John Hauxwell [1938 - 2016]   Kissing Gate memorial located at:  TQ083571

Past Chairman (2005 - 2015)

 John Hauxwell was the Kingston Ramblers Chairman for 10 years, had been a member since 1987 and during that time he had been on thousands of Kingston walks and led hundreds of walks.  As well as the KR Chair he also sat on the Surrey Area Council of the Ramblers. 

After school at the Haberdashers' Aske's School in Edgware he joined the builders merchants William Way and managed their Wimbledon branch.  He and Robert Way worked as equal shareholders of the newly opened New Malden branch eventually fully owning and managing the whole business.  The business was temporarily closed in 1985 to develop a modern purpose builders merchant site and on retirement he sold the business to Travis Perkins.  John was heavily involved in his industry and became Builders Merchants Federation London Area Chairman and later National President and President of the Institue of Builders Merchants.  He also served as Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders' Merchants from 1997-98.

John loved all things to do with the City and was Chairman of both Candlewick and Tower Ward Clubs and an active member of the City Livery Club, United Guilds and Past Masters Association.  

Not a fan of technology, John used the telephone to pass on the latest gossip.  His greatest hobby was always walking.  As well as his involvement with Kingston Ramblers, he also walked from his holiday home in the Lake Distict with Penrith Ramblers.  He enjoyed travelling especially wine tours with fine dining.  

John bought enthusiasm to everything he did and enjoyed life to the full.  He was very caring and great fun and sadly missed by Kingston Ramblers.  

A Kissing Gate dedicated to John's memory is located at Grid Ref:  TQ083571