John and I ‘rediscovered’ each other last summer after a break of 29 years. I am gutted that our ‘new’ friendship has been cut so short. I will always remember him as a quiet and kind form/registration teacher, and a very funny and deeply enthusiastic chemistry teacher. On entering the lab, confronted with an array of equipment for yet another smelly, difficult, organic chemistry practical, my heart would sink, then John would come bounding in, practically leaping all over the whiteboard with excitement! All of a sudden, things wouldn’t seem so bad, my interest would be caught, and I would leave the lab having thoroughly enjoyed my afternoon. I quite simply understood every single word he ever taught. Thank you John.