Here is Martin's beautifully heartfelt tribute to John, read out at the farewell service last week.
When Liz asked me to say a few words, honestly I had no idea how I could do John justice in 3 minutes… A lifetime summed up in such a short period of time…
I met John 13 years ago and have been lucky enough to call him a friend ever since.
As Liz mentioned John had many roles in life, father, husband, colleague.
To me was a good friend. But he was more than that… He was the big brother I never had…We’d joke and banter… and famously crossed the line of ‘acceptable’ on more occasions than I can recall. But that was all surface level -
If ever I needed advice - he was there
If ever I needed a shoulder - he was there
And if ever I needed a dirty meme landing on my Whatsapp - he was there
And when I had cancer six years ago (with a newborn), both John and Liz were there and without their support it would have been much more difficult.
I miss John already. And still can’t believe he’s gone.
John had so many characteristics to admire and celebrate:
Hard working
Loyal
Diligent
Fun loving
Friendly
Fair
He was everything I could have hoped for in a friend.
And yes he was a proper Yorkshireman - if you know what I mean *coughs frugal.
He had a get up and go and enthusiasm for life - running a marathon not long before his diagnosis…
I’ll always remember the first visit here - John wanted to climb to the top of the glen, it was late, so I tried to back out… He was having none of it… In fact I think he called me a few different things that all relate to private parts, just to make sure I couldn’t back out.
And so we climbed it…
Right to the top.
Went for miles…
Looking back I’m so glad we did…
That was typical John
And in many years to come when I look back and remember John, it will be the with bitter sweet memories of the time we shared, but also the time that seems to have been taken from us.
At 56 he’d done everything he’d needed to do… But not everything he wanted to… And it’s cruel he’s been taken in a year that he was due to finally hang up his tools. Still he has left an amazing legacy. And left the world a better place because of him being here.
John you will be missed.
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