Paris

It was with great sadness that we at World Transplant Games Federation heard of the sudden death of John. He had been a friend of the Games for so long and his character will be fondly remembered by many people from many countries.
Please accept the condolences of the Council of WTGF and be assured that John will not be forgotten in the worldwide transplant family.
Olivier Coustere
President - WTGF

Warrington

I met John in the late eighties. Since the first time I met him I new that we would become good friends. Both having the same sense of humour, both having competeted against each other at the National Transplant Games. The banter, the laughs and memories we had will stay with me forever. Thank you so so much, God Bless you John x

Kendal Physiotherapy Centre (Transplant Games Physio)

I was so sorry to learn of John's sudden death at the weekend and sad not to have learned of it before the funeral on Friday. John was a special character who showed me great friendship and warmth when I joined the team in Japan (2001). I will always remember him wiggling his ears for the Japanese children at the opening ceremony causing great hilarity and giggling amongst the small children. His sense of humour and constant optimism was a great gift and I will miss him greatly. I hope that the memories you have of this special man will be a comfort to you at this time.Very best wishes to you all.

Cheshire

Dear Loretta, only just heard the dreadful and sad news of your loss, and my heart and thoughts are with you and all of the family. I am sure you know that the whole UK Transplant community and the TSAGB members are with you in their thoughts too. John was a man who left his mark with so many people that he met. He will not be forgotten. Kindest regards and deepest sympathy, Neil Parrott

Halifax

I first met John at the World Transplant Games in France. What a lovely man, funny, kind and very caring. It was great to see him every year at the British Games. His name has often been mentioned in our house as all the family got to know him. He will be sadly missed.

Grimsby, N.E.Lincolnshire

John was a amazing man, always joking and helping people out.Once met you could not forget him.He will be sadly missed by everyone.Love to all his family. Gemma xx

Ringwood, Hampshire

It was with great sadness that I read of John's sudden and untimely death.
Since becoming part of the Transplant Games organisation, I came to know John as a man of greath warmth and charm. He was always kind and compassionate and everyone's friend.
He spoke openly of the love and joy he shared with his beloved wife and family and the lovely home he had in Ireland. I know he will be missed more than words can say.
The team from Belfast will miss his presence: we will all miss the laughter which surrounded him and we will cherish the memory of him.

Grays, Essex

What a great man,what a great character. John's smile, jokes and constant mickey taking out of me and everyone else will stay with us all for ever. The love that shone from John was inspirational and I'll be remembering him with the warmest of feelings. Much,much love to all the family. Lizzyxxxxxx

Bolton

John was one of the first people I met when I took part in the transplant games and made me feel welcome straight away, on the last two World transplant games John was always the life and soul, taking time to talk to everyone. John I will miss you laughter.
Dave

Portsmouth

Deepest sympathy on your sad loss. John's welcoming smile will remain in our hearts. Portsmouth Transplant Team

Sheffield, England

Deepest sympathy on your sad loss from all members, past and present, of Sheffield Renal Team.

Addenbrookes Transplant Team

Goobye to a man whose smile and zest for life made hime a memorable figure at all the Transplant Games we have attended. He will be missed by many people but especialy by his proud family.

Hartlepool, England (Freeman Transplant Association)

Great memories of a great person. Showed us new transplants how to enjoy life to the full, especially on our World Games in Kobe and all transplant meets. We've been lucky to meet such a man in our lifetime. Love to all the family. David

Newcastle

A sad time for everyone who knew John. Despite being a regular member of the NI Transplant Team for many years, we only really got to know John properly at the World Transplant Games in Nancy 2003 when he took all of the teenagers to his heart at a time when they were feeling like the new kids on the block as it was the first time they had attended. What an effect he had over them - fun, fun, fun was the agenda and he spent countless hours in the pool with them during those hot days in Nancy. The last time I saw John personally was at the TSAGB meeting in Newcastle in March when he presented the NI-Belfast vision for the WTG proposal for 2011. A passionate proposal, a fantastic man and I smile as I write this as at this meeting, we had a interesting conversation about sheep! I will remember John as a giant irish gentleman who was a friend and confidante to many who always had a smile and a kind word for everyone - a true gentleman. Bless him and kind thoughts to all of his beloved family.
Love Carol and Kaylee XX

Royal Free Transplant Games Team

So sad to hear of his passing. A wonderful man I shall always remember for his fantastic smile and great sense of humour every year at the Games. A real inspiration.

Blackpool

I am so sorry to all of John's famiy and friends after his untimely death. I found him an inspiration and he helped me alot on the swimming front at many a world games....N ireland is a poorer place...thinking of you all

Stafford

Dear Loretta and family
Our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
God Bless

Addenbrookes Transplant Games Team

What can I say other than what a truly wonderful man. John was such an inspiration to me and many others. I will always remember his lovely smile and friendly face. When I used to see John we had a laugh over training, he would ask what training I had done knowing very well I never really did any!! He tried his best to convince me I would improve with training and true enough he was right.He will be missed so much, my thoughts are with Loretta and all the family at this sad time.
BECKY x

Edinburgh

Dear Loretta and family, deepest sympathy on the passing of John. We will remember him always as a lovely, dear, kind and genuine man.
The world will be an emptier place for those who knew him, but remembering him as a man who loved life will keep his memory a happy one.
Our thoughts are with you at this time.
Love Monica and Catherine

Epsom, Surrey

Our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. John was an inspiration and a friend who gave us encouragement friendship and love. We will miss him deeply but continue celebrating the life of a special warm loving man. From John Mackay and Derek Cooney and all at the Charing Cross Transplant Team.

Hammersmith team

I'm really very sad. John was such great fun. In swimming races I always swore at him when I got to the finish to find him already there. The games won't be the same without him. My thoughts are with you Loretta, David and Aoibheann