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The number of people here today, some of whom have travelled from as far as the UK, bear testimony to the special friendship that John shared with so many people. To his many friends, John was always the catalyst; the one who kept contact, who arranged the parties and pulled people together. He enjoyed boundless energy and enthusiasm. He was a genuinely funny guy and a born entertainer. He could play the clown but retain his sense of absolute integrity. We all know John as a compulsive house renovator. The Whiffen treatment normally consisted of much knocking down, building up, more knocking down, more adding on - all followed by numerous coats of brightly coloured paint. In John's eyes there never was a house built that couldn't be knocked into shape - and there was never any such thing as 'finished'. The depth and breadth of John's leisure activities are a measure of his immense energy. John was not only a committed Toastmaster, but he was also a footballer, cyclist, scuba diver, fly-fisherman, 4x4 enthusiast, runner, swimmer, white water rafter, snow skier and occasional golfer, tennis player, horse-rider and skydiver. But he wasn't just a sportsman and outdoor enthusiast. He was an avid lover of antiques, particularly art deco and fine china. He also wrote articles for Men's Health, and would devote much of his private time to training and mentoring aspirant Toastmasters. Languages were another challenge he took up with his customary vigour. He tried his hand at Greek, Italian, Afrikaans, French and Zulu. Of course, these normally coincided with various love interests - but he just loved to reach out to people. He had a passion for travel. Friends here today have had the immense pleasure of John as a travelling companion on snow skiing trips to Austria, Colorado and even the Eastern Cape. We've seen a World Cup in France and run with the bulls in Pamplona. We travelled all over South Africa to watch England play cricket and rugby and to watch the British Lions beat the Boks. We've been to Cape Town for the Argus, white water rafting down the Zambezi and the Tugela, scuba diving in Mozambique and fly-fishing in Dullstroom. We've heard BB King in New York, Sting in London and jazz in New Orleans. Together we've seen the art deco buildings in Florida and the galleries and museums of London and Paris. He was an active supporter of worthy causes. He'd collect and deliver Christmas presents to underprivileged kids at Baragwanath and raise funds for HIV Aids relief. He was even a supporter of the occasional lost cause. Everton FC springs to mind. He kept his mind and body fit but also took time to explore his spirituality. Many of you may be unaware that he came very close to death several years ago during an operation on his knee. We believe that this experience spurred him on to delve into religion and get more in touch with the future beyond this world. But John was more than just the sum of his parts. He was a larger than life character who possessed a rare compassion. He gave willingly of himself and always made time for others. He was a caring, kind and an unselfish friend and confidant. He didn't have kids of his own, but he was much loved as a godfather, uncle and big brother to our kids, as well as his nieces and nephews. He was liked by everyone and loved by most. Although it is hard to accept at the moment, we all know that this bitter sense of loss will subside with time. We will be left with his unique gift to us - a lifetime of special memories of a truly great guy and an extraordinary friend. |
Tributes to John
