Alfred Conti Borda writes:

The passing away of John Peel is poignant indeed.

I had known John since the days when he was president of the Downs Syndrome Association in the 1990s. At that time I had asked him whether I could be their Santa Claus for the children’s Christmas party and he kindly obliged. It was a pleasure to do this for two years in a row.  John and the council strove hard to find more suitable premises for the association and their efforts were finally rewarded.

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On retirement from his career in the Royal Air Force, John joined the RAF Association but his ties with more ex-servicemen continued. In fact, the Royal British Legion came next in line. John was a hard-working member of the committee, especially in the collection of money for Poppy Day held every year in November.

He always welcomed me with an endearing smile and made me feel at home whenever I visited their offices in Britannia Street, Valletta.

My deepest sympathies to his family to whom he was wholly dedicated.

May the Lord grant him eternal peace in heaven.