Dear John, It was really nice knowing you. We were just getting to know you better and we were looking forward to seeing you next summer. Unfortunately that will not happen and we can only cherish precious memories of you. You were such a kind man full of life experience and we will miss you so much. At least we were among those people who were lucky to meet you and spend some time with you. Rest in peace and may the angels watch over you because you are now one of them. Nenad and Nela, Serbia

John, our dear friend, We are missing you and we will always miss you. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts. Rest in peace. Brana and Sasha

John, you and the others took me in as a housemate when I was a naive student just turned 19. The years that followed at the Norfolk St "headquarters" with you, Colin, Andrew et al were a lot of fun and a crucial, formative period of my life. In all our escapades yours was the voice of common sense and decency. I have always greatly valued your friendship and will forever remember how important you have been to me. You're gone but you'll never be forgotten.

Dear John, Your sudden passing shocked us all.  Our friendship over the years, catch up's with Ksenija and you in Auckland and Serbia was always a joy and will be greatly missed and cherished in our hearts.  You became famous in Belgrade, when they interviewed you on TV expressing gratitude for your diligent work taking care of a park where children, including your grandson Luka, played.  You became famous in Auckland news too, but sadly not for a good reason. Your passing saddened many hearts. May angels look after you. Rest in peace. Our condolences to your loving wife Ksenia and family.  Snezana & Jovan

Dear John, I was so lucky to live with you and Nina for 2 years while I was in New Zealand! We became family, my New Zealand family that I could always count on and felt so welcomed! You helped me to learn English, although Nina always had to translate you but I felt so happy that at the end of 7 year I could talk to you properly! This photo was of my birthday where you got me that special handmade bag, I would tell everybody in Brazil that I got from my kiwi “dad”. You were always so kind to me! I have such beautiful memories of our ski trips together, our dinners listening to beautiful songs sang by you and Nina… you will be very missed! I am sure you are in a much better place than us and are teaching kiwi English up there! Nina, your heart will heal soon with the beautiful storY and memories you both built together! I send you all my love!

John, my dear friend, Thank you for being a part of my life. I will miss our discussions, on literature, politics, life... You made me a better person. Goran

I admired John during the adventures we had on our freedom camping trips. The hills he took us over, the bush walks & outdoor living. One trip I'd arrived late afternoon, wasn't prepared for a squal coming thru during the night. Tent totally blown over. Raining & still windy John didn't appear to judge the lady who asked if he'd please help to get the centre pole of my intergenerational canvas tent up again. Swapping Christmas cake, weaving kete, body surfing ... awesome memories You'll be greatly missed. Praying for your family Arohanui

To my friend John, I hope you and Ksenija come visit us this summer up North and spent nice time together like always. The memories we have created together will always be in my heart.I will mis you . Rest in peace. Blanka

It is so hard to believe that you left us… I was looking forward to seeing you up North soon. You will be very missed. Much love to your whole family, and specially to Ksenija. She will need a lot of strength to learn to walk without you. You were such a great team with so many adventures still ahead of you. I will drink rakija in your name tomorrow. Rest easy.

Still shaken by the news, today we are recounting the good, jovial times we spent with you and Ksenjia. Wishing you a good journey to heaven and hoping you find eternal peace. Your memory will forever remain in our hearts

To our dearest John, the memories we have created together will always be cherished in our hearts. You were the first person to hug our boy Nikola when he was born. Ksenija and you let me in your home and in your hearts when I needed it the most. In your beautiful home I have found joy,happines,love, understanding and a worm hand to help me. The smell of Rakija under our windows we always remember me of how fun it was to live under the same roof and spend Xmas together. Thank you from bottom of our hearts for all the love ypu gave us. We will miss you so much. Rest in peace Jelena,Zoran,Nikola and Natalia Ilic