I have some sad news.
Those of you who have attended the Syleham Kit Meets might like to know that Ancient John has passed away aged 84.
He was the old fellow who always brought his wife's home made biscuits to the meetings and always seemed to be the first one to turn up. A Linux stalwart, he used it to do good things for his deaf/blind grandchildren giving them the ability to read and write.
His widow Evelyn told me that he suffered a severe stroke which impaired him totally so he chose to refuse hospital treatment to prolong his sad state. He had his wishes granted so was able to pass away with dignity in his own home with his family around him. She told me he died very happy and asked me to pass this on to all of the Aluggers who have helped him in the past.
BJ
"John Woodard" mail@johnwoodard.co.uk wrote:
I have some sad news.
Those of you who have attended the Syleham Kit Meets might like to know that Ancient John has passed away aged 84. [...]
That is sad news indeed. Many veteran ALUGgers probably have something to thank him for, even if it was just an introduction to some unusual and interesting problems with unusual hardware. I think it was John who reminded me about the microwriter keyboard, which I still use almost every day I use a computer.
May he rest in peace.
On 07/04/2008, John Woodard mail@johnwoodard.co.uk wrote:
I have some sad news.
Those of you who have attended the Syleham Kit Meets might like to know that Ancient John has passed away aged 84.
Lovely bloke. He was sometimes overlooked in kitmeets, not being as, er, loud as some ALUGgers. Also, by this account, a person of integrity and courage.
Could there be something put on the wiki about him; and about how he used Linux, which sounds very interesting?
On 07/04/2008, John Woodard mail@johnwoodard.co.uk wrote:
I have some sad news.
Those of you who have attended the Syleham Kit Meets might like to know that Ancient John has passed away aged 84.
John, please pass our regards on to his wife. It might be a comfort to know he's so well remembered and thought of. And thank her for those biscuits over the years!
Jenny
That is very sad to hear, John was always very friendly and a real enthusiast too. It is a shame to think he won't be at any more meetings.
This has just got me thinking though it has been quite some time since we did all get together for a kitmeet, the last kitmeet was some time ago at Syleham, so is anyone up for having another one soon? (If Big John wants to book the hall that is). We could all bring biscuits in memory of John Atkinson too :)
Adam
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Adam Bower -
Elisabeth Fosbrooke-Brown -
Jenny Hopkins -
John Woodard -
MJ Ray