I first met John aka Ruck, aka Stretch in the early 80's. Within minutes I knew I had just met an individual that was totally unique, in the best way possible. John was a gentle soul that one rarely comes across. A person who makes your life better just by knowing them. So many stories to tell, but my fondest memory is when I had just bought my first house in Penrose, which had a large rear garden. John wanted a place to stay and was saving money to buy some land. So, what in retrospect turned out to be shack number one, was created. John sank posts into the ground and built his shack, not too far from my back door as he needed bathroom access. Living with John, at that house, was a fantastic time that many other friends shared. We even held a Home Brewer's Competition outside his shack during that time. Many fond memories... God bless you John.

Back in the 1980s john and me lived in Auckland.one night we decided to go the city for a night out . For the night out john wore a long sleve shirt,jeans with oil stains ,a big leather belt and a pair of socks..no shoes..just socks. After being turned down by several pubs over the socks ,lack of shoes issue we stumbled upon the very posh sheraton hotel.who i think recognized john for the eccentric genius that he was and welcomed us with open arms. John had no time for victorian morality,dress codes,or social etiquette...john was john. I learnt so much from him and thank him for his time with us.