In my memory J R will always fit the image of the essential Englishman.
He stood for all that was decent, respectable, honourable, and he expected the same in return from all others.
In his later years he would have felt let down and betrayed by the pillars of society. The leadership of the country, the Banks, the Judiciary, the Church.
He could be scathing in his criticism, his disappointment and his humour directed at the establishment.
Things were just not the way he would like them to be, or the way they used to be.
But his humour shone through and he was always good company.
He enjoyed a game of golf.
He came to Ireland to visit us when our son John and his daughter Jacqui decided to get married.
I think he came to check us out.
He and I went for a game of Golf at a small Club near Newry.
J R had all the gear; golf shoes, grey slacks, bright yellow sweater, the glove and a well stocked bag of clubs.
He cut a fine image. He looked every bit the part.
He teed up, hit the ball hard, first time..... But hooked it to the right where there was a small outcrop of rock just lying in wait.
I can still hear the crack as his ball hit the rock.
We had to duck as the ball came screaming back at us, over our heads and landed about 3 feet from the hole on the 18th behind us.
JR uttered his usual expletive, reserved for such occasions....."CHRIST"
He observed the scene, checked that there weren't too many people around.
Then he calmly picked up his putter, walked over to the 18th green, holed the ball, announced that was about enough for today and suggested we head for home.
We will all miss J R.
I know that Jac and Al and all his grandchildren will deeply miss him in their own individual ways.
He loved them all dearly.
He had so much more to give.
JR has left the stage of life too soon.
Much, Much, Too Soon.
Gerry Quinn.