Funeral Eulogy
A year ago John found out that he had a brain tumour. His very first comment once we were on our own was “I’ve had a good life.” From then on he faced everything with amazing positivity.
And in so many ways his life was so good:
He was a son who tested his parents - and brothers - with a rebellious streak that could annoy and infuriate. But he did plenty to make them proud.
He was a lifetime Scouter, from being a Cub, through to Cub Leader, to Campsite Warden at Colgate. This was always about helping others to experience new things and never about badges and attaining awards.
He was a husband, completely loyal and dedicated to giving his family security and the chance to have fun. Never about the best material things but fantastic holidays and family time.
He was a Dad, the sort you could rely on to be there when you needed him: as a roadie for your band, transport for the arcade machine you bought, support for your business, and encouraging the life decisions you made.
Then a Grandad, trying always to be fun. Playing Grandad football, pushing buggies into trees, reading stories in funny voices, and always finding sweets or chocolate to share.
He did work hard over the years but never with the ambition to do more than what he knew he was good at. His work colleagues let him be himself, helping him when office procedures and protocol would interfere with the important business of writing computer programs.
He had always been happy with a few close friends. Whether that was those from his days in Croydon, or those from here in Horsham, sharing chat and a few beers was the best way to relax in his opinion.
In fact Johns happiness was simple to achieve - spaghetti bolognese on a Thursday, roast dinner with a glass of wine on a Sunday - but mostly being with family.
I hope that we can all remember to be as positive about life as he was, and to put fun and love at the top of our wish list.
Trish
25th March 2021
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.
Sent by Freeman Brothers on 02/03/2021
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.
Extract from a poem by Henry Scott Holland