Tributes paid to Whitwell’s oldest resident, aged 101

Tributes have been paid to a ‘proud family man’ who was believed to be Whitwell’s oldest resident, aged 101.
John Edwin ProffittJohn Edwin Proffitt
John Edwin Proffitt

John Edwin Proffitt, of Hodthorpe, was also known as ‘Jack’ to many after his aunt Elsie used to call him ‘little Jackie’ and the name stuck.

Mr Proffitt, who was born in Clowne in November 1913 and was an avid Sheffield United supporter, leaves behind three children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

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‘Jack’ worked at the Whitwell pit until he retired and was a keen footballer.

His son John told the Guardian: “He often used to tell us how he used to catch the train to Sheffield, buy his match ticket, a cup of OXO and a pie and still have change out of a ten bob note.”

“My dad got two free tickets to watch them play QPR once and they lost 3-1. I remember him saying ‘I’ve not seen them for 20 years and I hope I don’t see them for another 20 years now’.”

Jack married his late wife Elsie in March 1936 - although there was a panic on the big day when his suit didn’t arrive after he ordered it to be delivered on a train from a salesman in Mansfield.

“Fortunately, it arrived at the 12th hour,” John said.

After Elsie passed away in 1991, Jack looked after himself by playing bowls and completing puzzles.

“He was proud of his family,” John added.