Tyne Bridge worker John remembered
HE was a popular man who won hearts everywhere he went.
Now, a year after his death, John Borthwick’s family have paid tribute to the “absolute legend” who was well known for working on top of the Tyne Bridge in the 1970s.
John, a former scaffolder, of Low Fell, Gateshead, died on April 10 last year after contracting coronavirus.
He had Alzheimer’s disease and developed a chest infection.
When he became unwell, he was taken to the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, in Gateshead, where he tested positive for Covid-19.
However he lost his fight for life, at the age of 78.
A year later, his family and friends are still coming to terms with his loss.
A family member said his death was particularly difficult for his wife Norah, who was not able to be with him when he fell ill.
Norah, now 67, had been asked to isolate and shield due to health issues and was unable to visit her husband of nearly 46 years in his care home or hospital.
The family member said: “It was very hard for her. She did not get to see him for at least three or four weeks before he died.
“The staff at the hospital were fantastic and did everything they could to help them talk over the phone and Facetime. But Norah was not there when he went.
“This year has been so hard for her. She is just getting through day by day and is carrying on as best as she can. It’s still very raw for her.”
In a moving message in memory of him, Norah wrote: “John it still hurts that I didn’t get to say goodbye. Part of me went with you.”
John used to work as a scaffolder and in the 1970s was part of a team who worked on the arch of the Tyne Bridge, nearly 200ft above the river, when the structure needed maintenance and a fresh lick of paint.
At that time, they went up without any harnesses or ropes.
John later went on to work on oil rigs.
The family member said: “Working on the Tyne Bridge was something he was very proud of.
“It was just unbelievable that they went up there with no harnesses. He became an absolute legend and icon because of what he did.
“Every time we drive or walk over the Tyne Bridge, we always remember him. It’s like he’s there on the top.”
John was well known in his community and people liked him for his sense of humour.
“He could not walk down the street without knowing everyone. Everyone knew him, without a doubt, “his family said.
“He was a very popular and funny man, that’s how people will remember him. He had a very dry sense of humour. He loved a laugh and loved to joke.
“John also loved the sun and loved going on holiday to Spain. He was a real friendly bloke who loved a pint.”