouth, if it was Southampton he would has been proud this month.
He successfully ran G Developments Scotland for many years from the 90's to the early 2000s then ran all GD developmebts until his early retirementsand a more congenial guy you could ever meet with a lovely dry sense of humour.
Great to read so many interesting testimonials.
Sorry to see you go John.
Oh, and he thought Malt Loaf came in a single portion, so a butter and knife were unnecessary.
John was a huge part of the rowing club over the following dozen or so years and regattas were always fun and competitive if John was involved. He could even make a treasurers report at the AGM funny.
Latterly I visited John and spoke more about plants and gardening than rowing and he happily donated bits of his garden to fill spaces in mine. His lily's will be in bloom soon. I will remember him through a little bit of my garden but will miss the great Big John himself.
John head and shoulders above us in so many ways
From the early days, when John and I first joined the North Berwick Rowing Club in 2010, I quickly realised I could learn so much from him. My skiff rowing technique and approach to training notched up a gear and many of my medals I owe to his direction. He encouraged me to hone my coxing skills too, and I still to this day use many of his motivational phrases. He will forever be known for his terminology. "Spin". If you know, you know.
In 2013 I coxed him and Medium John, Robbie and Dave in the Mens 40+ category at the inaugural Skiff World Championships in Ullapool. We won gold. We also took the podium top spot at Dunbar that year and I still have the beautiful wooden spoon trophy we collected. That year, I was also talked into joining a syndicate with him, Robbie, Dave and Steve to purchase a Teifi Skiff. John brought the boat home to North Berwick and he and Robbie, as seasoned scullers, were keen that I quickly learn how to row with two oars, having only had experience of rowing sweep in the St Ayles skiff. I had one short test row in very choppy conditions the night before we headed to Newcastle to row the length of the river in the Slog on the Tyne event. I have really never been sure whether John was amused that we won the 'Plucky Prize' for completing the event, as a rumour had gone round that we were non-scullers. It was only me of course that had all the gear but no idea, but he swallowed his pride and was very supportive of my efforts. He was on board that I row a section, even though we would have got a far better result, if I'd just coxed. His kindness and generosity didn't end there with me.
Leading up to the 2016 World Championships, John played a big part in coaching our Womens 40+ crew. Laura, Louise, Jacque and I, expertly coxed by Claire fought a tough battle on the water against the mighty Anster wenches to take Bronze place. We wept with joy, and John welcomed us on the shore. I could tell he was proud of us, which made it extra special. I have so many more rowing club memories of John, there are too many to mention. Here are a few. I could tell you about the time he and my husband Simon played pivotal roles in the flash mob dance at Ullapool 2013, dressed in frocks and brightly coloured wigs. During daylight hours. Sober. Or about the time, he had a go at the 'cornflake' game in Strangford 2016, despite having a lot of body to bend. Then there was the rowing club quiz night, where he and Kate invited Simon and I to join them in a team, as long as we dressed as Boris Johnson.
What a key member he was of our rowing family. An inspiration to us all, including my own boys, who grew up in our community and count him amongst their mentors. I will miss him very much, yet feel so incredibly fortunate to have known him.
You were a real special friend John, boats, bikes and always 2 large cappuccinos. You are so missed but the memories will stay forever.
These were the early days of the club when people (boys and girls) were coming together making friendships and learning and enjoying this skiff rowing business. John was a huge part of this development giving his rowing knowledge and experience to everybody. His aloofness was a false impression when it turned out he was the most generous, funny, likeable team mate you could have.
I have so many memories of being in boat with him training, racing or just rowing. Although he wasn't one for a steady/social row. Lying on a beach in the sunshine, or rain watching races was always a joy with John, lots of laughs and comments about the opposition.
He went on to be part of the 'management' of the club, contributing to the financial security which supported the success in competition on the water.
A lot of our training is on rowing machines and John was of a world class standard, which others might detail.
Although best known as a rower he also took part in running races particularly out at Foxlake near Dunbar. Although not the fastest runner he was as tough as nails and never gave up until he crossed the line.
We both had an interest in music and I was interested in some of the 'weird' stuff he listened to. I regret I never had the time to discuss this in more detail.
The rowing club will continue to grow and develop with plenty of wonderful people but John will be so missed. His memory will not fade.
He was such lovely, funny, caring and sincere man and I asked him to be my honuery brother, he agreed and I named him my brother John 💙
John holds a special place in our hearts with deep love and affection forever.
I went round in circles and he went on to have a very successful rowing career…
From that day we forged a great friendship. Sometimes, if you’re lucky, when you meet someone during your formative years, they stay with you through whatever life throws at you, and John did.
He had such a great sardonic sense of humour, intelligence and wit along with those questionable musical tastes. Whilst he had one of the best ever stereos of anyone I knew at uni, I could never find anything in his collection I wanted him to play!
He was a meticulous and well-ordered person even back then and the sight of his Church's slippers lined up neatly below that coveted hifi always made me chuckle!
John invited me to the Wells Hall Ball that first year – it was 20th June 1975. It was a hot summer (though not as long and hot as 1976) and I remember hours of enjoying the sunshine. John not so much. He would have been studiously working away – and that is why he went on to get a very good degree and a stellar professional career in property development.
We remained close friends after graduation and enjoyed various walking holidays and visits together. Back 1980 whilst David and I still lived in Norwich we all went for a day at the north Norfolk coast (Brancaster). I found out there that John was a bit scared of crabs. Fortunately he didn’t catch too many of them during his rowing career! (Incidentally I think those blue trunks in the picture were the same ones he wore the day of the canoe club encounter…!)
David and I are very environmentally minded and having spent time at Turnstone, John’s beautifully designed modern house in North Berwick, we were inspired to build our own home which we completed in 2021. John visited us there and gave it his stamp of approval – phew!
After John retired and I was coming to the conclusion that he was going to become one of those curmudgeonly old batchelors who are more than happy living on their own, up popped Kate and his life was transformed. Obviously being a Norfolk girl that was also in her favour! It was one of the happiest days ever when they got married in 2024.
John was one of the constants in my life – a very special and treasured friend.
I will miss him terribly.
He was as many have intimated a force of nature with a passion about whatever he decided he would get involved in.
He subsequently went on to be a driving force within The Ridge both as trustee of the SCIO and subsequently Chair of Ridge Foundations. Undoubtedly without John the Ridge would not be where it is today.
I am also so grateful at how he made Kate so happy over the last few years, something I believe neither of them had expected to happen.
From a personal perspective I suspect it might be true to say John and I locked horns once or twice over the years over aspects of The Ridge. Me as a stickler for policies & procedures, & John more about getting things done. Nevertheless I like to think we both shared a respect for the others skills and were united in our passion for The Ridge and all who sail(or row) in her.
John will be sadly missed by us all; Rest in Peace John
I echo what my sister, Emily, has said, and share such fond memories of John. The “top-class” entertainment provided by us both being one of them.
When I was 13, I visited John up in Scotland and somehow got roped into doing “canicross,” something he loved doing with his dogs. Perhaps he was starting to doubt whether I’d ever take up rowing, so this was his backup plan. For me, it involved being tied to a very large husky and then being enthusiastically dragged across all kinds of terrain. I’m sure this was very entertaining for John and my Dad to watch, as let’s just say my legs weren’t moving quite as quickly as the husky’s. At the time, it felt out of my comfort zone, but looking back, it sums John up perfectly: his love of the outdoors, his energy, and his habit of getting you involved in things you’d never have picked yourself, but always ended up enjoying.
I am so proud to be able to call John my uncle. He was someone I looked up to in so many ways (not just physically). I feel incredibly lucky to have had him in my life and will miss him greatly.
We’d prowl up and down the attic hallway in increasingly elaborate fancy dress, performing what I was absolutely convinced were world-class gymnastics and dance routines, usually to some CD I’d found in Dad’s jazz collection, which I suspect may have permanently ruined John’s enjoyment of those songs.
There were a lot of cartwheels, a surprising number of “jazz hands,” and absolutely no concept of stopping at the right moment.
John, along with the rest of the family, was our captive audience. And despite what must have been extreme levels of boredom (which I now realise as an adult!), he never once let it show. He clapped, cheered, and told us how amazing we were every single time, no matter how many times we reappeared in a slightly different outfit to perform essentially the exact same routine to a different song.
Looking back, it’s such a small thing, but it says everything about him, his patience, his kindness, and how much he loved making us feel special ❤️
I remember one day walking along the clifftop at Barton-on-Sea with Granny and the rest of the family. I must have been about ten when I challenged him to a sprint. For reasons still unclear, he accepted with perhaps a bit too much confidence.
Off we went.
Now, I maintain that I had a strong chance of winning… until a very large puddle appeared directly in my path. Showing what I’d call good judgement, I stopped just short of it.
John, however, fully committed.
What followed was nothing short of spectacular. He went charging straight through, lost his footing in the mud, and ended up completely arse over tit, flat on his back, sliding his full 6’5” frame across the ground in a dramatic finish.
There was a brief moment of concern… quickly followed by everyone absolutely roaring with laughter.
To make matters worse (for him), he wasn’t allowed back in Dad’s car on the way home until he’d cleaned off as much mud as possible, and I made sure he agreed that I had, in fact, won.
Travel well old friend.
Celebration of John's Life
Parking is limited so we recommend as far as possible that people lift share and allow plenty of time to get to the burial site, as some may have to park at the outer car parking areas.
Please be aware that the funeral will be entirely outside so do check the forecast and come prepared. Appropriate footwear is especially important for walking in the woods.
John would not have minded if you wanted to wear black or would prefer bright colours. He would definitely have preferred you not to wear jeans but otherwise please wear whatever you feel is appropriate.
Several people will be sharing memories of John. This will be an informal celebration and it would be lovely if others wanted to say a few words too. Please be ready to ask for the microphone.
The wake will be held at the Harbour Chapel, Dunbar following the burial at Binning Memorial Wood, and the family would love you to join them there.
What 3 words: ///scrub.riverbank.bikers
www.binningwood.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/Binning-directions.pdf
What 3 words ///boat.uplifting.tape
Donate
John expressed the hope that anyone wanting to make a donation in his memory should consider supporting The Ridge. This will help ensure the lasting legacy of John's own generous involvement and will provide a tangible memorial to this wonderful man.
Please copy/paste the following link into your browser, or use the QR code on The Ridge's website www.the-ridge.org.uk
www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=4VH5Y29VDVJTS
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