Our all too few encounters with John were always illuminating and rarely boring, reflecting his wide ranging experience and knowledge of countries and cultures. His hospitality and friendship were highly valued. We owe him a debt of gratitude for sharing his considerable knowledge of fine wines with us, and although his enthusiasm for classical music fell on deaf ears, his abiding interest in the fortunes of Ipswich Town Football Club always interested and amused us. We are sure his absence will diminish our lives, especially when we are in Greece.