I knew John for over 20 years.  He was a lovely person, great to work for and very supportive. 

My memories of John... 

Knocking on his office door and walking in.  "Raha, your the only person I know who knocks and just walks in!"....at least I knocked!

Taking Sofia into the office when she was a toddler and her hiding behind me when she met everyone.  Then getting home and her telling me she really liked John...she didn't say a word to him but must have seen something in him! (of course I told him; he feigned mortification but was secretly chuffed). Funnily enough he wasn't big on the idea of making our 'goldfish bowl' meeting room into a creche, but it was worth asking. 

Now when I think of John, I think mostly of food; I'd be sneaking out of the door for a cheeky McDonald's at lunchtime and he's stop me in my tracks.  "McDonald's?...I'll join you".  Towards the end of working together, it became our routine to take turns buying croissants in the morning.  It was our thing and we were linked in the best of ways through keeping Pret in business.   

I know John loved his family and was so proud of Pippa and his grandchildren as he talked of them often. 

My heartfelt sympathies to Anita, Pippa and all the family. 
 
Raha