Tributes paid to Lewes vet who '˜relished and enjoyed his life'

John Teakle moved to Lewes in the early 1950s and joined the veterinary surgery at Radstock House, in the Cliffe, in 1952. In the late 1950s, Mr Teakle became senior partner and lived in the building with his family.

The practice, which was then known as Teakle, Rees, Rawlins and Lang and latterly Teakle and Partners, was an integral part of the Lewes community, caring for a range of animals from domestic pets to cattle markets. The practice also had duties caring for the horses at Lewes and Plumpton Racecourse.

Mr Teakle also lectured at Plumpton Agricultural College and did work for the Department of Agriculture.

His children Katie and William Teakle said: “Our father was of the old school, an honourable gentleman, and he loved his life in Lewes.”

Aside from work, Mr Teakle was a talented sportsman. He enjoyed cricket and tennis but particularly rugby. He played for Yeovil, Somerset and Gloucester before moving to Sussex, where he became vice-president of Lewes Rugby Club.

A spokesperson from the club said: “Older members will be saddened by the death of one of our most illustrious vice-presidents John Teakle.

“John took a keen, active and generous interest in the club for more than 60 years.”

He was also an artist, a bridge player and a member of Lewes Bowling Club.

His children added: “He had a lifelong passion for literature and poetry, art, architecture, horticulture, opera and theatre. Life was relished and enjoyed.

“Above all though, he was a kind, considerate gentleman.

“As a child, we spent happy summer days with him on his visits, listening to Radio 3. Each journey was a lesson in local history, geology and social development.”

A celebration to share his life will be held on Tuesday, April 19 at 11:30am at St John the Baptist, Southover.

Don’t miss out on all the latest breaking news where you live.

Here are four ways you can be sure you’ll be amongst the first to know what’s going on.

1) Make our website your homepage at www.sussexexpress.co.uk/

2) Like our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Sussex-Express/

3) Follow us on Twitter @sussex_express

4) Register with us by clicking on ‘sign in’ (top right corner). You can then receive our daily newsletter AND add your point of view to stories that you read here.

And do share with your family and friends - so they don’t miss out!

The Sussex Express - always the first with your local news.

Be part of it.