A man described as “one of the most loyal voluntary servants” and “tirelessly dedicated” to the sport he loved has sadly died at the age of 91. John Leeman had a lifelong commitment to local football and dedicated an amazing 70 years to refereeing games in the local area and beyond. Well into his eighties, John was still working and in his spare time, would be either taking in a game involving his beloved Grimsby Town or officiating at a local football match.
John, who was born in London but moved to Laceby as a baby, spent almost all his life living in Penshurst Road, Cleethorpes. The great-grandfather passed away on May 20 after a decline in his health, brought about by dementia and a fall at home. READ MORE: Group of men take on gruelling challenge in memory of colleague Jamie Bemrose Tractor run through northern Lincolnshire villages in memory of two farmers - in pictures John leaves sons, Andrew and John, and a daughter, Wendy (Helstern).
Having lost his wife of 68 years, Barbara, just before Christmas 2023, John is also survived by three of his sisters, Doreen, Hazel and Ann. A funeral for John will be held at Grimsby Crematorium on Tuesday, June 11, at 3pm. There will be a gathering afterwards at the Linden Club, Clee Road, Grimsby, with the family extending an invitation to all to join in honouring John’s memory.
John Leeman reflecting on his then 50 years in refereeing with a silver-salver presented to him by the Grimsby Referees Association at Lucarly's Cl.
