My condolences to John’s family, I like Gynn was one of the 4 wee men who headed out on our great adventure from Aldergrove in 1984. I have fond memories of those days and always remember John as being great craic and full of beans. As in Lord Tennyson’s poem he has now ‘Crossed The Bar’. Rest in Peace old friend John Ball MBE

John Ball

It came as quite a shock to hear of Johns passing and I wish to express my sincere condolences to Johns immediate at extended family at this time. John and I climbed onboard a plane at Aldergrove, Antrim back in 1984 along with two fellow countrymen bound for Plymouth to join the Royal Navy as Artificer Apprentices. Needless to say that en route we frequented a bar whilst awaiting train from Reading to Plymouth, thus cementing the Northern Irish bond. John and I, along with several other good friends, frequented many more bars over the following four years of our apprenticeships, and beyond, and I will always think back to those days with memories of the laughs we had and remember those friends both here and now departed. Farewell. Who knows when we will meet again. Gynn Beggs

Gynn Beggs

I was so sorry to hear of John's passing . So many memories of our formative years as Royal Navy Apprentices together. He always had a cheeky grin which was often a warning that he was about to do something not fully in line with Navel Discipline. John was a larger than life character who will be sorely missed but certainly not forgotten. My thoughts go out to all his family at this difficult time. Gav.

Andrew Gavin

I am sorry and deeply saddened to hear that John has passed away. I have known John since we were young lads starting out on an adventure in the Royal Navy. I have fond memories that always make me smile. My sincerest condolences to Johns family . Rest in Peace John

Rob Skeel

I was shocked and saddened to hear of John's sudden passing, and wish to send my condolences to his family. John and I were together for 17 years as boyfriend/girlfriend, then husband and wife, and then father and mother to Sam. Most of the years were happy and joyful especially when we brought our son Sam into the world. John was a devoted father, even taking Sam to work with him at the weekends which Sam just adored. We still have a plastic bottle they made together when John was a factory manager at Plysu. Sadly the marriage failed and we separated amicably but Sam and John stayed close over the years. He was always in our thoughts and the world is now a bit emptier without him in it. Remembering the happy times , Laura McHard (Boyd, nee Wasson)

Laura McHard

I would like to express my sadness on hearing that John Boyd has passed away, and to offer my condolences to his family at this difficult time. I knew John from the time spent together as young apprentices in the mid-late 1980's, and have fond memories of the various misadventures and general mischief that we enjoyed, in a time of few personal responsibilities. Rest in peace. Patrick Bennett-Smith

Patrick Bennett-Smith