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John Cheseldine
October 18, 1979 - January 3, 2023
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Memories
Memories
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2023-04-19 14:02:28 View / Comment (0)
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2023-02-23 14:43:50 View / Comment (0)
Paul Baxter
As well as being work colleagues, I also knew John from the Wendy House, which was a popular alternative & goth music night at the Stylus under the Student Union which ran monthly up until a few years ago. Talking was difficult due to the music volume, but you could easily find John on the dancefloor by looking for the mountain of flailing hair. Great times. It was only sometime later that I came to realise that he was also a member of IT, which also led to a great rapport between us in subsequent years when helping each other with various work matters.
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2023-02-01 11:39:33 View / Comment (0)
Mark Madeley
I remember interviewing John way back when, he was different to the norm that didn't matter at all I instantly knew that he knew his stuff and was well capable of doing the role he'd applied for. I also remember many nights in Walkabout chatting about rubbish and nonsense and having a right good laugh, one of the funniest memories for me was, when refurbing the office where Johns team were, there was a "crop circle" in the carpet where the combo of Johns boots and whizzing round on his chair had created a perfect circle, in the carpet, you will be missed by many John, I hope you have found peace, god bless and rest in peace.
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2023-01-26 16:42:37 View / Comment (0)
Alex Gilbert
I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. I will remember you, John, every time I use my laptop that you so caringly brought back to life for me (not for the first time). The ripples continue.
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2023-01-22 21:45:44 View / Comment (0)David Golding
John, You were a true original. I loved talking with you. Among many fascinating and unusual conversations we shared, I remember you gently educating me on the difference between a tea and a tisane. If I remember correctly, you had to remind me of this difference several times as I brewed my *tisane* in the kitchen on the 7th floor :) And you had quite the best Tom Baker Doctor Who scarf, which was most admired by myself and many others. Here is a photo of you saying goodbye to me on my last day at the University. I can't quite believe it's now time for us all to say goodbye to you. I hope you are enjoying a tea or tisane, or whatever you choose, in the lands of summer. Love, Dave
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2023-01-22 12:58:22 View / Comment (0)
Sarah Coulson
John, I didn't have the pleasure of knowing you well, but you were always so passionate about what you believed in and sharing the benefits of things that had worked well. Your larger than life personality and commitment to your cause is something I will definitely remember about you. Such a gentle giant and someone who was definitely at the heart of the IT family. Rest easy, rest happy.
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2023-01-20 11:03:21 View / Comment (0)
June Parsons
John, although I didn’t work closely with you during my time in ISS/IT, you really stood out as an individual, energetic and full of interesting IT facts. I enjoyed our conversations about the latest nail varnish colour and retro IT games. I hope you know how much you were and will continue to be valued by your IT family. Blessed journey to the garden of Summerland.
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2023-01-19 20:52:22 View / Comment (0)
It's so hard to sum up the legend that is John Ches in just a few words, but here are a few that came to mind when I thought of our interactions over the years. Kind; Supportive; Principled; Helpful; Incredibly knowledgeable; Geek (in the nicest possible way); Intelligent; Funny; Gentle; Caring and so much more. Sadly for me, I didn't have the opportunity to get to know John as well as many others have, but he stands out as one of the nicest, most genuine people I have ever had the privilege of working with. Rest easy, John. You will be very sorely missed.
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2023-01-19 17:35:46 View / Comment (0)Antonia Jones
A weekend toast from a few years ago after a long week
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2023-01-19 17:02:34 View / Comment (0)
Andy Pellow
I remember John's kindness and gentleness; as well as his amazing knowledge and helpfulness. It's lovely to read the comments and memories from his friends and colleagues and I know he was much liked and respected at St James's which wasn't always the easiest place to work in IT! It's just so sad that he's gone so young, rest in peace.
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2023-01-18 19:55:41 View / Comment (2)Hi, I’m Wilf, I was John’s life partner cum surrogate parent cum best friend cum housemate cum handyman, etc. for nearly 20 years. This last year we were living apart but still co-joined, it was complicated, but seldom boring. This selfie is the last one he sent me that I really liked. I called him Shal, short for Shalroth, his Wiccan name. I honesty don’t know what to say, except I’m moved by so many messages, and even though I was the one who found him, and even though it wasn’t entirely unexpected that this might happen one day, considering his many habitual excesses and resultant health struggles, I still can’t believe it, it feels like some kind of alternate reality, a split in time. For anyone wondering what events led up to this, he was meant to be staying with me and two mutual friends over the holiday season, but, as was often the case with such plans, he started ‘celebrating early’ and fell silent behind locked doors. His Christmas presents are still waiting, I’m kinda still waiting for the text that he’s feeling well enough to unwrap them. I got him something special because he’d been doing so well battling his demons all November and he really seemed to be turning a corner. I’m sure his workmates noticed this recent renewed vigour, a joy for living, a sense of purpose, something that had been sorely missing for far too long. At his best he was an angel amongst us, and it raised some real hope in me and all his closest friends that he was finally conquering his inner demons. We certainly all enjoyed seeing the old Shal once more. The real Shal. When alone and in fine fettle, we mostly behaved like silly teenagers, watching old sci-fi shows that he knew off by heart, favourite movies, playing video games and eating processed nonsense under a shared fluffy blanket. Happy cozy times. Even some of the bad times were kind of good, he loved a good cry. We don’t exactly know what went so badly, suddenly wrong, but ever since, I’ve been locked in a constant loop of shoulda woulda coulda. Hindsight being 20/20 and all that. Then tears. Then feeling sick. Then denial. Then a calm solemn acceptance, trying to recall the good memories whilst taking care of those needy things. A constant loop. I hold many regrets from the times he slipped and I got too exasperated with his stubborn contrary ways to be ‘constructive’ with my criticisms, but right now, I mostly just wish I could’ve loved him more, because clearly he needed more love than I had to give. But then again, ‘that’s enough for me thanks’ was never in his vocabulary. As you used to say, Shal, I did love you, just in my own way, and besides, you loved enough for the both of us. Goodbye sweetie.
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2023-01-18 18:14:46 View / Comment (0)
Helen Sykes
Although we didn't work in the same department, John and I started working on the UoL campus in the same year and our paths crossed many times. He was always a friendly face and (importantly for me with my lack of IT skills!) incredibly kind and unfailingly patient when sorting out IT issues. I was really shocked and saddened to see this news today; it doesn't actually feel real. Thank you John for your support and friendliness over the years. I will miss you and your presence around campus x
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2023-01-19 11:03:34 View / Comment (0)
Steve Wilson
My first memory of John was when he donned a pair of white cotton gloves to deliver a shiny Mac Pro save getting fingerprints all over it! I have never known anyone else go to such lengths. We really got to know each other when we went the support the St James campus, where, with 2 weeks before the most of the current staff were due to depart, the management team suddenly realised there would be 1 person supporting the whole site! Talk about being chucked in at the deep end. We developed a camaraderie through our shared challenge & regularly joked that it was the IT equivalent of being sent to Coventry. At the end of the day, with just the two of us in the office, he would often stand up & say "Well, I am sick of this room and everyone in it" - it was never personal & I found it hilarious! Rest easy, my friend
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2023-01-18 13:17:27 View / Comment (0)
gerard Aylward
Such a genuine, kind man. I didn't know him well but whenever he came to help our service, he combined an professional, technical competence with a warm, understated and patient manner. Enjoyed reading other comments from people who knew him better.
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2023-01-17 14:00:42 View / Comment (0)
julie hutchins
John was such a lovely person; quick witted, funny and kind. He has been a feature of all our working lives for so long and it’s difficult to imagine the University without him. We will miss your warmth, unique personality and capacity for fun. My sincere condolences to his family, friends and those colleagues lucky enough to have worked closely with him. We will really miss him.
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2023-01-13 23:11:56 View / Comment (0)
David Barker
Very much a gentleman and a walking encyclopedia of knowledge. John had a gentle manner that meant you didn't mind when he corrected details you'd got wrong! An avid collector of old kit, even happily took an old Windows CE PDA I was about to send to recycling. He will be missed.
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2023-01-12 15:29:05 View / Comment (0)
Cathy Harrison
Although I didn’t work closely with John, he is a work colleague I have known for a long time. I always enjoyed our conversations. John was a warm, caring person, who always brought a smile to my face. It is a great shock to lose him so soon. He will be very much missed from the IT Family. I send my heartfelt sympathies to John's family and friends, and support to his close work colleagues.
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2023-01-11 16:41:04 View / Comment (0)
Lee Slator
John epitomised what it means to be part of IT at UoL. He was fun, caring, technically gifted; the list goes on. The most important memory I have is that he wasn't frightened of being himself; right from when he joined us in what was ISS 20 years ago. He will be missed by many of us; not just those that worked closely with him.
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2023-01-11 14:54:34 View / Comment (0)
Ruth Denton
John has been so much a part of my working life for so many years I can't imagine the University without him. Unique and much loved he brought so much colour and gentle kindness into all our lives.
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2023-01-11 14:48:26 View / Comment (0)Antonia Jones
John has always loved the on-site wildlife and animals in general- one of the many photos of his cat that he would send me. Obviously with 'Oh, Hai...;
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2023-01-11 14:42:55 View / Comment (0)Antonia Jones
Always loved getting involved, especially when it game to getting to wear funky jumpers :)
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2023-01-11 14:36:27 View / Comment (0)
David Butterworth
I worked with JC for a good few years at Leeds Uni. He was always a fount of knowledge and also kept everyone smiling. From day to day working through to crazy nights out it was a pleasure to have known him. I was only in touch with him (for the first time in a good few years) before Christmas 2022 and we had said that we'd meet up for a drink soon. Well, I will raise a glass to you very soon. You were a top man and one that won't be forgotton.
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2023-01-11 13:56:48 View / Comment (0)
Simon Thompson
Trying to some up what John meant to me in a few short paragraphs is incredibly hard, and not least, because his delight at jettisoning social expectations meant many of my memories of our time together; are borderline incriminating. He was one of the first people I met when I joined the University and my desk was right next to his. I am not sure what my first thought of him was, but I do remember how he had turned his side of the divider into a veritable nest of IT hardware and toys. I spotted a PDA on his desk that I always wanted when I was a kid and when I mentioned it, he just handed the thing to me with a charger to keep. I think it is safe to say presentation was not his priority, the stain underneath his chair is still in 10.23 to this day, but that was part of his charm. John was just really engaged with everyone, happy to talk, to share an anecdote (or more likely a pedantic clarification). Every time we talked it felt like we were in a double act, we could just respond to each other’s jokes or jibes so effortlessly. On the surface it could appear John was a little guarded; he would be comically dismissive of processes, procedure and professional expectations, his favourite line to say to me when he left work for the day would be a quote from Futurama "Well, I am sick of this room and everyone in it" before leaving. The truth was despite the bluster he really did care about those around him. He routinely sent me funny images he found, would visit me and go for walks when I was feeling down, and for years would wait for me on my walk home so we could leave together. Even during the early days of Covid he dropped me a call to see how I was doing. Ultimately though, what I remember him for is not the benevolence, the technical acumen, the walking encyclopaedic knowledge of useless facts or his vast collection of toys… it was just how much FUN he was. I remember when we used to sing songs from South Park, or made our own Christmas Carols based on servers we worked on, or when I tricked him into watching Rick Astley’s “Never going to give you up” by claiming my tablets screen was broken, or when he showed me the cartoons he drew, or when he lectured me on Comic Sans MS so I kept sending him emails with hidden sentences in that font. Pretty much every moment we spent together was a blast and he really did spend his all too short time in this world bringing joy to those around him.
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2023-01-11 13:26:57 View / Comment (0)
Simon Mulholland
during my time at the University, I met some very unique and interesting people who I counted as colleagues and Friends, John was placed well into all categories. His 'Doctor Who' interest was the most vivid memory I will have of him and the world is a little darker as we have lost one of its bright lights. Rest easy John, IT have the watch.
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2023-01-11 12:57:32 View / Comment (0)Sam Lonsdale
Where EXACTLY is my screwdriver on your desk John?
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2023-01-11 12:56:55 View / Comment (0)Sam Lonsdale
John was always seeking to help people, this combined with his encyclopaedic knowledge of how computers work made him, in my opinion, a simply outstanding technician.
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2023-01-11 12:56:11 View / Comment (0)
Sam Lonsdale
I thoroughly enjoyed working with John whist we were both cast-out to the forgotten lands of Saint James’s campus. From debating the relative merits of the different 80s & 90s computer CPUs or deciding which professor thought THEIR research work was the most important in Yorkshire, I enjoyed my time with John greatly. I forgive you John for taking my RaspberryPi and only telling my after you have re-purposed it for your own use. I do regret, not following up on having lunch with you after that time, just a few weeks ago, that we met outside Edward Boyle. Possibly a reminder to us all to do the important things today rather than wait until tomorrow.
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2023-01-11 12:47:33 View / Comment (0)
BRYN Jones
All my interactions with John, who started here about the same time as I did, were pleasant ones. He was funny, clever, and just a nice person who I will remember. I especially like his own alternative 'photo' for the Alt IT Photo sheet .
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2023-01-11 11:42:30 View / Comment (0)
Karen Cooper
My memories of you, John, start with lots of conversations about cats! And it was good to chat about imposter syndrome after I did my talk. So sad to hear you're no longer with us. You were such a lovely person and I'm so sad to know you're no longer here to be the caring soul that you were
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2023-01-11 11:40:55 View / Comment (0)
Gwilym Selwood
My every encounter with John was accompanied with his kindness, Pythonesque humour, selflessness, compassion and enthusiasm for technology. He was as others have commented here totally unafraid of being different - of being himself. Forever walk on the wild side John.
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2023-01-11 11:28:09 View / Comment (0)
Dawn Walton
I loved you, John. I was 'wife', according to you, and I happily accepted that moniker. One of the most intelligent, gifted people I have ever had the pleasure to have known. You touched everyone you met - some in more ways than others ;) I am going to miss you more than you know. Memories are too many to name, and most NSFW (even though for most of them we were at work!) A sweet, sensitive soul, I held your hand so many times in the past while you cried - how I wish you were here right now to hold mine. I hope you knew how much you were loved. Dream sweet, my friend.
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2023-01-11 10:51:38 View / Comment (0)
Phil Worsley
I have so many good memories of you John. From the day I left work on 31st October and came across you waiting for a friend ready to go to a Halloween party. The bit that made it memorable was when you turned around and I was literally looking at a vampire which made me jump. The Judge Dredd boots.. saving the IT shop.. the funny and insightful comments... that hygiene picture showing you how to wash your hands and use a towel to open the toilet door... which you suggested could be adapted for the toilet that only had a hand dryer. That still makes me laugh now. There's so many memories. Will miss you like so many other people.
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2023-01-11 14:33:11 View / Comment (0)
Daniel Jones
John was a fantastic friend and colleague and is someone who I will miss dearly. He was caring, and kind, and could always make me smile. He was never afraid to be himself and that is something I really admired. I remember on one of my visits to St James, I wasn't familiar with the area and really needed a screwdriver to get into a PC, and when I asked John, he pulled one out of his pocket from Doctor Who! It was so unexpected and really made me laugh. Just one of the funny memories that I will never forget. You will truly be missed, John.
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2023-01-11 10:00:21 View / Comment (0)
Bex Cattran
John made me feel instantly welcome, seen and part of the Client IT family. He was funny, gregarious and open. I will miss him and I know many of us at Leeds Uni will.
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Gillian MORAN
Gillian MORAN
He was my first, my only, child, much wanted, much loved. It has been wonderful to watch him grow and flourish, to learn to be himself whatever that meant. I was, and am, so proud of him, and the kindness he spread. Losing him so young was unexpected and painful, but I'm a better person for having him to care for and nurture. He is, and will continue to be, greatly missed. To see the vast upwelling of love for him at his funeral has carried me through these subsequent weeks and brought great comfort to me, as are all the tributes here. His kindness continues as we find ways to share him with the world.
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