John Newman Lombard, who died on January 18th at the venerable age of 83, spent more than 40 years in Guinness. He was a big man (in every way) who stood out and who could never go unnoticed. Remarkably well read, with a formidable command of language and a fine memory, he was a raconteur par excellence. Best known during the 20 years from 1955-74 when his headquarters were in Dublin, he also knew the country inside out, serving, before becoming Chief Representative, in Cork, Galway, Limerick and Waterford. Subsequently he became Eastern Regional Manager of Guinness Group Sales.
He loved "the pint" and often" waxed lyrical regarding the sacred ritual of producing it, to the extent that he earned the sobriquet "High Priest of the Pint". His criterion of correct behaviour was illustrated by his advice: "Always remember there is a little Lord Iveagh sitting on your shoulder observing your every activity." While he himself was a model of integrity, he was never "square" and when the job demanded it could roister with the best.
Well known and respected, not only by his colleagues but also by many friends and customers in trade and commerce, he was greatly missed when he retired in 1974. All his friends now mourn his passing and extend deepest sympathy to his sons, John, Stephen and Martin and their families.