LONG-SERVING Selby landlord, John Loughton, has died at the age of 63.

Mr Loughton  ran The Albion Vaults in New Street for 12 years with his wife Sharon, and lost his five-month battle with cancer last week.

During his illness, he had been cared for at the family home, and his daughter Sarah brought forward her wedding in the hope her father would be well enough to walk her down the aisle.

 

York Press:

Sadly, he was too ill to attend the wedding, at St Wilfrid’s Church in Brayton, on Sunday, June 11, but after the service Rev Pete Watson performed a blessing for the couple at Mr Loughton's home.

Mr Loughton was born in Selby to Brian and Betty Loughton, who were also landlords of the Cross Keys in Bubwith. He attended Selby County Primary School and won a scholarship to attend Drax Grammar School, and was also a member of Selby Abbey Choir.

On leaving school he trained as a chef and worked at the Royal Station Hotel in York, later working as a bingo hall manager, holding positions all over the country, including London and Manchester, and met his wife of 28 years, Sharon, while working in Halifax.

During his time as landlord of The Albion Vaults, it became sports-centred, with football, darts and dominoes and bowls teams carrying the name of the pub, and his quiz nights were very popular.

Mr Loughton, a keen Halifax rugby league supporter, regularly organised golf days to raise money for charities and also organised trips to race meetings for customers at the pub.

Mark Wetherell, managing director of the Old Mill Brewery and owner of Albion Vaults, said: “John was the old-fashioned style landlord, kept his beer in top condition, and a valuable tenant who will be sadly missed by the Selby community. Our deepest sympathies go to Sharon and her family at this sad time.

Former deputy head of Selby High School Ian Rothery, a regular at the pub, said: “John was exceptionally friendly and made all his customers feel very welcome. I attended his weekly quiz for several years, and he delivered the questions with humour and great interest.

"He made sure he knew everyone who went into the pub, was a constant source of good humour, an outstanding landlord and a lovely man.”

A member of the pub’s football team said: “He gave us good support and was regularly on the touchline at our games.”

John is survived by his wife Sharon, daughters Kelly, Sarah and Lucy, a sister and brother in law Susan and Graham Reed, nephew Daniel Reed and three grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at Selby Abbey on Friday, June 23, at 2pm, followed by a cremation at York.