MUCH-loved Haslemere farmer John Barlow, has died aged 70, following a struggle with mixed dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.

All Saints Church, Grayswood, was packed for the thanksgiving service on December 19, led by the Rev Fi Gywnn and Father John Williamson, supported by many friends, who shared their memories of ‘Farmer John’.

After inheriting the family farm at Shillinglee and Furnace Place Estate, Mr Barlow was instrumental in launching Imbhams Farm Granary, opening it up to the community with educational visits, to ensure kids gained a better understanding of country life.

Born at Manor Mead Nursing home, the youngest son of Alice and Richard Barlow, he lived all his life in the Haslemere area.

Mr Barlow began his career with London’s Metropolitan Police, later moving to the mounted division, which he loved. He retired from police duties to retrain at Merrist Wood Agricultural College, Guildford, and joined the family farming business.

In July 1984, he married school teacher Margaret Howard, and they settled to farming life at Imbhams.

He actively assisted the large farm staff at both Shillinglee and Imbhams and, with his wife’s support , encouraged school pupils to visit and enjoy creative and practical farm practices.

The granary milled and flaked fresh cereals grown on the estate to sell as cereal products at farmer’s markets and other local events.

The couple and their daughter Emmalene, shared the same passion for travel, be it by vintage steam trains, or in his beloved MGTD, hot air balloons but was equally happy walking.

He travelled to Russia and China alone before the advent of tourism, and also enjoyed historic battlefield tours to India, Europe and South Africa.

More recently, the family enjoyed husky dog sledging in deepest Finland, where he also drove reindeer to great acclaim.

Mrs Barlow said: “John had been unwell for a while.

“He was sometimes aware of this distressing illness and found it hard to deal with, but he kept his smile and his personality intact.

“The progression was defined and his abilities became more limited.

“With help, he managed to complete the 2015 shoot season in style before he put away his guns and also gave up driving.

“John enjoyed attending the Alzheimer’s Day Centre in Haslemere a few days a week, which reopened as a new charity, The Hunter Centre, in July to supporting those living with dementia.

“John called it ‘The Club’, a place where he could be engaged in activities and company in an atmosphere of fun and security.

“I want to thank all those dedicated staff at The Hunter Centre, who gave John such added quality to his life, as his dementia progressed, as well as to the local care agencies, Longdene and Haslemere Home Care, and Redcot house.

“John was able to be cared for in his own surroundings by myself, Emmalene and two full-time carers until the end.

“We are grateful he did not end his days in hospital, but in familiar surroundings, and as a country gentleman, with a touch of port on his lips, just as he would have chosen to end the day on the evening of a fine hunting or shoot event

“His ashes were brought back to the places he loved on Furnace Place Estate - favourite shoot woodlands, fields, and streams.”

•Donations in memory of Mr Barlow can be sent to The Hunter Centre, Marjorie Gray Hall, Grayswood Road GU27 2BW.