All these years later I have only just found this website, but it has been a pleasure to be able to read through other's memories and thoughts of my Uncle, so I thought I would add something of my own. We used to call my Uncle Glujj, a nickname he made for himself. It stood for good looking Uncle JJ, he always did have a good sense of humour. Glujj has always been a hero of mine. It would always be our favourite days when Glujj was back from his adventures and we would get to see him and hear his stories. He was our hero when travelling, working, when he was ill and now after his death he continues to be. My whole life he has continued to be my idol and forever will be. Although I have not followed in his footsteps into farming, I have followed in his love for sport and the outdoors, and most importantly having a laugh. I wish more than anything he could be here to join me on these adventures, but there is never a time I am not thinking of him.

I've just been back to Russia to visit the company JJ introduced me to when he worked there. Last time I was there I took the Order of Service for his past colleagues - it was immediately placed above his old desk - it's still there. It has been joined by another portrait which you can just see if you check out the picture gallery and select "JJ Remembered in Russia". It is very clear his memory lives on at Miratorg and those that knew and worked with him continue to hold him in deep regard. I haven't got the order yet for the monitoring system JJ wanted but a major decision influencer is visiting the uS soon and he will meet some of JJ's ex colleagues there too...I am confident we'll get there in the end, correct? I have also posted some pictures from World Pork Expos past. You'll recognise the form I'm sure.

John, or JJ as he was better known to his pals at Banff RFC, was a much respected and loved member and friend to many. We saw himm all too infrequently in the last few years, but e mail/texts helped us keep in touch with his Globe Trotting life style. Many months would pass with little or no contact, then, out of the blue, the phone would ring - 'Hi JJ here, how's things - I'm off to the Ship/Shories/Market/Castle/Auld Fife (pick any one) for a beer or two - fancy a swally?' How could anyone refuse such an invitation - you were assured of great company and his tales of travels were always of huge interest. The pint or two often extended into the wee sma oors - then he would be off again, as suddenly as he had turned up. One such memory was on the occassion of JJ's 50th Birthday. Scotland were due to play ireland in Dublin and JJ was in the UK. I got a call a few days before heading off to Dublin ' Hi Bob, I take it you'll be in Dublin at the weekend ? Any chance of a bed and some tickets for me, Wakka and Roger? All was organised and a great celebration was had, loads of Guinness and late on the Sat evening we got the Band who were playing in the bar we were in, to play happy birthday - JJ then gave a very respectable demonstration of Irish Dancing and some Cossak stuff as well, if my memory serves me well. The good looking blond singer in the band, Doreen, jigged about and danced withh our JJ. A great night was had by all - then he was gone, back to England, en route to Eurpoe somewhere i think. I was in that same pub in Oct and sent JJ a photo and message from Doreen the singer - she remebered the eveing well - partly because we hi -jacked her and part of the band and had them playing in our hotel till breakfast time. JJ replied that he was looking forward to dancing there again. We all so hope that this positive attitude would pull JJ through and that dancing would once again be on the agenda - sadly that wasn't to be. I will be back in that pub again next week and will lift a glass or two to an all round great guy - JJ. Our Club will also be lifting a glass or two in JJ's memory at a Dinner in Banff on 16th April, to which a couple of Ex international players have agreed to attend. Submitted by Bob Philips, Portsoy/Hon Sec Banff RFC