Such a joy to have known John and to have spent time with him, a genuinely lovely and gentle man. All our love and thoughts, Ness, Lee, Lilli and Sam x.

Such a joy to have known John and to have spent time with him, a genuinely lovely and gentle man. All our love and thoughts, Ness, Lee, Lilli and Sam x.

What a privilege to bump into John and Sara for the first time at the restaurant in Mondavio. It was the eve of the Brexit referendum. We saw them the next day (and all of us could hardly believe the result). But enough of politics. They invited us to join them for a barbecue at their lovely house in Mondavio. We shall never forget John standing there in charge of the barbecue. Nor our last hug meeting a few weeks ago in Berkhamsted. We count ourselves so lucky to have known John and to know Sara. Such a generous couple. Stephen and Beth

Dear John, truly one of the good guys. Although I had only known John a few years, through playing badminton, his calm and caring ways and slightly wicked sense of humour meant that I felt we had been friends a lot longer. I am unable to attend the funeral but I will be thinking of you all and will raise a quiet glass of Italian red in the evening in John’s honour. The world needs more people like John xxx

When we think of John the first words that come to mind are " John was a lovely man". He was kind, gentle, yet passionate about all human inequality and suffering , finding political and human rights channels to make a difference. John was most loving and attentive to Sara, always protective and concerned for her. He was a very caring and nurturing best mate and an adoring father and grandfather. He would do anything for them all. When we visited Him in Watford hospital afew days before he died we asked how the hospital care had been. Resting on his pillow with eyes shut He immediately responded. " The NHS is under alot of pressure. Everything is fine" This was John his fairness and kindness to all who knew him. We are honoured to have been his friend and will miss and feel his absence.

We were very fortunate to have known John. He was staunchly loyal to his principles and his roots, and his care and devotion to his family and friends never faltered.

John was a very special person. We loved the hospitality we received from John and Sara and it helped that we shared many of their political views. John’s priorities seemed just right and he attached great importance to the things that matter in life. He cared deeply about his family and the world around him.

With his droll Lancastrian humour , John accepted the ups ands downs of Life with equanimity. He was always concerned for the welfare of others , both of his family and those of the wider community. Despite being a long time season ticket holder at Vicarage Road, on being asked to comment on a dreadful run of results by the ‘Orns, his only comment, typically, was “it doesn’t bother me, it’s only a game !

Thank you for setting up this memorial to John. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.