John passed away on 15th July 2013 on his 63rd birthday, exactly a year and a half after retiring. He loved deeply and lived life to the full. Carpe Diem! Ratty said (and John agrees): "There is NOTHING - absolutely nothing - half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." John was a passionate supporter of the RNLI and greatly admired the bravery of the crews.