Bolton: Tributes paid to family man John Owen who has died aged 75

John Owen died on December 30, 2022, after doctors found a large mass in his stomach which was diagnosed as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma.

His daughter Nicolette Rothwell says the family have been left shocked with how quickly he became ill because he had always been fit and health and had never been ill apart from a cold.

Mr Owen grew up in Great Lever and later moved to Daubhill where he went on to have a family with his 'soulmate', Nicolette’s mum Andrea, who he was married to for almost 52 years.

Nicolette said: “We are all in shock.

“It’s devastating that he can be okay one minute and the next, you realise you don’t have a dad anymore.

John with Nicolette, and her children Andreanna, Milanna and Carrianna (Image: Public)

“We are all making sure mum is okay.

“He was an angel and a family man and loved spending time with his grandchildren.

“He loved watching his grandson Owen play rugby.

“He was a gentle giant as he was 6ft5.”

Nicolette said that his 'favourite thing in the world was Andrea' and that he was 'absolutely devoted' to her, and never said 'a cross word about her, ever'.

She added: “He has only ever been with one woman, my mum.”

Mr Owen was “always there” and supported Nicolette before she was with her husband Wayne.

John and his wife Andrea on their wedding day (Image: Public)

Nicolette: “He didn’t want to see me struggle.”

He would often help his the Daubhill and Deane community, often doing the shopping for residents who needed support.

Nicolette said: “Even though one of his neighbours had kids she would ask John to help with her shopping.

“He always helped out the whole community and was the absolute best.”

John had five children, Carrie Schuster, Jonathan, Tobias, Andrew, and Nicolette.

He also had seven grandchildren, with one on the way, Andreanna, Milanna, Carrianna, Callum, Owen, Isla, and Odin.

John with some of his children, grandkids, and two son in laws (Image: Public)

He loved listening to a wide range of music including The Beatles, The Kinks, Animals, Rolling Stones, Georgie Fame, Bob Dylan and even The Prodigy.

In his spare time John enjoyed watching cricket, crosswords, and football, and was a huge Wanderers fan too.

Nicolette said he enjoyed horse racing

John attended Hayward Grammar.

His last job was as a security guard at Chorley Court, and prior to that he had done a lot of painting and decorating with his son Tobias.

If you have a story and something you would like to highlight in the community, please email me at jasmine.jackson@newsquest.co.uk or DM me on Twitter @JournoJasmine.