I only got to know John in the latter years of his life but soon realised and appreciated what a fantastic and varies life he led. We often used to chat on the train up to London and I found him so fascinating I persuaded him to let me interview him for SEnine magazine. We also lived near to each other, our gardens backing onto each other. John was a lovely man, always happy and engaged in his love of stamps. It was also clear how much he loved his family including having his grandchildren living nearby. He will be sadly missed but he lived life to the full.