I am hoping that I do not over step the mark when I call myself one of John’s old friends. H had so many it is hard to be sure it is valid to number oneself among them, I wish I had had the nerve to ask him!. When I first met him, 35 years ago, he was broad and indescribably beautiful, with a glossy beard plus thick, kinky black hair. A bit like Cat Stevens wished he could be …. THE model of all that was attractive. He was destined for the top, we knew. But life pays tricks on us. And some how John never got was seemed to be his birth-right. When I first met him in the full flush of vibrant virile youth he had fallen deeply in love and a child was to be born. Without a second thought John took on the role of father and provider. He used his native wit then as ever to find a means of supporting his precious, precious child and wife…I remember how assiduously he read and understood the nuances of sales and the technicalities of hi-fi, cameras etc., all completely new to him. As time passed and, possibly, because he realised the business output did not equate to his input he began to study Marxism…and became an intimidating, expert student. He was an absolute sponge for knowledge and understanding, so responsive, eager and able. Finally, he began to operate as an individual and wended his way through a tough and very unforgiving world in a very individual way. The Frank Sinatra song could have been written by him…..So many people in his position, doing the same jobs might have been viewed with something approaching contempt by those around him…but not John or JC as he came to be known. Everyone who met him could sense his keen mind. Times Crosswords, ten minutes - max.. Humbug or bullshit - 10 seconds, max. Laughter was the musical accompaniment to his life. Whilst his wit could be vicious John had a kind streak broader than most peoples’. When I first met him he was working with disabled children at Chailey Heritage. When he used his wit it was a challenge as in fencing to those he felt should be able to return in equal measure…….In a way an insult from John was a compliment- his wit was never used against anyone he did not feel should be able to defend themselves. When you met him it was best to be on your mettle and that was just one of the things that made knowing him so great. He was always on form, always ready to see and ridicule the ridiculous in you or others. Seeing John meant it was time to wake up and pay attention to what you were saying and thinking. It was time to spend being really alive. That’s why it is so hard to imagine he is gone. John was not just a wit. He responded to life fully and with great intensity. I remember when he returned from a spell in Poland where he had worked as a EFL teacher. He was on the verge of a nervous breakdown, so deeply had he listened to the stories he heard there about the experiences people had had/endured during the Second World War. He had great empathy, these weren’t “stories”, these were lives lived and horrific experiences survived. John must have eased some very heavy burdens by his assiduous, respectful listening. Another time I met him when he had spent quite a bit of time in Portugal. He has fallen totally in love with the country and showed me a book of photographs. It was truly stunning, the variety and awesome beauty. John, despite his great verbal dexterity let the pictures do the talking, simply agreeing “It is a beautiful country.” He love was apparent by the timbre of his reply and the silence… John was passionate person. A clever person. A constant person too: his son and all those close to him knew that if you asked him for help he would deliver it, with intelligence perseverance and sincerity. My only regret is that I didn’t get the chance to spend more time with him, know him more – but he was a popular bloke – it was necessary to form an orderly queue…. Those of us who met him know are glad we did. Those who were loved by him should be proud. John cast light and laughter. I won’t forget him. I will certainly give money to the fund that will do research into the terrible disease that took him away. I know John wouldn’t have relished getting old, but any of us that get the opportunity for that experience would have liked him there .He would have kept it real. God speed John whereever your next destination is. I wonder if we shall meet again? You enriched my life and I thank you for that. Sorry if this has been a bit blubbery. I read the pieces from James and Theresa and they are so dignified…..my out pouring feels a little out of place. But I am a big believer in the Buddhist concept that people are here for 40 days more … and this is just some of the stuff I wish I’d said before. A fair wind friend. Thanks for all the fish Joan