I first met John in the 1980s when I was a Home Beat Police Officer, serving at Whetstone Police Station, North London, where he was the 'garage man', with responsibility for all the police vehicles there. At this time, John lived with his parents at Mays Lane, Barnet. John suffered physical handicap from birth, but never complained of the difficulties he endured. I shared many cups of tea and interesting chats with John and my other colleagues at Whetstone. My family have a particular memory of John when he turned up unannounced one Christmas, whilst we were enjoying a light supper. He was invited to join us at the table, where, repeatedly, he announced, "Nice bit of brie, Cymf." Don't think there's anyone who was present who can partake of brie without thinking of John. John's boating buddy, Alan, with whom John later shared his home in Rochester, tells me that neither John, nor he, had moved into the age of information technology. I may be the only one of John's friends who join this tribute. I have fond memories of John as a stalwart of my working environment, and have retained contact more recently only by Christmas cards, as the path of our lives parted company. Alan tells me that, following a fall from his bed, two weeks earlier, and in his presence, John passed away peacefully in hospital.