Our previous CEO dropped dead on Monday. His wife had said "Now, John I don't want to grow old alone, so we're going on a health kick" He felt chest pains as they walked along the beach, and died there in her arms. John was an important link between the Brethren community and the staff, and was the CEO when we started up the school.
We had several things in common. John had just had his 60th birthday. At this years pay round I hinted that I might retire next year. and John has jested - "you'll never give up teaching - you're too good at it."
John was a grape grower and the last conversation I had with him was about pulling out the grapes - they seem to be getting by with exporting to Brethren communities around the world. We chatted about prices and the general outlook.
John was a great help when I was taking YES and had to take the students away on trips - especially the time they got up to a bit of high-jinks!. His great strength was very a very caring compassionate man who stood no nonsense.
Of course we couldn't go to the funeral which was at the Brethren Church, but were very privileged to be invited to the house where we were able to say our goodbyes. The coffin was open, and as the Brethren don't embalm he looked wonderful. Two of the brethren ladies did a course on laying out, and so he looked very natural and not waxy.
Quite a difficult week, with lots of thoughts running through my head.
It sounds like a sad and confronting week for you - you will clearly miss John. Thinking of you Mum xx
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