Paul Withers writes:

John Whitmore passed away on the 7th of August 2016 at the ageof 84, surrounded by his family, after a short illness. He issurvived by his wife and two daughters.

In 1969 John and his wife Stella turned what had been a hobbyinto a full time business, initially trading under the name of'Lickey Coins'.

Most collectors will be familiar with the later Whitmore saleslists, issued from 1983 onwards after their move to Malvern. Hehad extensive knowledge of both tokens and commemorative medals.His interest, especially in pub checks and unofficial farthings,led into numismatic research and the publication of several worksincluding 'The Token Collectors Companion', which is usedby many collectors.

His numismatic knowledge covered many areas including worldcoins and historical medals.

John, before he became a coin dealer had been a senior taxinspector, which enabled him to lead the discussions with theTreasury for the BNTA, the British Numismatic Trade Association,as he was an expert in speaking and understanding officialese andthe civil service mind.

He was influential in the development of the association,serving on its council, many of its committees and for many yearswas its honorary treasurer. In 1999 he was granted honorary lifemembership, one of only four people to be so honoured in theforty-three year history of the organisation. His interests,apart from coins, were varied and included classical music,cricket, sci-fi and ornithology, and woe betide anyone who ranghim when the Archers programme was on the radio in the evening.He and Stella enjoyed visiting places to see the interestingfauna and flora, both in Britain and abroad.

His general knowledge was amazing. If you asked him a questionon any subject, he would come back with an answer. On the oddoccasion when he could not, he would say he was not sure, butsaid what he thought the answer might be. On checking he wasinvariably correct! He would have been the perfect 'friend tophone'.

The numismatic world is richer because of his contribution andwe are all poorer for his passing, but those who met him willremember him with pleasure.

For more information on Coin News, or to subscribe, see:
http://www.tokenpublishing.com/coins.asp