Hi Jo , Am planning to come out to see you next year , but you have gone and died on me ! Bit bloody inconsiderate mate . Totally devastated. You were the sensible one that was going to be around forever . Buchan , Walpole , Pattendon and I were the support act , you were the man . I see Buck did the eulogy, wish I could have heard it mate . I remember Dr Who , The Black horse Pub , crap cars , shooting the breeze and …….. So, so , sorry I missed seeing you one last time but we were rubbish at keeping in touch . But nothing can take away are brilliant time together . Thank you for sharing your life with me , sleep well my friend , I can’t force you any more , Simon

John, I came up to Papamoa to see you one last time. I am sorry I hadn’t been to visit you when you were still with us. Thank you for your guidance and wise words over the years that I was fortunate enough to know you. Although you probably didn’t know this, you were a father figure to me and I really looked up to you. Yes, I was a rapscallion and did indeed sail close to the wind, but a big part of this was knowing you were there. You kept me on an even keel. Thank you for being my friend. I will miss you sir. Very respectfully Simon