John Howard-Vyse

Like his father he was a career Army officer in the Royal Artillery. After retiring in 2003 , he pursued his many sporting interests, including his passion for sailing and skiing.

He was a qualified Yachtmaster, and sailed with the Ocean Youth Trust North, a charity specialising in the personal development of young people and adults from all walks of life through ocean sailing. He had also sailed with them as a helper on the Tall Ships Race.

John Cecil Howard-Vyse, who was known as Johnny to his family and friends, was born in Ulceby, Lincolnshire, where his father was then serving in the Royal Artillery. He was youngest of three children of Lieutenant General Sir Edward and Lady Howard-Vyse, of Langton, near Malton.

He was educated at Eagle House Prep school and Wellington College, Berkshire before going to the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst in 1966 and being Commissioned into the Royal Artillery.

He served with 49th Field Regiment. RA., 27 Field Regiment RA., and 1st Regiment, Royal Horse Artillery, in the UK, Germany, and Gibraltar. He also attended the Royal Naval Staff College at Greenwich, retiring in 2003 as Lieutenant Colonel.

He enjoyed country sports, having been a whipper-in for the Royal Artillery’s hounds, and helped to run an Army shoot near Ripon.

He also skiied both with the Army and in retirement and
was an experienced Telemark skier.

For about five years he was a steward at the Great Yorkshire Show at Harrogate, run by the Yorkshire Agricultural Society in which his elder brother Richard was a pivotal figure for many years. Richard died four years ago.

Col Howard-Vyse was also a supporter of his local church, St Lambert’s, Burneston, near Bedale, where a Thanksgiving Service for his life has been held.

In 1972 he married Jennifer Collin, the daughter of Major General and Mrs Geoffrey Collin, who survives him along with his son James, daughters Georgina and Victoria, and five grandsons.