We welcome you to this celebration of the life of John Russell. Jean, David and Sue were overwhelmed by the number of cards and messages of sympathy received since John’s passing on 2nd April 2008. And we were very touched and grateful to see so many at the Service in Northampton on 9th April. Amongst the many people who knew John there are some who knew him well. But many others will only know him through one particular dimension of his life. And there were many of these dimensions. It’s hard to easily summarise him – he was a Radio Officer in the Merchant Navy, a writer, an accomplished craftsman, a teacher, a lecturer, an engineer… He was involved in numerous societies - often as chairman or membership secretary. In short, to quote one friend “John was a man of many interests and enthusiasms, which he communicated to those around him”. Although there’s a sad reason underlying this commemoration site we’re going to try to celebrate John, his life and his achievements.