I knew John from primary school, he was the class clown, always funny and always in trouble for it. We lost contact when we went to secondary school, I next saw John more than 20 years later, both working at the hospital, there he was walking up the corridor, bold as brass, he looked at me and I looked at him and there was recognition! John was one of life's truly good people, a great childhood friend and the nicest guy you could ever meet. My condolences go out to John's family. R.I.P John, the world is not so bright with you gone.

30 years i knew John, growing up together so i have lots of happy memories, from him winding up the form tutor at school to playing football in the park, at the sea bathing and Jacky Bakers. Going to youth club on a friday night and being made to go to church on a sunday morning. The parties we went to in the mid eighties were truly memorable. Sharing the same taste in music we went to the unforgettable 'Madstock' gigs in Finsbury park and saw Paul Weller at the Winter Gardens in the nineties. Many a night was spent at the Birchington United Services club trying to 'get lucky' but we both failed miserably!. I don't know why but we went to night classes to learn German both of us failing but it was a good laugh. In recent years we haven't been so close but still swapped texts and phone calls. The last time we spoke was in the middle of March after John had given my number to a customer at work who needed some decorating doing. When i met the chap he asked me if me and John were related. Thats not the first time i've been asked that. How could we be? he had more hair than me!. John was a great mate and i'll miss him dearly. Deepest sympathy for Mrs Clarke and family. R.I.P. John from you mate Neil