my friend John. r.i.p.

It is with regret that I deal with the passing of my friend John McGuiness.
He died on christmas eve 2011, a few days after his 60th birthday.
He will be long remembered by me as my closest of friends.
I met John around 1974, a sociable, bright spirited, interested fellow.
We met via the local university social groups, at parties mainly.
John worked as a social worker, a job that was unrelenting in it's cost on his health. His job requirements included removing children from abusive homes. He had to write 30 page court reports. His mental health collapsed and he left work with an invalid pension at 48.
John and I were closest from 1984 to 1994. During that time I lived in the country and stayed overnight at his house when I came to town.
We would discuss current events, and play chess. John had a strong interest in visual and performing arts. I thought he had a great skill as a film and theatre critic. I remember he invited myself and my two boys to a children's movie - 'fantasia'.
In 1997 I moved to near John's area and we started to go to films and plays together. We had long phone conversations.
For the past year it has been increasingly apparent that John was not going to recover from his disease. We spoke about alternatives and motivation, but he wasn't convinced. John died of his own accord.
His wife Gail helped him to remain comfortable until he passed away. It is to Gail that my sympathies go.
I'm going to remember John as a thoughtful and friendly guy. He and Gail loved each other so much that they made the marraige vow. He was honest and loyal.
He bailed out, happy to die at 60, from alcohol related symptoms.
John told me 20 + years ago that I was mad to have dreams and goals - I was setting myself up for failure.  
I spoke to a counsellor last week. her hat was on protecting me. her comments were, 'some people focus so much on their problems that they can't see the good things in their life'. 'the best thing you can do is provide support'.
I'm talking to you now. don't focus on problems, and thanks for your contribution to my life ! 
christmas night tonight ! bbq next door, according to my nose. skippy on my hotplate.

Rest in Peace John !