We met John in the early Seventies  through mutual friends and then became Social Members of HHSC. We also had good times with John's Family through his Dad, Doug and The Vannes Twining Club.

This developed into a Special Friendship lasting over 40yrs, with Holidays, Weekends Away and so many other events. John was also involved in the Design and then the Building Work at our Care Home in Hill Head.

John was Kind and Considerate and He had a lovely Sense of Humour. 

I have special memory of this from when in 1990 I was building a New Fireplace at our House in Anker Lane.  John visited a few times while the work was carried out and seemed to take an unusual interest in the Fireplace Construction.  Being John, He was quiet but clearly showing some concern. 

I eventually asked why and he replied "Geoff, The Fireplace will not Work".  I was sure all was OK and to prove my point I invited John and Carole to attend the "Opening of the Fireplace Ceremony.  I gave Carole the Honour of Cutting the Red ribbon that I had put in place.  I then lit the fire. Within a minute or two the newly decorated room was full of Thick Smoke and I was battling to extinguish the Fire.

That done I turned around to see John re-enter the Smoke Filled Room.... Wearing a WW2 Gas Mask ..with Goggles and All !!.

A Wonderful " Told You So" from John.   What a Memory .

Elaine and I send Heartfelt Condolences to Carole, Kate, Elizabeth and all John's Family.

PS With Christmas approaching I won't mention the events leading to John's present of a Well Wrapped Airbrick at Xmas 1986.