It’s hard to believe it’s been a whole year since we lost John , a truly fantastic neighbour, and without a doubt, the only man who could hold a lifelong grudge against two mildly confused house cats.
John was the kind of neighbour everyone hopes for: always there when you needed something for the car or garden quick with a joke, and never shy about speaking his mind — especially when it came to my cats, who, in his opinion, were clearly running some kind of undercover operation against him. Whether it was “that look” they gave him over the drive.
I’ll never forget the time he spent ten minutes explaining how one of the cats have pooped in the garden Or how he’d mutter under his breath while they sat peacefully in the garden, as if they were plotting his downfall. Meanwhile, they were probably just wondering if he had snacks.
But that was John, full of character, endlessly entertaining, and completely one of a kind. Beneath his depose of cats feuds and playful complaints was a genuinely kind and warm person who made life brighter just by being nearby.
We miss him deeply, his humour, his stories, and yes, even his ongoing battle with two very indifferent cats.
Here’s to you, John. Still loved, still missed, and hopefully now at peace… in a place completely cat-free. Xxx
Bernie Numn
25/03/2026
