John was a member of the Norton Radstock Lions for 6 years. The other members were appreciative of his quiet contemplative presence at meetings.

John also attended the monthly Lions lunches and enjoyed the lively chatter of a small group, as he did the food, we were always amazed at his appetite, and often teased him about it, which he took good naturedly, but what most people didn’t realise was how physically strong that wiry frame was, it was almost as strong as his mental attitude and determination, and that is what allowed him to live much longer than the medics forecast, sheer determination and positive thinking on his part.

John had two loves in his life, first of course was his wife Elke, whom he was devoted to. His second love was books, and the knowledge he gained from them he was always willing to share at the monthly Lions quiz, where he was welcomed as a member of a team.

It was apt that John’s last outings were to Lion’s events; on the 14^th May he was able to take part in the twinning outings with Chateau Gontier Lions from France, enjoying a boat trip, then a celebratory meal at Camely Lodge. It was heartening to see John, reaffirming friendships with his fellow Lions, who all appreciated his caring unselfish nature, John was the type of person that Charlotte Gray had in mind when she wrote:

 “Human beings who leave behind them no great achievements, but only a sequence of small kindnesses have not had a wasted life.”