I worked for British Waterways and then CRT for 37 years and it would have been impossible not to have encountered John at some point. He was of course very passionate and would challenge us on occasions, but he was always fair and offered a very balanced perspective on our performance. It was always good to see a smile behind the magnificent grey Beard, John was obviously a trendsetter as he was ahead if the game with the 'designer beard'!

He will be missed and I was really disappointed that I only found out after his funeral.

Peter Moore