Former President of the National Association of Goldsmiths, John Pyke Passes Away

10 Feb 2026

We are extremely sad to share the news of the passing of John S Pyke on 29th January 2026. John, who was managing director of the Merseyside family jewellery business, served as President of the National Association of Goldsmiths from 1992-1994.

Born in 1940, he joined his father John L Pyke in the store after reading law at Trinity Hall, Cambridge. He worked there until the business closed in 2014. During his career, he was one of the original Houlden Group directors for many years and was much involved in the NAG (the precursor to the National Association of Jewellers). He was also a keen gemmologist; his training included sorting diamonds in Antwerp and London, as well as with Greenwoods in Bradford and Leeds, and Muirs in Manchester.

John was also a magistrate for many years and, following retirement, was very involved in the local community, including the Heswall Society, as well as in tree preservation. In his younger years, he was a keen skier, scuba diver and driver of sporty cars.

John is survived by his wife, Frances; sons, Steven and David; daughters, Kathryn and Eleanor; and six grandchildren.

The funeral service will take place on 4th March at 13.15 at St Peter's Church, Village Road, Lower Heswall, CH60 ODZ.

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