Page 2 - C:\Users\Jim\AppData\Local\Temp\mso7E52.tmp

John Modley 1938 - 2022
Father was born 1938 in Plymouth, son of Wing Commander Leonard Modley OBE,
George Medal and his wife Kathleen. The family were Devon based and his grandfa-
ther was Deputy Mayor of Plymouth whilst also running the family business providing
ice for the region’s fishing industry. His grandmother was Deputy Mayoress of
Plymouth.

Educated at Kelly College he had a reputation for correcting his tutors and asserting
himself. Whilst at Kelly he won a scholarship to Sandhurst to follow in the family
tradition of a military career in the Royal Engineers.

Whilst training at Sandhurst he met his soulmate, Georgina Wingfield-Stratford, at
their cousin Morris' home in Fleet. The couple were married, followed by a posting to
Germany where their first son Drummond was born in 1963 followed by Alexander in
1965. He was absolutely devoted to Georgina who he always referred to affection-
ately as “Mummy”.

Although he revelled in his military career he unfortunately had to retire after falling
off a tank and also due to a sensitive skin condition. He quickly adjusted to civilian
life and started a commercial career based initially here in Corfe Castle. Both he and
Georgina had fallen in love with the Isle of Purbeck when stationed with his squadron
at Bovington Camp for gunnery training. Later in his career he returned to Dorset
focusing his energies on promoting Purbeck marble to refurbish famous London
landmarks.

Whenever we return to Purbeck we are reminded of the BBC series “The Vicar of
Dibley” in which the setting is very similar to life here in Langton Matravers and
where Father could have very easily played the commanding role of David Horton.

Father had a passion for sailing having been brought up on a RAF launch for his
childhood in Newton Ferrers. He loved exploring the Purbeck coastline with a series
of boats and was a proud member of the Royal Motor Yacht Club. John was also
Mr Gadget for the kids as he had a large collection of toys and spent many hours
making models so that the house became a den that kids loved to explore.

Never a vain individual, he did actually commission a bust of himself for posterity.
Always well attired in waistcoat and tie for every occasion he enjoyed spending time
with his grandchildren and inspired them to develop and cultivate their respective
passions for design or photography. He adored his pets and spent many days
walking the Purbeck cliffs with Solo, his favorite Springer Spaniel, as well as Mishka
and Lucky.

To all who knew him John was a forthright personality and memorable character,
armed with a wicked sense of humour and an enchanting smile. Very opinionated
and certain of himself he would make sure people were quite aware of this. You
knew it was up to you to contact him to be promptly told what you should be doing.

Father will be fondly remembered by all his family and friends. In his latter years he
found friendship and companionship with Rosemarie, Shani (his housekeeper) and
Penny (his gardener) to whom he was known as Mr M. He was a very private
person, loyal and of few words.