John was a much respected colleague in Singapore and Athens and a dear friend since we first met over 35 years ago. Unfortunately our peripatetic lifestyles meant our meetings were all too infrequent so one of the joys of retrement has been the chance to see more of him. His erudition, his energy and his enthusiasm meant that time spent with John was never dull. He brought imagination, creativity and drive to the work of the British Council and inspired a joie de vivre wherever he was. Although our lives are diminished by his passing we do have a wealth of happy memories as consolation.