It is very hard to come to terms with the sudden passing of my friend and colleague of 13 years. I will miss the many times that we’d go for a walk just to get out of the office, often ending up in a dingy pub or beer garden for a pint (or three!) and a chat. No matter how busy, he would always make time to help with his shipping knowledge, to listen and give advice as a friend or just to bemoan the latest goings on at our respective football clubs. I will always have fond memories of a trip to Hillsborough with John to see our teams play but always with an agreement that, unless I wanted to walk home, then football would NOT be mentioned in the car if Wednesday lost. Needless to say, it amazed me how many different topics John had in-depth knowledge on for us to discuss on the way back! John was without doubt one of the most intelligent, witty, honest and direct people I’ve ever known, who earned both the respect and affection of all he met. As many people have already commented on here, when we were out together, he loved nothing more than talking about the latest exploits of Bella and Bobby who were his absolute world and brought him so much joy and pride. My thoughts are with them both, and all his family and friends, as they deal with his tragic loss. I’m not sure the full reality of his absence will set in for me until we return to the office and the chair behind me sits empty and my Essex butchery of basic English grammar goes uncorrected by that booming Northern accent. Rest in peace mate.
It is very hard to come to terms with the sudden passing of my friend and colleague of 13 years. I will miss the many times that we’d go for a walk just to get out of the office, often ending up in a dingy pub or beer garden for a pint (or three!) and a chat. No matter how busy, he would always make time to help with his shipping knowledge, to listen and give advice as a friend or just to bemoan the latest goings on at our respective football clubs. I will always have fond memories of a trip to Hillsborough with John to see our teams play but always with an agreement that, unless I wanted to walk home, then football would NOT be mentioned in the car if Wednesday lost. Needless to say, it amazed me how many different topics John had in-depth knowledge on for us to discuss on the way back! John was without doubt one of the most intelligent, witty, honest and direct people I’ve ever known, who earned both the respect and affection of all he met. As many people have already commented on here, when we were out together, he loved nothing more than talking about the latest exploits of Bella and Bobby who were his absolute world and brought him so much joy and pride. My thoughts are with them both, and all his family and friends, as they deal with his tragic loss. I’m not sure the full reality of his absence will set in for me until we return to the office and the chair behind me sits empty and my Essex butchery of basic English grammar goes uncorrected by that booming Northern accent. Rest in peace mate.
