There isn’t a lot more I can say about John thats not already been posted in his remembrance  book, other than John was a remarkable individual whose work ethic and commitment to railway safety has now left a significant void in the industry upon his passing. I had the privilege (although at the time I didn’t realise it!) of encountering John during a supplier approval audit for wheelset overhaul, many years ago. The audit involved a multitude of experts, that John had drafted in, including Dave Barson. The aftermath of this audit resulted in approximately 23 corrective action requests being issued. Despite this, John, being the consummate professional he was, offered me invaluable guidance and assistance in addressing and closing out all the requests, within just a few weeks. His honesty and unwavering dedication earned my utmost respect. Our paths crossed several times in the years that followed, and he always made time for a friendly chat and a good laugh. My heartfelt condolences go out to John’s family during this difficult period. …

I first encountered John at the engineering link in the 1990’s, later working alongside him there and at AEAT Rail and later on under contract to him during his time at RSSB. John always liked to rope me in on product audits to provide technical support particularly where power equipment and transmissions expertise was required. A memorable series of product audits which spring to mind was a quite detailed study of the supply chain for Class 91 driveline which took us to some far flung corners of the UK. As others will testify, his rather zealous approach to his work did not always endear him to folk but I am pleased and honoured to recall that we seemed to ‘hit it off’ from the very start. He was very knowledgeable, a pure professional and very focussed on getting the job done. I found that some audits at third party sites could be difficult and quite adversarial at times. However, it was always reassuring to know that John as lead auditor always ‘had your back’ – no question. I am very saddened to hear of John’s serious illness and at his passing and will miss his friendship, drive and dry …

JB I will treasure your sense of humour, experience, expertise and determination to always do the right thing by the railway. Above all I will remember your steadfast friendship. At work at times you could be stubborn and awkward but that was always motivated by the determination not to compromise on doing what was right….a trait that we can all learn from! Outside of work we forged a great friendship which I shall miss. As Bri commented your were our social secretary for good evenings of food, wine and convivial company.  Sadly all this was cut short by your illness which denied you many years of a well earned and happy retirement but you will live on in our hearts and memories. …

  My sincere condolances to John’s family. I first met John over 40 years ago and have had the pleasure of working closely with him on many occasions since then. I found him to always be very knowledgible, helpful, supportive, respectful, and polite …. even on a few  occasions when we were each batting for potentially opposing teams! I believe that John always strived to achieve what was best for the industry he served and I know that he was very infuentual in his sphere of specialist expertise. Working with John over the years, and discussing various potential problems and issues with him, has taught me a lot. He will certainly be missed by myself and by many in the railway industry. …

I had worked with John during my early days at RSSB for one of the cross-industry groups. He was very helpful and knowledgeable. RIP John. We will miss you.  …

All my memories of working with John are ones of both of us laughing. He had a sharp dress sense and a sharper sense of humour and I consider myself lucky to have known him. RIP John, you are so very missed. …

You were such a joy to work with at Heritage Trains Risk Group, always so helpful, friendly and insightful. We’ll miss you and thank you for everything.  …