John commenced with Site Services as a full-time porter in March 2005, following 10 years working with Royal Mail. He joined the Medical School portering team at a time of major renovation, and he definitely drew the short straw by having to spend a significant amount of his first few months based in a garden shed in the car park, managing deliveries and the security barrier. Thankfully this was a short-term solution to the problems caused by the renovation work, and John was soon based back in the building undertaking more usual portering duties.

In the last few years John spent much of his time manning the loading bay and dealing with the numerous deliveries that arrive at the Medical School on a daily basis. This slot suited John perfectly, as he was naturally methodical and well organised.

In August 2012, at the age of 69, John made the decision to retire following bad news regarding his health. We were very sad to lose such a reliable and respected member of the team, but we could understand why he felt it was time to retire.

John was a keen follower of horseracing and was known to have more than the ‘odd flutter’. He was also a keen card player, and would never turn down a game of crib at his local pub. I am told that he was a wizard at crosswords and was one of those ‘go-to people’ who could always fill in the gaps!

As a Scotsman, John could sometimes show his Celtic passion, but personally I always found him to be the ultimate gentleman: polite, helpful, respectful, and extremely loyal to his family, friends and colleagues.

John sadly passed away on 29 May and leaves a son, Scott and a daughter, Nessie. He will be greatly missed by many, including friends and colleagues here at the University of Bristol.