John was a warm, caring and compassionate man. He was the COO of HarperCollins Publishers UK for five years until 2006. He had a sharp business brain, a wonderful sense of fun, and an innate sense of the right thing to say or do. He was a loving and much loved family man. He was diagnosed with MND three years ago. Throughout his illness he displayed great courage, dignity and determination. He was much sustained by his deep faith. He was hugely admired and respected by everyone who knew him and he will be greatly missed by all of us.