Antoinette
It is with great sadness that I am writing this. It was in early 1994 that I first met John, when I moved from the West of Ireland to a hot & sunny Texas!
He was an instant friend and I have very fond memories of my time in Texas, the warm welcome in his home for me & subsequently my husband & child. He loved to hear the stories of my adventures in travel & of home. I know that my mother who visited Texas many times, loved to meet John, considered him a true friend of the family & really enjoyed his company & always felt reassured that someone like John was looking out for her 'little girl' so far from home.
Our friendship continued long after I moved to the UK & would always welcome us back with a warm hug & a cold beer !! Michael marvelled at his 'two-beer' burgers & I loved meeting John & Barbara in Pappasitios for a jug of real Texan margaritas!
Whatever the occasion, he loved to get involved & we will all miss his presence, as any trip to the Woodlands would not be the same without him.
He was a true Texan & it was a privilege to have known him & count him as one of our friends.
With every condolence to Barbara,
Antoinette, Michael & Milo - Oakham, Rutland, UK