When his friends discovered John had died they had a great deal to say. He touched so many people in so many ways. Here are just a few of their comments in those first few days…

So very kind, a genuine and a lovely guy, put his heart out to people – Wendy

I was proud to know him.

Such a good man – Heather

A great man – Peter

'The man who taught me opera was not just a noise' The story behind this is that some years ago I went to the Shepherds Bush flat to work with John to save him coming into the office (I have a feeling it was when he had broken his toe or some such mishap). As we sat with papers piled on the table, John asked if I would mind him playing some opera (on LP record of course in those days) which he said helped him to concentrate. I couldn't very well say to my boss 'yes, actually, I do!' but in the event I found it a very pleasant background to amending proofs and rewriting copy. Unfortunately, I can't remember which singer we were listening to! - Catherine

The time we worked together was brilliant. He really helped me a lot. John was something special and it’s a sad miss for everyone. I intend to carry on the projects in John's memory and to fulfil the things that John would have loved to see happen. May he rest in peace - Edwin

…such a fantastic friend, I miss him a lot. It still seems unbelievable to think that he is gone… Such a loss, thanks for keeping him alive with these pages - Valerie

Quite remarkable.

He’d had an incredibly successful week with the charity. One of his major projects had just been backed by Crisis.

He seemed so indestructible, with all that he had been through.

An impressive man, it came as a real shock to all of us here. We all miss him - Stuart

John lived his life creatively, with care, and at every new point John chose to focus his attention and efforts. John had a passion for life and a very special place in his heart for his family - Peter

He made a difference to all of us – Don

Lots of people at cardboard citizens will miss him - Eldee

I really loved John, he made a real difference to our work. He'd roll up his sleeves and get stuck in to just about anything we were doing. He was a great guy to have on board - Stefano

I shall miss John greatly. I am glad, however, that I knew him and I will always remember him with great affection - Billy

He was always helpful and supportive of the group – we worked on the magazine together – Frank

I had only known John for a short while and I guess that is as long as anyone had to know him to discover his sense of passion, commitment and justice. His hard work was an inspiration, certainly to me. John you will be surely missed, though your work will carry on - David Cozens (www.hungryandhomeless.co.uk)

We would often sit and chat over a coffee and I found him to be a very gentle, kind and thoughtful man. In all the time I knew John he never boasted of any of his achievements or good deeds and I had no idea they were so vast. What a wonderful human being he was in every respect. I will miss his cheerfulness and bright greetings. May God Bless him - Maggie

Clearly a remarkable person in many ways - Jim and all at Shoreditch Park

I was very sorry to learn of his death. He was someone who, literally, achieved more in one lifetime than many people do in several. I am sure he will be sorely missed - Paddy

Always reminded me of the actor Simon Callow.

…and you can be sure he’ll be arguing with god right now about something or other - Peter

I want a red one! – what John would have said to all of us.

If you knew John then mail us your memories from the 'Contact the family' page.