He was born in Mourneview Street and passed away with a beautiful view of the Mourne Mountains from his Annalong home. In between, John became a central figure within communities thousands of miles apart on two continents.

Lifelong passions included sport and music but his greatest commitment was to family.

His marriage to Fay Aldred in Mahon Methodist Church on October 8, 1957 combined two well-known Portadown families and formed a union which lasted 52 years as part of a friendship that spanned six decades.

His youth featured time spent rowing with Portadown Boat Club, on the cricket field with Laurelvale, badminton court and, in later years, playing golf. However, his main sporting focus was on football with a talent that allowed him to represent Northern Ireland Youth Clubs and earn the offer of terms at Dundalk.

A strong work ethic helped John serve an apprenticeship as a bricklayer with Fred Jeffers & Co before eventually becoming a teacher at government-operated training centres in Newcastle and Kilkeel.

John was a man of great faith and committed member of Thomas Street Boys' Brigade - in fact, he always proudly displayed a BB lapel badge. Although proud of his Portadown roots, a determination to provide the best possible future for his family led to the leap of faith that was emigration to Australia in the winter of 1972.

A six-week voyage over sea with three young children served as an introduction to the demands such a decision would place on John and Fay in pursuit of a better life.

As his teaching qualifications were not recognised in Australia, John reverted to the original trade of bricklaying to support his family, often working six days a week and travelling long distances.

Music remained a lifelong passion which first developed as a child listening to the BBC Proms on a small receiver in his bedroom, with a deep love of classical music in general and Handel's Messiah in particular.

He spent time in Portadown Male Voice Choir and started a ballad group in Australia, singing and playing melodeon at various Irish pubs and festivals across New South Wales and Victoria. His recording debut arrived at the age of 65 on a CD produced for BMG Records.

In 1999, John and Fay decided to return to Northern Ireland and settled in Annalong, County Down in the heart of the Mournes. It was no surprise that John fast became a popular member of the small village, always ready and willing for a chat during long walks with the family dogs.

His influence extended to a variety of areas but John will be best remembered as a family man of warm and generous nature, big in both stature and heart.

John is survived by his wife Fay, sons Andrew, David and Peter, siblings Irma, Vera, Gloria, Florrie (Canada), Samuel and Edward (Canada) and grandchildren Lee, Jason, Jessica, Meaghan, Cathal and Finn.

Donations in lieu of flowers can be sent to The Old Forge Surgery, 14 Kilkeel Road, Annalong, County Down, BT34 4TH.