A PILLAR of the Alston community who ran several successful businesses in the area has died, aged 79. John George Edward Williams, affectionally known as Patch, touched the lives of so many in his hometown as either a generous employer or a well-liked sociable gentleman. John was born at Alston Cottage Hospital to parents Betty and George in 1941. During his early life, he lived with his grandparents in Alston, attending Nenthall Primary School and then Alston Grammar School. He had four half-siblings on his mother’s side. It was during these formative years that John developed his famous nickname, owing to the fact his trousers would always have patches on the knees from where he’d been playing in them.
A PILLAR of the Alston community who ran several successful businesses in the area has died, aged 79. John George Edward Williams, affectionally known as Patch, touched the lives of so many in his hometown as either a generous employer or a well-liked sociable gentleman. John was born at Alston Cottage Hospital to parents Betty and George in 1941. During his early life, he lived with his grandparents in Alston, attending Nenthall Primary School and then Alston Grammar School. He had four half-siblings on his mother’s side. It was during these formative years that John developed his famous nickname, owing to the fact his trousers would always have patches on the knees from where he’d been playing in them.