Farewell to John

[tome]

Those of you who knew John, our fine cook on Amaya, will be saddened to hear that he passed away this morning after a short but terminal illness

John became something of a legend on board, serving tasty morcels from the galley in between the main meals of the day. It didn't seem to matter how bare the lockers - he always managed to rustle-up something tasty

Bad weather was no object to him, and he once famously appeared at the companionway hatch with hot drinks and pieces of warm freshly-baked fruit cake during a nasty winter gale. The effect on our morale was immediate, and the comedy of his performance was repeated in many bars long after the event

Always a cheerful sort, with a fair sprinkling of mischief he will be sadly missed by all who knew him. There were many attempts to lure John to other boats, but he stuck with us EBBs where he knew 'what was what'

I had the great privilege of being with him when he eventually jumped ship during the first dog watch of this morning

Tom

 

[graham]

Sad to hear that.I only met John once .Obviously one of lifes great characters.

 

[StugeronSteve]

Sorry to hear this Tom, condolences to you, the EBBs and especially to his family.

 

[paddywackcocker]

Very sad Tom, youve lost a great friend (cook, crew) peaple like that dont enter your book of life very often.
At least he is free now, Condolences
Pat

 

[Sans Bateau]

My condolances Tom, never met the man, but reading your brief biography I'm the all the poorer for not doing so.

 

[Kilter]

Sorry to hear of the loss of a wonderful sounding person.

 

[Cutter]

Well written Tom. Know how much he meant to you. His illness meant he did not linger and I hope you all had time to say your goodbyes.

 

[Talbot]

sincerre condolences. Loss of a true friend is hard.

 

[jimi]

Greatly saddened to hear that Tom.

 

[claymore]

Sad news indeed Tom
condolences

 

[woody001]

Sorry to hear this tom, please pass on my condolances to all.

I have been lucky enough to sail with John once on amaya, I will always remember his potato soup, but more importantly, it wasnt the soup that gave us warmth, it was him.
Iam glad you could be there tom with john when he passed away - I could sense you mean't allot to him.

Rest in peace John,

Simon.

 

[BlueSkyNick]

as the others have said Tom, sincere condolences. i know you were quite close to him and upset about his illness when last in Cherbourg.

no doubt john will soon be cooking his stuff in the great sailing waters up above.

 

[janeK]

Very sorry to hear your loss of a good friend. My condolences to his family and friends.

 

[ChrisE]

Tom,
I've not met you or John but sorry to hear of the loss of your friend.
Chris

 

[Goodge]

My sympathies are with you Tom.

Having recently lost a close friend on Ouzo, I know how difficult a time this can be.

 

[tome]

Thanks to all of you, I'll be happy to pass on your condolences to his family

I really must get around to writing up the story of when John and I were crewing on a Dutch sailing boat which hit and sunk a Portugese fishing boat near Villamoura, leading to the arrest of our boat and crew! I recently discovered some photos...

 

[Whitelighter]

You have my condolences Tom, John sounds like a true gent.

Perhaps now is a fitting time to tell your joint tale - I know we would all enjoy reading it.

 

[tome]

Yes, I'll see what other photos I can unearth to illustrate the story. One of the funniest operas I've ever been caught up in, and I dined out on it for months after my return to the UK

It happened in '83. As I find myself today the sole survivor of the crew, the story should be told

 

[iangrant]

Tom sorry mate - very sad loss indeed.

Lovely Gent, fond memories I'm sure - I'll never forget his valued cooking skills on board Amaya and never did manage to grab him off you though.

Ian

 

[Sybarite]

Very sorry to hear this Tom. Please pass on my condolences to the family.

John