After Uncle John passed away after a short illness, I will never forget the kindness and help given to me and the rest of the family by so many people in Malta. It was so nice to see so many of his friends and scouts visiting him in the hospital. He certainly was not alone, it was so clear that there was so much love for John.

The service (his scout group and the lovely Joe and Juanita Sultana – his neighbours for 18 years – wonderfully helped in organising) was so beautiful with literally hundreds of people attending including the present and past presidents.

The service was conducted in such a nice way by the Jesuit priests that knew John. It was clear that John touched and helped to change so many lives for the better. The amount of his friends who turned up speaks volumes about the man he was.

The Scouts of St Aloysuis College did you so proud John. I loved listening to their stories about the adventures you had with them, especially when you managed to get the scouts a private audience with the Pope. With you nothing was impossible.

John there is no doubting that you were a great journalist and scout leader but to me you are always Uncle John. You have given me so many fond memories of the family holidays we had in Malta with you. I am very pleased I got to add to those memories last May when I came over and that you got to see my new house when you last came over to England. Thank you everyone for looking after the family in the way you did last week; that is what makes Malta so special.

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