Tribute by John's Niece Joanne

Memorial Tribute for My Uncle

My uncle was an extraordinary man — not only because he received an OBE for his tireless work improving the lives of disabled people, but because of the spirit with which he lived his own life.

He fought not just for independence for himself, but for everyone — changing policies, challenging systems, and inspiring countless others to believe that independent living was possible.

He showed determination, courage, and grace in everything he did, and to us, his family, he was a constant source of pride and love.

But to me, he was also simply my uncle — funny, cheeky, and with a wicked sense of humour.

Every Christmas, while he was still able to travel to Swansea, I made Christmas dinner for the family. I worked so hard to make it perfect for him.

And every year, no matter how much effort I put in, he’d smile at me after the meal and say,

“Well, Joanne, a beautiful dinner — but where was the homemade cranberry sauce?”

So the next year, I made sure there was cranberry sauce — my very own homemade version.

And when I proudly served it, he smiled again and said,

“Well, Joanne, another beautiful Christmas dinner… but where was the homemade bread sauce?”

Now, in our family, we’d never had bread sauce at Christmas — I’m pretty sure it was just his way of keeping me on my toes!

But it became our little tradition. After every Christmas lunch, we’d all wait for it — that moment when Uncle would tell us what was missing this time.

It always made us laugh, and those moments are memories I’ll treasure forever.

He taught me that life isn’t just about doing things perfectly — it’s about doing them with heart, with humour, and with love.

And that’s exactly how he lived his life.

So today, as we remember him, I like to think he’s looking down on us now — smiling, proud of us all —

and maybe, just maybe, saying,

 

 

Joanne Fitzpatrick