JOHN KOTZ 1930 – 2014
John Kotz of Foxearth sadly died on 11th November in the West Suffolk Hospital. With Betty, his wife who passed away in January 2013, he had lived in the village since 1986 having moved in just a few months before Margaret and I bought the cottage next door.
We could not have had more friendly and attentive neighbours than John and Betty and over the years we enjoyed many social occasions with them setting the world to rights often over good food and wine. As well as being good friends they were utterly reliable “house watchers” when we were away; a reciprocal arrangement naturally! Of course with his well-known background in politics John had his own strong ideas about what needed to happen and he liked nothing better than a vigorous debate. One soon learnt when it was prudent to steer the conversation around to one of John's other interests such as music (he was passionate about the ballet), history or social activists like William Morris upon whom he was an expert.
From an early age John was politically active being a founder member of the Hackney branch of the Labour Party League of Youth at the age of 15. He progressed in local politics in his beloved Hackney and in 1963 became the second youngest Mayor the Borough had seen (the youngest was Herbert Morrison in 1920). Before leaving Hackney in 1986 John was awarded the Freedom of the Borough – an honour of which he was rightly very proud. The move from the big city to our rural surroundings did nothing to dim John's keenness to be involved in the local political scene. He was adopted as a Parliamentary candidate, served on and chaired numerous committees and was a member of the NE Essex Health Services Trust. In 2011 he achieved a long-held ambition to publish his autobiography “Vintage Red – the Story of a Municipal Socialist” and this includes his wartime experiences as an evacuee, his National Service in the Royal Air Force, his time as a runner with Woodford Harriers, his flirtation with amateur dramatics and many other activities. While serving as a councillor he had various occupations ranging from London bus driver, insurance agent, photographic assistant and culminating as Principal Housing Officer with Newham Council. He recounts – with some relish – the time when he was Leader of the Council and was arrested and charged with obstruction at a demonstration. After a night in the cells he was given a conditional discharge but he reckoned that the publicity he got was good for the cause!
Sometime after Betty's death John was diagnosed with an incurable blood condition necessitating frequent trips to hospital for tests, treatment and sometimes a stay as an inpatient. John faced this dreadful news and the dramatic changes it brought to his lifestyle with great calmness, humorous stoicism and tremendous courage. Over morning coffee he would relate to us the latest restrictions to his diet but fortunately chocolate biscuits stayed on the menu!
In the village and beyond John will be remembered with great respect and thanks for the conscientious public work he did, for his friendship and for his readiness always to lend a helping hand. Additionally to us he will always be that nice chap next door.
Ken Nice