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As with the loss of most close friends, I really can't take this latest news in. In the last six months we have lost three of the highest calibre re-enactors in the UK and probably the world with regards to the War Between the States. All three; Bill, Steve and now John were all well known both in Europe and America where their reputation and impression was a fine example to fellow Living Historians.

Like many, I have known John for many years and he has always been there while I have been in the hobby, offering inspiration, help and sensible advice. John really was the person that had actually been there and done it before. With SoSkan he was amongst the first to trial many things within our hobby, most of which we now take as granted such as campaigning, drill and even the arms we now carry.

As Patrick puts it, he was one of our "doers" in not only arranging civilian camps and advising on matters both military and civilian of which he had an immense amount of knowledge. I wonder how many progressive re-enactors would have got going without John's foresight and hard planning of events such as the famous Yardley's - myself included. I wonder how different SoSkan might have been had John won the vote for chairman several years ago when he persuaded me to campaign alongside him?

What I for one will miss most of all other than his friendship is the sensible head on his shoulders. You only have to look back through the forums to see how many potential 'hot potatoes' John had calmed by offering a balanced and educated opinion. For me, I always thought of John in the same light as the 'Village Elder.' When you wanted a definitive answer, you went to John. Best of all, John had a way of putting it across without causing offence and without any egotism. Over the years, John and I would spend many hours just catching up, both over the phone and around the campfire. Even the miles didn't matter. He and Anna took us in and looked after Kim when we traveled to the states to visit too. But you wouldn't expect anything else from him, or those closest to him would you?

The world is short of truly wonderful people like John, the Living History movement will have a very large hole in it, one that will be difficult to fill. For me and many others, it never will.

Our thoughts are with Anna, Nathan and all his family.

Keith & Kim.