As mentioned, John’s books were another retirement accomplishment. He began his publishing career by transforming his college thesis on the Kennet and Avon Canal into a book . Having got the writing bug John turned to other subjects, including several books of his life of at sea… stories of his travels on his bike… and two compilations of mariner’s shaggy-dog tales. . Anyone who’s read his books will always remember them and I think it’s true to say this aspect of his life was one of his proudest achievements.