He came to Scotland in the winter of 1974 after his family came back to the UK.
He’s came a long way since leaving school in 1979, as at the time he struggled with not being able to read or write, as when in Germany they had found that he was dyslexic but in Scotland they did not recognise it at the time, but with the help from a typewrite their was no stopping him.
At some point around the age of 17 he spent six years in the army voluntary reserves.
To see John today I cannot believe it is the same person, not only has he over came his difficulties with regards to read and write but with the help of computers, he has managed to learn to create websites also had completed a creative writing course, which gave him the opportunity to have some small poems published in a local paper, and gained an HNC in computers.
He has worked as a volunteer on and off for over 20 + years, he was nominated for volunteer of the year 2006, but was not successful.
He has worked with some of the largest and the smallest charity organisations in the UK, in so many different roles. And in doing this has contributed in making so many people life’s a little bit better.
John is into doing anything that is creative especially using recycled materials and then turning them into something else. but his love for DIY and recycling is still the same.
I would say that John is an all rounded person, and comes across as a generous person willing to help anyone.
Wary Shepherd
When I first met John, was way back at his school way back in the 77 as I used to attend the school to do discos around Christmas time. He was only about 14 at that time he would spend most of his time standing beside me, while I was playing the music, he was so inquisitive, and was excited in what I was doing and would like to have done it himself. In 1979 John left school thus meaning I lost contact with him for many years.
In 1990, I was standing outside my garage and I heard someone say excuse me, are you Wray, from Linnwood Hall School, I said yes, the remark I got next was quite surprising, I'm little John he replied from school you did the disco, I could not believe my eyes there was a man standing in front of me and it had been 22 years since I last seen him at the age of 16.
So you can see I've known John for quite a lot of years most of the time I would say John and I got on very well, but he can be pig headed sometimes but can't we all. But over the years that I've known John I have found him to be so much help to me at my age at the moment I have just turned 85, and John comes and helps me and my partner with things around the house.
I would recommend John to anybody he is friendly very willing to help other people regardless of what it is, he has done so much for me and my partner, that he is more like a son not just a friend. I would recommend him for a job or just to be a friend with someone, as he is so considerate and understanding, I would trust him absolutely.
He has been a loyal friend and in my own way my adopted son, and I would like to thank him for all that he has done for me and my partner.
Mike Reilly's
John is open and friendly and will help anyone, many happy days at Glenrothes College computer classes. February 12, 2015, Mike studied with John at Glenrothes college
John Elliot
John is a great person to get to know and once he makes friends with you that's it friends always, but he can sometime be a bit over the top (OTT). But I loved-ed working with him.