I first met John some 22 years ago after Tina and I started dating. John immediately made me feel welcome in the family. I will never forget going round with Tina to Maxine's home in Stannington, to watch a movie with them. John was the best role model as a man, father and friend. I have never met anyone so generous, kind and strong hearted. He never lost his wicked sense of humour. The last time I saw him he was thinking of others despite his own suffering - tidying up in the garden of the care home. God bless John. I hope to see you again, one fine day.

Such sad news. I’m sorry I can’t be there tomorrow to pay my respects to such a fantastic man. I have very fond memories of playing rugby with John at Tigers and had the pleasure and honour of being captained by him and then captaining the team in which we played. Both on and off the pitch he was a superb individual. Hard as nails when playing but a gentle giant and a proper good laugh off the field. He will be sadly missed.

I met John while we were all over on contract in India. We actually met for the first time on a boys weekend to Dubai for the rugby 7’s. There seems to be a common thread with rugby and John being an immense guy with an immense personality to boot. Since that first encounter we shared many great walks, beers and conversation. As well as a few more trips where the families were included. John had a great sense of humour and had time for everyone, young and old. You are truly missed my friend! “Always a pleasure, never a chore” RIP John

I first met John as an opponent in 7-a-side rugby tournaments; strong and fast and frustratingly, for those playing against him, he had an unrelenting commitment to make the tackle and win the ball. John was the classic rugby player, he would completely clean you up in the tackle, then pick you up - sometimes literally, dust you down and be the first to find you in the bar afterward to buy you a pint. After finishing university, I stayed in Sheffield and joined John at Tigers, it was the start of the club's long purple patch of steady improvement and John was the cornerstone on which that success was built. He was a great player and an inspiring captain but most of all I remember an honest, gentle, warm man with a great heart - I'm desperately sorry to hear of your passing John.

John was the kind of friend everyone hopes to find in their lifetime but few ever do. His company was something special and something I will always treasure. He had a heart bigger than most and a spirit that was as dependable as the sunrise. If you needed help no matter how big or small the task John was always the first to offer a hand without hesitation.  It’s hard to put into words just how much he meant to me and to all those whose lives he touched. John wasn’t just a friend he was the kind of person who made the world a better place simply by being in it. His kindness, his willingness to help anyone in need and his unwavering loyalty were qualities that are all too rare these days. John’s absence will leave a void that can never truly be filled. The world feels a little emptier without him in it but I will carry his memory with me always. Rest in peace my friend. You left us far too soon but your impact on our lives will be felt forever.

A gentle and kind giant of a man .Shared holidays, cricket matches , , cycle rides and walks .An irreplaceable friend .

Thank you for setting up this memorial to John. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.