I first met John in 1967 when we were on the same course training on the Gnat aircraft at RAF Valley.  Subsequently our paths crossed again when we were both on 39 Sqn at RAF Wyton and later when we were both at the King Faisal Air Academy in Riyadh.

I was in Saudi on "bachelor status", my wife and children being back in UK. Importing "stuff" to Saudi Arabia in those days was tricky and as my first ever Christmas away from family approached, I guess I was at a low ebb.  John and Vivienne asked me to share their own family Christmas in their quarters. As if this wasn't kindness enough when it came to present opening time I thought I would be a spectator.  John suddenly produced a beautifully wrapped parcel for me - from my wife and kids!  He and Vivienne had taken the trouble to get in touch with Tricia and suggest that if she could get a present to Michelle and Xanthe they would bring it out with them when they travelled to Saudi for the holidays.  It is a kindness both Tricia and I have never forgotten and a measure of what a generous and thoughtful couple they were.

John has been taken far too early and our hearts go out to Vivienne, Michelle and Xanthe

Ed & Tricia Elton