Dear Pat, Andrew and Sarah and families,

I am so sorry that I cannot attend today to pay tribute and to farewell John.

In our ‘salad days’ of playing at theatre, I treasured John’s friendship and the wonderful conversations, debates and laughter we had over a glass or two of red wine, particularly at a Paul Kelly soiree. Or at the end of a season at the Theatre Royal kicking up our heels at the ‘after parties”. John loved a good party!

As Best Man at our wedding, John took his duties very seriously. It was the first time we got to meet you, Pat and he was quite the gentleman that night, nearly 50 years ago. He remained that way throughout his life.

We got to know you as a married couple and spent many happy times with you over the years, especially when Andrew and Sarah came along. Our two daughters, Kate and Gemma remember backyard barbecues at ours and yours. They asked me to send you their best wishes.

I know Peter is proud and honored to take part in the celebration of John’s life today and to remember all the of the happy times we shared with John.

“You – you alone will have stars as no one else has them. In one of the stars I shall be living. In one of them I shall be laughing. And so it will be as if all the stars will be laughing when you look at the sky at night. And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrows) you will be content that you have known me… You will always be my friend” Extract from The Little Prince, Antoine de Saint-Exupery

Sending my love and best thoughts,

Jan