Legal stalwart John K calls it a day after 48 years in the job

John Krajewski, affectionately known as John K, had just two jobs in his career, spending a total of 48 years working with stockbrokers and solicitors in Sheffield.

He was regularly seen making trips to various offices and the courts with bundles of documents and was well known for his funny phrases and immense generosity.

Sheffield-born John decided not to follow his Polish father’s or uncle’s careers in the army or priesthood and opted to leave school early to join city stockbrokers Christopher Barber and Sons, which later became Barber and Wolstenholme, J W Nicholson, Nicholson Barbers and BWD Rensberg.

He spent 32 years there in the support services as a clerk until he was made redundant in 1999. He joined Wake Smith Solicitors in 2000 after a tip-off from former legal executive Neil Moffatt and was appointed as an administration clerk and retired one month short of 16 years service.

John, aged 65, who lives at Hunters Bar, said: “In 48 years, I only had two jobs. I thoroughly enjoyed both of them. I loved the work and the people. Everyone was very kind to me at Wake Smith but I thought I’d done my share and it was time for a younger person to use the opportunity. I’m looking forward to spending time in my garden now I’ve finished work.”

John’s roles included sorting the post and delivering documents to court and other offices across the city.

John Liversidge, office manager at Wake Smith Solicitors, said: “In those 16 years with us John has grown his reputation for being a jolly fellow, who has always been willing to help, and go about his duties with a smile on his face.

“He had names for various teams and was known by his numerous catchphrases. He was also very generous. He would help anyone and at Christmas would even buy all the staff a Christmas present – a true Father Christmas.

“John was a keen user of Post-It notes having never got to grips with emails.

“He was also a big follower of football, catching up with the weekend’s results on Monday mornings with colleagues and then singing football songs.”