Touching tributes have this week been paid to a businessman who was highly respected and very well known in Lowestoft for running Sam Hook Sports.

Poignant memories have been shared in honouring John Page, after the former owner of Sam Hook Sports died peacefully on February 25, surrounded by his family at Broadlands Care Home in Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page. Pictured with wife Gillian. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

With his wife Gillian, Mr Page, 79, was the joint owner of the popular sports shop in Bevan Street East for decades up until its closure in 2008.

Sam Hook Sports in Lowestoft, pictured in yester-year. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

The prominent sports shop had been run by sea angling legend and east coast businessman Sam Hook since the early 1950s, with Mr Page becoming joint owner after he married Mr Hook’s youngest daughter, Gillian in 1971.

Sam Hook Sports in Lowestoft, pictured in yester-year. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Among poignant memories shared of the "best shop ever" from locals, were comments praising "the most helpful staff" and the "amazing" Gill and John, who were "always willing to help".

Something for everyone was available with all sports covered - whether it was toys, roller boats, skiwear, football boots, equipment, darts, cricket, mountaineering and sportswear aplenty - at a business described as "the best fishing tackle shop this town has ever had".

Born in Ipswich on October 20, 1946 Mr Page moved to Lowestoft with his parents, Arthur and Marjorie, and his sister Anne when he was three, attending Roman Hill Primary and Harris Senior schools.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page. Pictured in fancy dress with his mother, Marjorie Page. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

After starting employment with a bookbinding apprenticeship at Clay’s in Bungay, Mr Page developed the strong work ethic that would stay with him throughout more than 50 years in business.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page, pictured when he was younger receiving his DofE award. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

A former boxer in his youth, Mr Page also enjoyed playing football, cricket and squash, going fishing, and he would become a very good skier, ballroom and Latin dancer.

John Page, aged 21, on his way to Australia with his sister, brother-in-law and a friend. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

When he was 21, along with his sister Anne and brother-in-law Mick, Mr Page emigrated to Perth, Western Australia as a £10 Pom.

He met his wife to be through mutual friends at his emigration party.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page, pictured in yester-year with wife Gillian. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

As Gillian's eldest sister, Ruth, had moved to Melbourne with her husband, she also spent some time in Australia - so Mr Page would often drive across Australia from Perth to Melbourne to meet her.

And although Gillian would eventually return home to the UK, Mr Page worked for The Herald in its printing office in Australia before returning home to Lowestoft in 1970, to marry Gillian in 1971.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page. Pictured with wife Gillian and daughter Melanie. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Son Neil was born in 1972 and daughter Melanie was born in 1974.

With sport "always central to family life," daughter Melanie said: "Dad encouraged us to join local clubs and gave us every opportunity to take part — even taking us skiing.

"Neil played for Waveney Youth for many years along with local teams in adult life, and I played hockey.

"Dad took enormous pride in seeing us, and so many other local children, involved in sport.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page, pictured, after a successful fishing trip. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

"Through Sam Hook Sports he combined his passion with business, supporting local teams and generations of customers."

Mr and Mrs Page built what became not only a popular and very busy shop but it also became "a cornerstone of the community".

This saw the shop owners sponsor Lowestoft Town FC, Waveney roller skating club and become founding sponsors of Waveney FC over the years, while also sponsoring and supporting many fishing clubs.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page. Mr Page is pictured making a presentation to Waveney FC founder and club stalwart Brian Gallagher. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

Melanie said: "Sam Hook Sports was more than a shop; it was a cornerstone for local sport and community connection, and my father took immense pride in supporting generations of customers.

"It is fair to say, the shop was a Mecca of its time.

"Dad valued the friendships built over decades and loved being part of the everyday fabric of the community.

"As a family we are incredibly proud of everything he achieved — not just in business, but as a husband, father, grandfather and supporter of local sport."

In the 1980s they introduced ski wear and mountaineering equipment, as the shop provided local schools with their ski hire gear for many years.

Both Neil and Melanie enjoyed worked in the shop as teenagers, as did their friends.

Melanie said: "My dad was hardworking, patient, kind, loyal and respectful.

Poignant tributes have been paid to John Page. Pictured with his grandchildren. Image: Supplied (Image: Supplied)

"He lived with Parkinson’s for over 30 years, but not once did he let it hold him back - he never complained or felt sorry for himself; he simply carried on with strength and determination."

Having been reunited at the same care home with his beloved wife Gillian last year, the couple enjoyed 10 months together.

Melanie said they "were together at the end, which is a huge comfort", as the family thanked the wonderful staff and carers at Broadlands for their care and support.

Mr Page's funeral service is at St Margaret's Church, Lowestoft on Wednesday March 25 at 12.30pm, followed by a celebration of his life at The Hotel Victoria.

Family flowers only, with donations accepted for Parkinson’s UK and Waveney Sailability - as Mr Page had been an enthusiastic sailor with the club for many years.

As well as children Neil and Melanie, he also leaves grandchildren Louis, Lilia, Jack and Stanley - who have all excelled at numerous sports.

© Eastern Daily Press