May 13, 2021
May 13, 2021
As John's niece, first born to his sister Yvonne. My mother and two younger brothers would holiday each year in June/July at Granny and Oupa's beach house on the Bluff. John and Eileen - newly married would sometimes spend weekends there. I remember John snorkeling and diving for fish. He loved being in the ocean. (One time when I stayed with John and Eileen at their Umdloti beach house, John picked a whole bunch of mussels off the rocks, and prepared them so I could take them on the plane back to Cape Town to share them with my husband Michael.)
I also remember him tinkering with engines - a scooter he was fixing up on the drive way - with Eileen's help (I think Mandy has a photo of this). Later on I remember him fixing an old Corvette with little Ian peering over the engine and helping his dad.
He just love big family gatherings - friends were family too - and John was always the life and soul of the party. And yes those naps, I often remember him fast asleep after lunch on the stoep or lawn.
My memories of John and Eileen together have had a lasting impression, of a gorgeous power couple - a loving force to be reckoned with - Lubex and Just Looking! Uncle John your enthusiasm for life, and incorrigible sense of fun have been an inspiration. (Even though you would sometimes drive your sister Yvonne mad, she loved you so much.) You are forever in my heart.
I also remember him tinkering with engines - a scooter he was fixing up on the drive way - with Eileen's help (I think Mandy has a photo of this). Later on I remember him fixing an old Corvette with little Ian peering over the engine and helping his dad.
He just love big family gatherings - friends were family too - and John was always the life and soul of the party. And yes those naps, I often remember him fast asleep after lunch on the stoep or lawn.
My memories of John and Eileen together have had a lasting impression, of a gorgeous power couple - a loving force to be reckoned with - Lubex and Just Looking! Uncle John your enthusiasm for life, and incorrigible sense of fun have been an inspiration. (Even though you would sometimes drive your sister Yvonne mad, she loved you so much.) You are forever in my heart.