John Elliot Burnet

I only met John a few times but for me it was enough to know that he brought Deidre a special love and contentment in mid-life? It is good to read that he also supported Katie and Rory so well too. What I did respect and miss about John was his quiet, confident demure character. We did share a love for the countryside and wilder places including birds of prey which he noted in his many journeys across Cumbria and Northumberland. Sort of regret I didn't see him and Deidre in early retirement...

10 years has passed John and my love has not diminished although the pain has dulled. Miss you always x

John was a great man. He was generous, loving and hard working and was a credit to himself and all who knew him. He was always a rock for me, my mother and katie and we all love him and miss him terribly.

I love you mate and thanks for everything that you did and for being a part of all our lives.

I think I met John when we both interviewed for the same job in 1981/2.First impressions were "big brash geordie". So were second! But I got to know him better and would like to think we were friends. I remember John and Dee coughing the dawn chorus after the first ciggie of the morning at Higham Hall. John tapping his ciggie ash into his shoe and putting it back on. I'm sure he would have lots of friends in Spain and am sorry I never got over to see him and Dee.

Jeff Brown

When I think of John I remember a man with great character -strong, approachable and wise, but also with compassion and gentleness. To hear of the life he enjoyed with Dee in Spain just made me smile, I can picture him sitting in the bar, with everyone around hanging on his every word!
Dee, I hope the many memories you have of John bring you comfort at this difficult time.

To say that John was the best boss I ever had would be to understate everything he was. When you worked for John he wasn't just your boss, he was your friend. He led a great team, but the greatness came from him. He encouraged us to work hard but to enjoy ourselves as well. Lovely to hear from Dee at his memorial how much he relished his life in Spain, but tragic that it was cut short. Somewhere, out of our reach, he's already started to gather a host of new friends. Thanks, John, for...

Thank you are two little words that can mean so much or so little. When saying them about the life of John Burnet they are at their fullest. Judi and I have known John for all of our married life (34 years) and have so many happy memories of the times we spent with him that they will remain in our hearts for ever. John was a lovely man who loved and was loved for himself. Sadly those two words that we started out with will never be said to him and that it is our one regret. We never...

John and Dee welcomed us into their home and encouraged us to join them on Pensionista Trips as part of our integration into the spanish culture (photo shows lunch group at the highest village in continental Spain). John became my closest friend, his gift of friendship, our love of books and lunchtime conversations will be sorely missed. I'll treasure the memories.