| NOTTINGHAMSHIRE NARPO Robert John Stapleford It is with sadness that we have to inform you of the death of Robert John Stapleford, aged 79 years, a retired Police Officer. John, as he was known by many, died on Wednesday 5 January 2022. Our thoughts are with the family at this difficult time. Funeral details Friday, 11th February, 2022 at 11.30am Gedling Crematorium, Catfoot Ln, Lambley, Nottingham NG4 4QH We hope you all can join the family at the funeral service in person so that we can remember and honour the passing of John. The service will be live streamed for those who are unable to attend in person. Please email: RJSservicelivestream@gmail.com and a link to the online service can be sent to you if you are unable to attend. The family welcomes donations to the Lewy Body Society as an expression of sympathy in lieu of flowers. This can be accessed via the link: https://bit.ly/3GM5esoLewyBodySocietyDonation John joined the County Force in 1962 and was posted to Sutton in Ashfield. Before completing his probationary period he transferred to Mansfield C I D. He served at a number of station and departments, including Central and the Special Ops Unit. He retired in 1995. A light buffet, with tea and coffee will be provided at the funeral reception from 12.15pm Friday 11 February 2022. If you would like to join the family at the reception, please RSVP as soon as possible to: RJSfuneralwake@gmail.com and you will be provided with the full venue details which is in Arnold, and the timings. Please add your comments below John Kennedy Secretary, Notts NARPO |
NottsNarpo 
I feel so saddened to hear of John’s passing. I knew John from the very beginning of my police service. John was one of the kindest and nicest people I have ever met. I was in awe of his quick wit and repartee. It was just impossible to get the better of him in any argument.
My fondest memory of John was when he “umpired” a Special Ops cricket match on Burntstump Park, such was the standard of play, John was literally laying on his back on the ground holding his sides laughing. Great times. John you will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to all of his family.
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John Stapleford was the most respected police officer I ever worked with, particularly respected by all the staff on the front line. I was at CCPS when he was Div Commander on C Div and he knew every one of his staff by name even if they were new on the division. Top man, will be missed by many.
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One of life’s gentlemen, RIP
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John was a very special person that you only occasionally meet throughout life.
I first met John in 1969 when he was watching a football match with his dad at Melbourne Park in Aspley. John was always a true gentleman and he was extremely caring and professional, with a tremendous sense of humour, and always had time to help anyone.
He will always be loved, remembered and never forgotten.
Sending our love to Rita and the family at this sad time. Love Judy and Bob. 💕💕💕💕
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A lifetime of family friendship, growing up with holidays with John, Rita, Debbie and Richard makes this an even greater loss. The accolades will continue from those who served with him but i am fortunate to have so many ‘extra’ memories of John. Condolences to Rita, Debbie and Richard, we know how great your loss is.
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One of the very best. RIP
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Very, very sad news, a wonderful man and Police Officer. I have known John for over 50 years and no matter what the situation, and there have been many, he was always the same. The same humour, intelligence, humility, the same John Stapleford. What a fine example to all. He will be truly missed. My sincere condolences to Rita and the family.
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I first met stapes at thorneywood athletic football when i was 16 he helped run the team with his dad George. He was fair and helpful.when I joined the job he was c.insp at hucknall. One day he visited the station and as he drove in we were all snow balling outside. We thought we would be in trouble . He got out his car looked at everbody and said whose side am I on and joined in. We went inside and he asked me to make his tea. I turned to someone with less service and told them to make it. He turned to me and said if I had wanted him to make it I would have asked him. As I returned with the tea he winked at me. I played with John in the force team and one day I couldn’t play due to a staff shortage. He rang my Sgt up and covered the panda while I played. I met him a few years ago in Sainsbury’s and when he saw the wife he said hi Judith how are you having not seen her for twenty yes plus. She handed me something and he said don’t give it Eric he will drop it which was ref to my goalkeeping. What a truly lovely man, exceptional boss and he gave me guidance throughout be my life.
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The finest of the finest
What more can be said of a man who as our
Boss on special ops
We placed our life’s in his hands
Bet he’s now on command up there and advising
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Fond memories of John as D.c. at Mansfield and, following his attendance at Bramshill Special Course, as D.s.
First class supervisor and colleague and remained so throughout his service.
RIP John and sincere condolences to family.
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Just one of the best and finest gaffers I ever had the privilege to work for. They broke the mould with Stapes. Always treated you well and never expected you to do something he wouldn’t do himself. I have the upmost respect for this man and he will sadly missed. Deepest condolences to his family and friends. RIP Stapes. Upmost respect.
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I dont profess to know John Stapleford as much as all the other commentators have. But during a miners srrike event he approached me and asked ” How are you managing with the situation Alf” (or similar) I was surprised he knew my name, and asked him how he knew it. He replied that he knew ALL his mens names, – how many other bosses would bother – you know the answer to that. Alf Shawyer 667 ( 1967 – 1997)
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Fond Memories of John and Rita from school days. Also playing football in school teams, with his dad always there encouraging him. Years later we met up again in the Police he as an Inspector and me a constable, but he always said “It’s John” whenever we came in contact. My condolences to Rita and family.
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Sad news , a true gentleman and leader .
Took the time to come to my house one Sunday afternoon with my motorbike in a horsebox after I had suffered concussion playing football with him in the morning .
RIP John
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I agree with all the comments made, he was a heck of a nice person.
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An absolute Gentleman and the Best boss I ever had. Wonderful sense of humor. Sir, I salute you and thank you . Rest In Peace. Deepest sympathy to Rich and family.
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A true gentleman and a great pleasure to work with. RIP Stapes.
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Very, very sad news, a true gentleman and an outstanding top class gaffer.
I have great memories of playing football alongside John in his younger days and even after he had hung his boots up. I can recall one Thursday at Vernon Park and we were short of players. He had come to watch, but didn’t hesitate to get his boots out and turn out, showing his passion and support. He loved his football.
I also had the pleasure and privilege to have had John as my boss whilst on the Dog Section. He always had time for you and would always give credit where it was due.
He was the finest example to all, a great man who will be sadly missed.
My deepest condolences to all his family and friends.
RIP BOSS
Wadey
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Such sad news. Stapes was a gentleman and a great boss.
Was well respected by everyone.
RIP John, condolences to the whole family.
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Absolutely one of the very best. A true Gent. Proud to have had John as a colleague and a friend.
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I first met John when I started my straight from Pannal posting at Bingham in 1974. He was the Chief Inspector. He took me out on the first day to show me round the area. In all my time since, I can easily say that I never met a more honest, trustworthy and friendly gaffer. He was a true man manager in every sense of the word. We needed and still need more like him, not fewer. A very sad loss to all who knew him. My sincere condolences to his family
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Lovely man and great gaffer. Spent a few Friday evenings with him and John Towson over pint in Ram Inn, Redhill. Fond memories. Condolences to his family
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Very sad to hear of ‘Stapes’ passing.
Didn’t matter what rank or length of service you were, he always treated everyone with equal respect and humility and made you want to go that bit extra for him. Had a very big heart, a caring disposition and was always prepared to listen and then lead.
Intelligent and very sharp chap too. Not much got passed him and always had a twinkle in his eye like he knew something you didn’t – which always seemed the case.
What always impressed me was his ability to remember the name of everyone he met and a little bit about them – and that kept us rank and file on our toes! Good guy.
I’d say that was perfect ‘gaffer’ material………….RIP.
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Best boss I ever worked under
. Man management and leadership second to none. A true gent. Sincere condolences to his family. RIP sir
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A privilege to have worked with. Always approachable and prepared listen and advise.
He will be sadly missed.
My condolences to the family
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Like so many others, I am saddened by the loss of this great man and on behalf of Liz and myself I offer condolences to his family and close friends.
I have so many wonderful memories of ‘Stapes’, who I first met way back in 1973 when I joined as a Cadet. It was only recently that I learned he wasn’t well.
He will be greatly missed.
Rest in peace Sir.
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My first C/I on the job at Bingham, as many have said a true Gent and excellent police officer.
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Sorry to hear of John’s passing, a gentleman in every sense of the word. Always had a sense of humour and there to help when needed. Even after retirement kept bumping into him in Arnold where he gave his time to help in a charity shop. Condolencies to his family.
Chris Shardlow and Kathleen Faulconbridge
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As everyone else has already said,one of the best gaffers I ever worked for during my time on Special Ops. A man with a fantastic human touch and awesome memory. Also a huge player in the Special Ops football team which won the league having played 20 matches and won 20 matches.
A pleasure to have served with you John. Rest in Peace.
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The best boss ever. Always encouraging and making you want to achieve more. I was once arranged a coach tour to the National Railway Museum. We were having a great day until I heard a commotion on the ground floor and security dragging a man off the footplate of Mallard. I had to rush downstairs and rescue Stapes who had wanted to ‘Cab’ Mallard because he’d never managed to do it as a boy. Security made me vouch for him. It made his day that he’d got into the cab of Mallard. We laughed about it many times.
John, you were a great gaffer, someone I could have worked for all time. R.I.P.
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Such sad news a wonderful man always there to help when I was a probationer at Central my thoughts are with his family RIP Stapes
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Condolences to Rita and family. John was a top top man in every sense, as an ex neighbour in Bingham 1974/5, and later the man who got me promoted. Utmost respect for John, who was the ultimate gaffer, and a great human to be around. Sad loss.
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Such a sad day hearing of John’s passing. A truly great man who I respected greatly. I worked for John several times but in the main he was always the man on the sidelines when I played force football. Such an intelligent and yet humorous man. I have many memories of John, he will be greatly missed. Condolences to his family. RIP Stapes
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I knew John for many years. He was renowned as a fearless footballer. I am reminded of a final which was replayed twice when John and I, both defenders, were faced by the fearsome fireman John Liptrott. He and John went for a tackle in our penalty area which brought up a cloud of dust and John striding away with the ball leaving Liptrott to limp away after him. He was also a tremendously supportive boss never too proud as Superintendent to make a pot of tea for anyone in the mess room. A real gentleman I was sad to hear of his passing. Sadly missed Keith Bell.
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John was without any doubt one of the best gaffers the Notts force ever produced. I worked for him as a Superintendent on Special Ops. An absolute gentleman who knew exactly how to manage his staff and how to motivate them. I never worked directly for him again but bumped into him now and again over the years. He never forgot who you were by name or where he’d been your boss. My deepest condolences and best wishes to him family, a truly sad loss.
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A wonderful generous man who I had the pleasure of him being my Chief Super at Central. Remembered everyone’s name no matter who you were. His retirement do was so well attended a marquee was used at Epperstone. My condolences to his family.
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My first day on the streets at Central, trying to help direct a parade, I realised the battery on my radio was kaput. A man I briefly recognised as a boss came up to a panicking rookie and handed me his own radio with a gentle smile and asked me to bring it back when I’d finished with it. It meant a lot to me that day and still does.
A few years later I was the Central captain in a rugby sevens tournament. Bearing in mind he was a staunch football man the same man turned up on the touchline with his kit. We were winning the tournament in the final so I feigned an injury and he replaced me on the field. He got a trophy for rugby that day.
This man was a brilliant man manager. Two small things in his life that just demonstrated what a real man manager is. Sir, you were the best. Thank you
Mick Lord
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Devastated by the sad news of Stapes. A boss first and foremost, a colleague but most important to me a friend. I knew John prior to joining the Police through football having played against the Police. A very very good player. He became the gaffer when I joined the Vice Squad and as everyone else says, the best gaffer anyone could ask for. A gentleman through and through. As Tina turner sang, “Simply the best” RIP Gaffer
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Occasionally in life you meet someone very special. John was such a person.
I first met John in 1969 at Melbourne Park in Aspley, when he was watching a football match with his dad. John loved his football and was particularly proud of being a member of the Notts Police Football team that won the National Football knockout cup.
He had a lovely sense of humour and it was an absolute pleasure to know and work with him. John will always be loved, remembered and never forgotten, as he was a very special person.
Love and best wishes to Rita and all the members of Johns family.
Judy and Bob Willis xxx
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Such sad news. Like myself, those who knew John will have their own individual memories of the man. Many already recorded on this web page. Many officers modelled their style of management on his, no one surpassed it. He was, without doubt, the most influential officer I had the privilege of working with during my service. Always remembered.
Fred CASE
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Occasionally you meet someone very special in life.
Bob first met John in 1969 at Melbourne Park in Aspley when he was watching a football match with his dad. John loved his football and was always particularly proud to tell people that he was a member of the Notts Police Football team that won the National Police Football knockout cup.
He had a wonderful sense of humour and it has been a pleasure to know and work with him over a long period of time. He will always be loved, remembered and never forgotten as he was a special person. Love to Rita and all Johns family. Bob and Judy Willis xxx
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Occasionally in life you meet someone special, such as John.
Bob first met John in 1969 at Melbourne Park in Aspley when John was watching a football match with his dad. John was always happy to tell people that he had been a member of the Notts Police Football team that won the National Police Football knockout cup.
John had a wonderful sense of humour and it has been an absolute pleasure to know and work with him.
John will always be remembered and never forgotten as he was such a special person.
Sending our love to Rita and all his family.
Love Bob and Judy Willis xxxx
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The first time I met John Stapleford was when I was working as the office man at West Bridgford. I had to cross the yard to the DHQ in the old garage block and saw a senior officer approaching from the opposite direction. I realised, from his rank insignia, who he was and said, “Good morning, sir”. “Good morning, Colin,” was the reply (to a junior subordinate he had never met. It took me ages to work out how he’d been able to address me by my first name. It turned out (and she later confirmed it) that he had seen me coming, asked Marge Topping who I was and had then crossed the yard just so that he could address me by name. Without a doubt the finest boss I ever worked for. He was unfailingly polite always. Ona much later date, when he was Chief Superintendent OSD he called in, in civvies, at the Guildhall ells where he got into conversation (on football) with a Dc from another force. After he had left the Dc asked who he was and I told him. “But I’ve been calling him ‘mate’ for the last half hour!”. I was sure that Stapes had withheld his identity so as not to inhibit an interesting conversation and told him not to worry. “What a great bloke!” said the Dc. I can’t imagine that anyone who knew him would disagree. Tragic loss. RIP, sir and thank-you.
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I can only echo what others have said ..a top individual, police officer and boss ..RIP John
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I never worked with Stapes but our paths crossed on numerous occasions mainly due to his love of all sport. It was always a pleasure to meet him and I never heard a word said against him. All of the comments before mine say it all he was a terrific bloke and had time for everybody. I even tried to persuade him to cross the void and become the Chairman of the rugby section but he loved his football so much. I know that he even dabbled in a little fishing after his retirement such was his love of all thinks sport.
RIP John
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I never worked directly with Stapes but every time I bumped into him in Arnold he never forgot my name. Such a lovely man a testament echoed by all the comments made thus far. R.I.P deepest sympathy to his family at this sad time. Andy Bell.
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Such a sad loss. I first met John in 1962 when we both played for Thorneywood Athletic FC in the youth league. A fearsome competitor, we were to play against each other in the City V County annual kick ins, until we amalgamated in 1968..That team was probably the only good thing that came from the amalgamation and John was at the heart of it..His father George and my father became good friends supporting the side along with the Towlson family and many more..We had some glorious years and he created such happy memories for us all..His police side has been well documented and he will be sadly missed.Condolences to the family.. Going to miss you mate….
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Sad news. Condolences to Rita and family. We were neighbours at Bingham PS, back in 74/5, he was a true gent in all aspects. I always talk of John being the reason I was promoted, after a traumatic period with my wife undergoing a serious operation, he came to see me and pushed me forward when really I was at a low point. R.I.P `Stapes` you`ll never be forgotten.
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Such a great Boss with a fantastic memory and wonderful sense of humor. More than this, he had a great personality and deep care for everyone he knew and I will never forget the occasion he took time out to see me after I had been badly assaulted. RIP and deepest sympathy to all his family at this sad time.
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So sorry to hear of John’s passing
I was based at Mansfield as new Probationer and at about two years service I served a spell in CID when John was from memory the Detective Inspector
John was a true gentleman and an inspirational figure
He helped me a lot in my formative years and will always be grateful
Garry Purdy
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