John Robert Mellish

MELLISH, John Robert, died September 19, 2007, after a lengthy illness. He was born on November 6, 1920, in Crawley, England, and moved to Richmond in 1972. He is survived by his loving wife of 53 years, Jean; his daughter, Beverley Mellish Wiese and her husband, Kevin, of Richmond; his son, Stuart Mellish, his wife, Andrea, and their children, Travis, Ethan, and Leanne, of St. Petersburg, Fla.; and a brother, Gordon and his wife, Grace, of Worthing, England. He was preceded in death by three brothers, Richard, George, and Leslie. John was an avid rugby and cricket player while in England and became a rugby referee after retiring from playing. After moving to Richmond he continued his refereeing career briefly and then became a referee evaluator. He was much sought after for his advice on refereeing and traveled all over the U.S. to attend rugby tournaments. He leaves behind many friends in the rugby community. He served in the RAF during WWII in India and Burma. After the war he began a 43-year career with Molins Machine Company, initially in London (1947 to 1972) and then in Richmond (1972 to 1990). John was an avid reader, crossword puzzler, sports fan and family man. He will be sorely missed by all of his family and friends all over the world. Funeral services will be held Thursday, September 27, 2007, at 12 noon at Bliley's -Staples Mill, 8510 Staples Mill Road. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service time. Interment private. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Hospice of Virginia, 7231 Forest Ave., Suite 100, Richmond, Va. 23226.