Tributes have been paid to celebrate the life of well-respected Mansfield businessman John Sankey — a champion of the town — whose death was announced this week.

John, together with his wife, Beryl, who died in 2020, built up the independent John Sankey Estate Agents over more than 57 years.

Known for his passion for Mansfield Town FC, John was also a founder and chairman of Mansfield BID, a leading member of business networking organisation 2010, and a founder member of the Armchair Club — a group of businesspeople fundraising to support sport in Mansfield and Ashfield.

The estate agency said John was more than just the founder of the company — he was the heart of it.

In a statement, it said: “For over 57 years, alongside his devoted wife, Beryl, he built a business rooted in honesty, trust, and service — values that have touched countless lives across our town. Together, they made John Sankey Estate Agents what it is today.

“John was humble, kind, generous, and deeply respected. He had a way of making everyone feel valued, and would always go out of his way to help others — quietly and without fuss. He wasn’t just a boss to us, he was family.

“We will continue to carry forward his legacy with the pride and purpose he instilled in us, always with the same ethos: honesty, trust, and commitment.

“Thank you for everything you’ve done for us, for Mansfield, and for the generations you’ve inspired. Your legacy will live on in every key we hand over, in every home we help find.”

John grew up in Stanton Hill, attending schools locally and in Mansfield, and initially worked in engineering for FH North and Company, and Preconomy, either side of serving with the 8th King’s Royal Hussars.

He left Preconomy to work with insurance company Norwich Union, through which he met a local housebuilder in 1968 — and his career changed.

The firm was passing the sales of its quality homes through an estate agent and John saw an opportunity.

An estate agency practice was founded at offices on Southwell Road, and the company was soon bought outright by John and Beryl. It went on to become one of the town’s longest and most successful businesses.

The team and directors at Mansfield BID, now known as Mansfield Forward BID, said John was a true champion of Mansfield.

“He played a defining role in both Mansfield’s business community and in the foundation of Mansfield Forward BID,” they said. “John was one of our original founders and served as chair for more than 10 years. His leadership helped shape the direction of the BID from day one, always steering with integrity, calm determination, and a genuine passion for the town he loved.

“Alongside his wife, Beryl, John built a business that stood for honesty, trust, and care — values he brought into every conversation, every decision, and every bit of support he offered to others.

“He was highly respected, never seeking the spotlight, but always putting Mansfield first.

“We are proud to carry on the work he helped to start. His influence will remain woven into everything we do.”
John was one of the founders of the Armchair Club in 1981 when six local businessmen responded to a call for help from Mansfield Town Football Club, and they subsequently got together to help raise funds for the club.

However, the Armchair Club quickly broadened its approach and began raising money to support local sportsmen and women across the district. Today, more than £350,000 has been raised for local people and clubs and organisations.

To honour John’s support, he was made a patron in 2018 and a trustee of the Armchair Club Sports Foundation Trust.

The organisation said: “John participated fully as a member right up until his 80th birthday. He was always supportive of sharing the funds, which he helped us raise every year, with promising local athletes, among them Rebecca Adlington long before she became an Olympic champion in Beijing in 2008.”

James Biddlestone, chief executive of Mansfield District Council, also paid tribute to the businessman.

“On behalf of Mansfield District Council, we are shocked and saddened by news that John Sankey has died. Our sincere condolences go to his family, friends and colleagues,” he said.

“Mansfield has lost one of its key business leaders and ambassadors for this area – a man who was passionate about a town he was proud of and loved, and whose best interests he pursued with integrity and a quiet but determined sense of purpose.

“He leaves a legacy of influence that really defines what Mansfield is: a place that cares.”