“Even if in these moments and in particular today we can’t be there next to you physically, the huge distance which separates us will not prevent us from being there with you all to remember dear uncle John. The time we spent with him was not long, but it was sufficient to get to know this extraordinary man. John, a simple, humble, good, generous, gentle, honest, sensitive, altruistic man and always extraordinarily smiling. I am sure that in such a moment he would say: “What can we do?” I will miss him a lot, we will miss him, because he is one of those people who leave forever their mark on those who are next to him. I thank you infinitely, John, because you made me feel (even after mum’ s untimely death) part of the extraordinary family you formed and this was possible despite the distance and our different languages. You’ll always be in our hearts. A big big hug and a special kiss from Leonie, Pierpaolo, Elisabetta, Francesco.” Heartfelt sympathy also from Ubaldo, Lucia, Ilaria, Sergio, Bruna, Mirella, Annamaria, Rita, Gabriella, Graziano, Tiziano and Imelda and Sabatino.

John MASHMAN, a ferret through and through. John was instrumental in developing what is now the Forestville Ferrets Junior Rugby Leagues Club, a icon of the Northern Beaches, Sydney. Following years of dedicated service to the Forestville Ferrets Junior Rugby League (Director) and Manly District Junior Rugby League (Member), John was made a life member of the Ferrets and then the Manly Junior Rugby League. John kind words of encouragement and expert guidance will be sorely missed at the Ferrets, but his legacy will always live on. Rugby League on the northern beaches is better for John MASHMAN being involved in it. Our thoughts are with Shirley and John's extended family at this time. RIP. Mark Trim Director Forestville Ferrets JRL