Death of restaurateur John (68)

John Ellis (68) spent nearly all his working life in the catering industry and worked at some of the best know establishments in the region.

He and his wife, Wendy, had the Archways restaurant, in Marsden Park, Nelson, for seven years during the 1990s.

Born in Halifax and brought up in Blackpool, Mr Ellis of Lower Manor Lane, Burnley, learned his craft at the Last Drop at Bolton, where he rose to be deputy general manager, and also met Wendy.

The couple moved on to work at Northcote Manor, Langho, before the arrival of their children, and in 1982 Mr Ellis took up his appointment as manager of the Fence Gate.

Eight years later, his extensive experience led him to realise a dream, owning his own restaurant. His passion for food was matched only by his passion for gardening, his love of the natural world and for aquatic life. On leaving the restaurant he turned his hand to helping others through a charity until being made redundant at 57.

He kept a stoic outlook after being diagnosed with cancer three years ago, and never complained. His health took a turn for the worse at Christmas and after spells in hospitals his last days were at Pendleside Hospice.

Mr Ellis leaves his wife, three children and two grandchildren.