I was a junior technician when John returned from Japan in 1973. John’s brilliance as an academic attracted excellent financial support for his projects and he carried his commitment to his work through to his staff. His amazing ability to encourage and develop those around him by never making people feel awkward or inhibited when learning produced a very strong, happy and committed team, in addition to benefiting many students. These qualities were to manifest on a much larger scale which I will mention later but before I do, I would particularly like to tell you a lovely story which occurred when John, having discovered that a pregnant member of his team was ineligible for maternity pay, telephoned the University’s administration. “Hello, my name is Coote, are you the person dealing with maternity pay administration?” “Yes, how can I help you?” “I’m telephoning on behalf of a member of my team who’s failed to qualify for maternity benefits because she didn’t inform you that she was pregnant within the period you stipulate.” “I’m afraid in that case, we’re unable to assist her.” “She’s currently 16 weeks pregnant, are you suggesting that she wasn’t pregnant during the period you stipulate she should have applied?” “I’m sorry, I don’t see the relevance of your question”. “Well she had to be pregnant during the notification period so surely she should qualify for the benefits?” “I’m sorry doctor but it doesn’t work like that”. “Well if she wasn’t pregnant during the period laid down, are you suggesting she became pregnant at 16 weeks via divine intervention?” “I really don’t see the relevance of your point, she doesn’t qualify for any maternity benefits.” “Would you mind telling me where you’re speaking to me from?” “Well, I’m in the Personnel Department Dr Coote.” “Oh yes, I know that but where exactly are you?” “In the department on the main campus.” “Yes, yes, I know that but where is your office located?” “Well it’s adjacent to the lift on the first floor, why do you want to know?” “Because I’m going to visit you right now and stick the telephone you’re holding right up your ……” Needless to say John’s commitment and intolerance of petty bureaucracy produced a satisfactory result.
I moved to Pembrokeshire in 1978 and John was my best man when Jane and I married in 1979. I visited the Medical School soon after John had been appointed to Head of Department. I walked up the steps to the first floor and stood looking at the staff board, almost in tears. Instead of the previous hierarchical list everyone’s picture and name was displayed in alphabetical order. I wandered into John’s offices and after we’d chatted for a while John took me to meet the staff at coffee time. As we walked into the corridor a technician approached us and asked John a question, addressing him as John. After he’d gone, I turned and said to him “It’s John now is it?” (As opposed to Prof) and he smiled in the knowledge that I was in for a further surprise: the three common rooms had been amalgamated into one, freeing up valuable space for research and importantly all the staff, whatever their rank, the opportunity to fully integrate; the atmosphere was quite fantastic. Under John’s leadership, the department was growing and notably it was attracting some impressive people and achieving excellent results.
John benefited mankind immensely through his work and those who knew him are all better off for his friendship. However, his dedication to his work and his staff was completely surpassed when it came to his family for whom his devotion was unconditional. Sue was the love of his life and the family they created will have the best memories of us all.
Thank you John.