he was known to many as john wilson ridley or just jack, but to me he was 'poppy'. my poppy was a kind, smart and down to earth man with a handsome face and boyish humour which was always a hit with us grand kids. i have such wonderful childhood memories of my cousins and i squealing in delight as poppy chased us around his yard with the garden hose and how every christmas and easter he would mow a pitch into the lawn so we could enjoy a fine day of backyard cricket. more recently i remember introducing poppy to my now husband for the first time and how handsome and proud he looked on my wedding day. i spent half the night boasting to my friends and family about how great poppy was and how happy i was that he could be apart of my special day. in august last year i called poppy to tell him the wonderful news that i was going to have a baby boy in the new year. he sounded so excited and laughed that he hoped that he would be around to meet the little guy. although he was 90 years old i couldn't imagine my poppy not being there when my son was born. he always seemed so fit and independent that i was shocked to hear that he had become so ill so quickly. like all my family i was so terribly sad when he passed. it was like the brightest star in the sky had flickered and burnt out. my son will grow up never knowing the man i loved so much who i called poppy, but i will pass on all my fond memories to keep his spirit alive. a year has gone since he passed away, but my memories are as alive as ever now. i miss my poppy but i know he is at peace wherever he is and i hope he knows just how much happiness he brought to my life. i love you poppy, your grand daughter, katy.

Uncle Jack always had a smile on his face and a great sense of humor. He brought 90 years of kindness to our world how blessed we are to have the pleasure of knowing such a beautiful human being. He will be greatly missed!

I had the privilege to work for Jack and his late wife, Audrey,for many years, and I loved every minute of it.. My fondest memories were learning about his life, his anecdotes about his family and golf buddies, and some of his life during the War. I always thought he made the best home-made soup and rice pudding! Jack was a thorough gentleman and always asked after my family, especially my two girls who met him several times. He will be sadly missed by me, and also many of the Home Care Workers who also used to work for him and Audrey.