John Burkinshaw, Mr Burkinshaw, Mr B, Johnners, Burko, and my fave and that of many others was simply to call him JB.
There were others of course, his official title was Head of Transformation. He sometimes introduced himself as the Head of Fun, and on a few occasions I'd remind him that he was more likely the Head of Blame.
However we addressed or referred to John we all had our personal preference and reason and these represented how we felt about John and the wonderful working relationships we each forged with him.
He made me chuckle one day, calling as he would do out of the blue announcing that 'today I am identifying as Invisible' We agreed that his pronouns for the day should be Who / Where.
For so many he was a wonderful colleague, I'd worked with him for over 2 decades, we went on to become great friends. John was well respected at work, bright, articulate and great fun. Above all, he was kind.
It was his sharp whit, sense of fun and a nose for mischief that connected with me most, connected with many in fact.
Reading the tributes to John over recent days via his Facebook page I laughed out loud at one colleagues recollection, they'd approached John at his desk one day and there he was sat bold as brass with his feet up on the desk. A pose I think many of us can recall and as I think of those times and smile I can easily picture that moment and see him smiling back.
John was my confidante, we shared so much over the years and rarely did a day go by without a message / phone call or two. Most of the time, about nothing in particular, just general chit chat and nonsense passing between two muppets on the balcony. We'd see what rumours were doing the rounds and if it was a particularly slow day on the that front then john was more than happy to start a few.
The more you knew him, the more you realised there was always something developing in John's brain, and as he said many times - most of it, Nigel, is lurking there rent free for some reason.
We are grateful for the extra year you found John, and have admired your sheer determination, strength and faith. A wonderful colleague and a fabulous friend.
God bless.
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