Tribute to John 'Pat' Jennings

I met Pat in the 90s at various UK trackdays , he had his Porsche , I had a 7 litre Jaguar. I could never catch him on track but had lots of fun trying to keep up. We lost touch for a while but then kept bumping into him in the Noughties , on planes between Spain and Gatwick , unfortunately never got to visit him at his Spanish casa. He was a great guy , sorry to hear of his passing , my condolences to his family.

Caring for Pat over the past five years has meant so much more than just a job—it’s been a truly special part of my life. Through our daily time together, sharing his love of music, talking about cars, and simply enjoying each other’s company, we built a bond I will always treasure. He brought warmth, humour, and kindness into every day. Getting to know his family made it even more meaningful, and I’m so grateful to have been welcomed so openly. Thank you for the trust, the memories, and the friendship. He will always hold a special place in my heart.

I first met Pat when I was working for Delta as a motorcycle courier (rider 117 based at Craven Park Road in Harlesden) in the early 80s. I lived in Chesham back then and when Pat opened Delta's first out of town office in High Wycombe I was sent out there as part of a tiny fleet (only 2 of us on day one). I remember a lot of people saying it wasn't a great idea and out of town there wasn't that much work. Well it turned out they were wrong and Pat was right and as time went by the business grew. Fairly soon I applied for a job as a photographer with another business and told Pat that I'd be off in a week or if I got it and his response was no you won't there's a job in the office as a controller which you'd be better suited to. That's a bit arrogant I thought but it turns out he was right about that too and I really enjoyed working in the office and as the years rolled by I ended up doing all sorts of jobs within Delta and am still in the courier industry now and still mad about motorbikes. Funnily enough I'm still in Wycombe 45 odd years later in an office about half a mile from that original site in Queens Road. One time I took a call from a customer who I spoke to and replied to a question I was asked "Well, he thinks he is" and they laughed which Pat overheard as he sat on the desk right next to me. "What was that all about?" Pat asked. I said that the customer had had a promotional letter from Delta signed by Pat Jennings (he was always sending out flyers) and they asked me "is that THE Pat Jennings" referring to the famous footballer. Pat stared at me for a moment but i could see he found it quite funny himself. Anyway, I reckon I owe Pat sincere thanks for the opportunity he gave me way back then, I must have been about 21 and I'm 64 now. Our paths crossed pretty regularly over the years and he always asked how I was doing and also how a cat he gave me was doing. When he lived in Radnage he had loads of animals and one of his cats had kittens and he asked me to pick one. I couldn't quite make my mind up so he plonked what I thought was the weediest looking one in a basket and off I went with her. Blow me down he was right about that too, that cat lived 21 years. Cheers Pat, safe travels and God bless you and your friends and family.

Pat was nice and wonderful and strong person I will miss doing your morning calls , where ever u are Pat rest in peace, going to miss u Pat condolences to Marsha and family

Our thoughts are with Pat and his family. Pat and I used to hoon around various race tracks in our 964 RS on the 1990s and I can still picture him sitting in our lounge in his dressing gown (which was rather shirt) when we got back from Goodwood.

My friendship with Pat started a long time ago, since we first sat near the Dali Museum. I was then a much younger Lawyer, and I learned to live, to think, in my almost monthly meetings with him for many years. I am sad, very sad; I will not see him and his smile again but… I will have him in my mind forever. Pat, your friend “Jousemaria” will not forget you.

I will always hold Pat close to my heart, what a guy !! So much fun to be around, mischevious, kind and caring. He gave me so many opportunities and believed in me which opened up the gates for me to build a successful career; from Delta and beyond. Nothing but happy memories, a true gentleman. He always made me laugh with his one liners and on a few occasions made me choke if I was drinking (and that was only on a business call drinking coffee) !! He used to say he was my Apprentice as I knew more about selling than he did. When we last chatted online he thanked me which I will hold close to my heart, that meant so much to me. I have nothing but fond memories Pat, thank you for bringing so much happiness and structure to my life; you will always be in my "happy memories" xx

What a great picture of Pat. He had petrol in his veins (and occasionally something stronger). And a brilliant businessman. My condolences to Marsha and all his friends and family.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to John. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.