Marquess of Bute’s stepdaughter Jazzy de Lisser posts heartfelt tribute to him following his death
‘I was so lucky to have you as a father’: Marquess of Bute’s stepdaughter Jazzy de Lisser posts an emotional tribute following his death from cancer aged 62, saying the ‘idea of life without you is devastating’
- Actor Jazzy de Lisser, 29, posted the emotional note on Instagram about her step-father following his death at the age of 62 earlier this week
- De Lisser said her step-father had come into her life ‘when we needed you most’ and ‘the idea of life without you is devastating’
- The Marquess, John Crichton-Stuart raced in Formula One under the name Johnny Dumfries and was a close friend of Prince Charles
- His family praised him as a ‘devoted husband, father and brother, loved by all’
The step-daughter of the Marquess of Bute, racing driver Johnny Bute, has written a heartfelt tribute to him following his death, believed to be from cancer, earlier this week at the age of 62.
Actor Jazzy de Lisser, 29, posted the emotional note alongside a series of images of the late Marquess on her Instagram page, saying she and brother Josh were ‘so lucky to have you as a father.’
The Marquess, John Crichton-Stuart, who also went by John Bute, was once ranked 616th in the Rich List and was also a Formula 1 driver who raced under the name Johnny Dumfries.
De Lisser, who is the daughter of the Marquess’ wife Serena, Marichoness of Bute, said he had come ‘into our life when we needed you most.’
Actor Jazzy de Lisser, 29, posted the emotional note on Instagram about her step-father following his death at the age of 62 earlier this week
De Lisser said her step-father had come into her life ‘when we needed you most’ and ‘the idea of life without you is devastating’
Sharing a black-and-white photo of herself and her stepfather, she wrote: ‘You made us whole again, you gave us the most beautiful family, the most wonderful life. You always treated Josh and I as though we were your own. I am so lucky to have you as a father. I always said to you, you were my guardian Angel, and now you really are.’
The 29-year-old added that the thought of life without ‘the strongest man I have ever known’ was ‘devastating’, saying: ‘I can’t thank you enough for everything you did for us, your kindness knew no bounds.’
The Marquess spent much of his time on his namesake Scottish island at his ancestral home, Mount Stuart, and had chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust since 2005. During his racing career he also won the 24-hour race, Le Mans, in 1988 and is a close friend of Prince Charles.
The Marquess, pictured with daughter Lola, was described as a ‘devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather’ in a loving tribute from his family
Last year model daughter Lola (pictured) shared a number of candid photos of her family
His family issued a statement this afternoon describing him as a ‘devoted husband, father, brother, uncle, son and grandfather and loved by all’.
It said: ‘The indomitable spirit and energy which Johnny brought to his life will be greatly missed, and the immense warmth and love with which he embraced his family.
‘His heart was firmly rooted on the Island of Bute where he spent much of his time.
‘Johnny chaired the Board of Mount Stuart Trust from its active inauguration in 2005 when Mount Stuart and its gardens opened to the public, and its rural estate was vested into the charitable trust.
He raced in Formula One under the name Johnny Dumfries in 1986 for the Lotus team alongside Brazilian legend Ayrton Senna
Mr Bute, pictured with wife Serena, Marichoness of Bute, died aged 62 and was praised as a ‘devoted father’
‘He was a moderniser and an inspirational thinker, transitioning a family home to a progressive, working visitor facility and estate.
‘His island projects include the internationally respected Bute Fabrics and, most recently, the Kerrylamont Centre for Rural Excellence and Bute Yard. He was a philanthropist through his foundation, particularly focusing on Scotland and the West Coast.
‘His family request privacy at this time.’
The Marquess, worth an estimated £125million, leaves behind his wife Serena Wendell and four children.
Last year model daughter Lola shared a number of candid photos of her family, including one sweet image of her and her father, writing: ‘Dada, my hero this year and every year.’
Leading the tributes was Grand Tour host Jeremy Clarkson who wrote on Twitter: ‘FFS. Now cancer has got poor old Johnny Bute. So sad.’
And former F1 driver and Sky F1 commentator Martin Brundle added: ‘What the hell is going on, now we’ve lost Johnny Dumfries at 62.
‘A member of our ‘rat pack’ group, full of life and vigour, always with such style. Wonderful man and a fast driver. Condolences to his family.’
Daughter Lady Lola Crichton-Stuart, 20, praised him as a ‘devoted father’ in a statement
Lola shared this family shot of her with her father, whom she called her ‘hero’ to her Instagram followers
Daughter Lady Lola also shared this image ahead of her party with her family to celebrate her birthday last year
Formula One said in a statement: ‘Johnny Dumfries, 1958 – 2021.
‘From a van driver for Frank Williams, to being Ayrton Senna’s team mate, and Le Mans glory, his was an extraordinary life characterised by boundless spirit and energy.
‘We send our condolences to his friends and family.’
One fan lamented on Twitter: ‘Murray Walker just over a week ago, Sabine Schmitz last week and now I’ve just heard that Johnny Dumfries has passed away.
The racer, known as Johnny Dumfries during his driving days, at the wheel of the Lotus-Renault at the Belgian Grand Prix in May 1986
The Marquess of Bute John Crichton-Stuart in 2007 with Prince Charles during a visit to Dumfries House
‘My thoughts are with their friends and families at this time.’
Another added: ‘Only ever raced a single season in F1 but he was still a great driver, 3 world championship points and a Le Mans winner driving one of those legendary Silk Cut TWR Jaguars.
‘RIP Johnny Dumfries.’
The aristocrat also previously owned Dumfries House in Cumnock, Ayrshire, but sold it to Scotland after a consortium headed by Prince Charles in 2007 for £45million.
