Funeral Arrangements for JR

[t-tony]

Hello All. I'm not a Z owner but was priveledged to know one of the best, and his wife, for the last fifteen or so years.
I've just thought to look again at the club site John was always so enthusiastic about and some of his motoring friends' posts have reduced me to tears again at the loss of a true friend.

My wife Sue, and I first met John and Jean at one of the long defunct BMW Drivers Club events held in France. He either used the Z3 or 325d at the time and both were a credit to him, he loved to talk about them. I had an E30 320 firstly, then an E36 325. We got on well right from the start and afterwards used to meet up at least once every year for a jaunt to France or Belgium for a long weekend together, enjoying hotels and drives' out sightseeing the countryside. He loved it.

After moving to Florida in 2008, we still kept in touch and would all meet up every year when we visited the UK, often meeting up for the weekend at The George in Stamford. He and Jean would make sure they would be there everytime.

My wife Sue and I are so pleased that when we came over to England last September to renew our visas, John and Jean made the journey by train down to London to spend the night and have dinner with us in our hotel. What true friends.
John told us he had the all clear from bladder cancer.

Apologies for the long post but I just wanted to share some memories of a great mate with some of his other mates.

RIP JR.

Steve

Hi Steve, it must be terrible to lose a good friend such as John, I wish I'd had the chance to meet him as many others did. I guess you live permanently in Florida now? We have a place over there and have 2, 3 weeks breaks over there each year in Kissimmee, might be nice to meet if you're anywhere near there?

Tony.

 

[330ciExpat]

Hello Tony,

Thanks alot for the post, yes it was a terrible shock. Now coming to terms wth not meeting up again, though will obviously keep in touch with and visit Jean whenever possible.

Yeah, we have lived and worked near Tampa for over seven years now and are committed to our lives here.
Your idea sounds good, when do you usually come over?

Steve

 

[t-tony]

Hi Steve, Shirley and I come over in April on the 20th for 3 weeks. We're bringing our daughter and son-in-law and 2 grandsons for the first 2 weeks then we get 8 more nights to "unwind!" after they all come home. We come over again in September for 3 weeks, Christmas shopping for all 3 grandchildren. The couple who were our realtors for the house purchase are ex- pat Yorkies as is our new manco Julie and her American husband Greg. Be nice if we can get together for a natter and a drink.

Take care,

Tony.

 

[330ciExpat]

Hi Tony,

Sounds like you will have your hands full for the first two weeks.

Yeah, I reckon barring any yet unarranged family visits or business crises (plenty of those at times!), early May when you are recovering sounds good if it works for you and the Missus.

Bloody hell, there you go. As I was typing, it dawned on me that May 8th is US Mothers Day.

To explain, me and my wife Sue own a florist and the fortnight leading up to the big day is absolute madness in the shop for her, so unfortunately after the weekend of April 30/May 1st she is pretty much out of circulation.
I don't actually work in the shop as such, I'm a machinist (toolmaker) though aged 61, only have a few years left at work.
Would definitely like to meet up though. Can you see how/if it could work for you and I will double check this end?

Cheers,

Steve

 

[t-tony]

Hi Tony,

Sounds like you will have your hands full for the first two weeks.

Yeah, I reckon barring any yet unarranged family visits or business crises (plenty of those at times!), early May when you are recovering sounds good if it works for you and the Missus.

Bloody hell, there you go. As I was typing, it dawned on me that May 8th is US Mothers Day.

To explain, me and my wife Sue own a florist and the fortnight leading up to the big day is absolute madness in the shop for her, so unfortunately after the weekend of April 30/May 1st she is pretty much out of circulation.
I don't actually work in the shop as such, I'm a machinist (toolmaker) though aged 61, only have a few years left at work.
Would definitely like to meet up though. Can you see how/if it could work for you and I will double check this end?

Cheers,

Steve

Sure thing Steve. I will PM you as I don't want to offend anyone having this conversation on this thread, although reading what I have about John he'd probably be interested.

Tony.

 

[330ciExpat]

Sure thing Steve. I will PM you as I don't want to offend anyone having this conversation on this thread, although reading what I have about John he'd probably be interested.

Tony.

Yes, you are right on both counts, he would say "booked it"!

Apologies to other members, wasn't thinking.

Steve

 

[GazHyde]

Apologies to other members, wasn't thinking.

I don't think any apologies are due Steve!

 

[330ciExpat]