At Hillhead sailing club the Freemantle's were "The sailing dynasty". John was an exceptional helm especially in his GP14 Secret. I had the great pleasure of sailing with him in Secret (when he couldn't get anyone else!). Also on Roundabout and Starkers, Mike Rothwell's keelboats. I learnt a lot from him especially his quiet determination and competitiveness when I was a lad. He also pioneered some new classes of boats. The Mirror 14, again I remember he and I had an early outing in it. It seemed such a beast to tame, probably because I was only a whippersnapper of a nipper back then but he had the skills to make it look easy. Funnily enough he never asked me again and made one of the very first Phantom single handers! Clearly thought he'd be better off on his own! Pretty sure he also devised HHSC flagship race... The Triangulation! Great concept race which if its still going Id like to have yet another go at!

He took over and ran the family building company and our paths crossed yet again this time supplying him with materials for his projects. We'd meet every week, generally on a site somewhere or in the office and "do the business" which entailed chat and just as I was leaving he might say that he needed this or that and could I send it over! Always a real pleasure.

I think it was about this time he got into Orienteering. Yet again something he was very good at. We went to a deserted wood near Liphook once and ran around a lot and got jolly tired. Not sure how long John's orienteering career lasted but mine started and finished that day!

He and Carole would also open up their front garden for the Titchfield Carnival with a spectacular spectator terrace where parents and kids would sit "chewing the cud" and watching the brilliance of the locals and the many flamboyant floats that would pass. Fantastic.

John was also a great comfort to me and my family in our time of need when he looked after both my Mum and Dad.

A top bloke for sure and a true Gentleman taken too early. God bless you John!