John Chaffey

Chaff, you had endless energy and lust for life that was truly inspiring. You taught me reliance, to hold your head up high and always keep pushing forward. The world has lost a ray of sunshine.

Johnny Boy!!!!

You have always been by my side, literally from the day I was born til the day you died. Sometimes it was from afar, but you were always just a phonecall away and I cannot believe I am never going to answer the phone to hear "Rooooossssssssssooooooooooooo" shouted at me in your inimitable tone. You lived life to the full and at full speed. You were successful in life because of your personality and determination. You made friends with strangers on the train, on the plane, by the pool, in work, basically anywhere you went you attracted people because you were never shy and always curious to know more about them.
When we spoke on the phone an hour would go by so easily and we would talk about absolutely everything, and any problem in life seemed easier once it was shared. You were a problem solver to the last.
You have given me two incredible nieces who I am immensely proud of and a sister-in-law who feels like a sister and will always be a part of us.
I wish I could go back and have our childhood again, it was such a lot of fun (even though you tied me to a tree and occasionally tortured me)!
I had no idea that our time would be cut short like this, but I am glad we made so many memories together while we had the chance. You will always be an inspiration to me and the whole family is determined to "be more John" now and in the future.
Love you always
Little Sis xxx

In loving memory of John Chaffey, a cherished friend who touched the lives of so many.
I am so grateful for the time we shared and the joy you brought into my life.
I will miss our chats, laughter, beers, golf holidays and cycles together.
You was a true friend Chaff, that can never be replaced, but until we meet again, enjoy your smooth road, wind behind and the sun on your back. Love ya matey xxx

John, one of a kind! Will never forget your unbreakable spirit.

Matt

Missing you so much Bruv, missing those healing hugs and wise words of encouragement. You made the world a better place. You were an inspiration to so many, you made such an impact and touched so many lives. You were the kindest, most loyal, helpful, knowledgeable person with the biggest heart. A fantastic teacher and leader, had the best smile, the most infectious laugh and you were sunshine in everyone's life. We loved your positive and optimistic outlook, you were strong, brave and determined. You were the best brother in the universe (and the best uncle John) and everyone feels so lucky to have known you and had you in our lives. I am so proud of you!! I'll always cherish the memories, the fun times and your incredible stories. Love you so much xx

I've known John since we he joined our small IT team at Southdowns College way back in 1993 - as was his way we struck up an immediate friendship and he made sure that much hilarity ensued both at work and on many slightly debauched nights out - regular Thursday nights typically leading to very unproductive Fridays and requiring bacon sandwiches in the canteen.

When we both headed off to new challenges elsewhere, we kept in touch, and was lovely to be able to share each others weddings and having introduced the ladies they too became great friends. Ending up living near to each other in Surrey was such a nice coincidence and meant we could spend long (typically inebriated) evenings at each others houses and attend many of the famous Cavell Way fireworks and BBQs.

When John told us his news it was just unbelieveable - but to see him apply his usual (frankly ridiculous) positivity and energy to the whole thing was amazing though perhaps not surprising knowing John - it was just inspiring to witness. We made sure we met up on as many occasions as possible for more (yes, inebriated) hilarity - and often he had us laughing at aspects of his treatment that were probably quite inappopriate ;-)

It is still so surreal to think that he has left us - but what he leaves behind is funny, happy memories, and I like to think that if we all channel just a little of his endless postivity then the world will be a better place. He will be sorely missed.

Huge hugs go out to Kim and the girls - we are here if you ever need anything

PS Kim - don't think that you are retired from inebriated evenings just yet!

All our love

Andrew, Beverley, Olivia, Melissa and Jessica

Dearest Chaff. This world won’t be as happy and lively without you in it. We will miss your love, your laughter & your beautiful way of seeing the best in everything. We will miss you so very much but feel privileged that we had you in our lives…even if it wasn’t nearly long enough. We love you and will do our best to look after Kimmy, Georgia & Louisa. Sleep well. Love Kirstee, Allen, Ella, Holly & Alfie. Xxx

In loving memory of John who was one of life’s best. He didn’t sit back and let things happen but went out and happened to things. xx

The Ballad of Yo and Matteus ...

Our family childhood holidays were invariably spent in Selsey, and we were lucky enough to spend, often, the entire summer there. Even more luckily, as it turned out, I made friends with the boy who lived next door. And by returning year after year, this allowed us to grow a deep friendship. I can’t remember exactly how we met, or even exactly when, but equally I can’t remember a time when John wasn’t my friend.

We had an idyllic childhood, spent on the beach, in the fields and woods, and playing computer games. Sheila, John’s mum, would invariably force us to be outside on sunny days, something we were both glad of looking back. Sheila may have been less glad, as this generally involved the misuse of an air gun, or catapult, or misadventures on the ride-on mower …. meaning another broken pane of glass in the greenhouse or a leaking hosepipe.

Everyone that knew John will know he was an absolute force of nature, someone that embraced life, made time for everyone, made everyone feel special. Things were always awesome, even when sometimes they weren’t. A genuine one off. The Champion Chaff. He walked at the pace of an Olympic sprinter, always eager to get on with enjoying life, and ensure no time was wasted. It was hard to keep up at times, but I’m so glad I did.

As children we discovered that in German, John was Yohannes and I was Matteus. At the time we found this completely mind blowing, the result being that we immediately renamed ourselves Yo and Matteus. For my whole life, when arriving at the pub, at football, at a family BBQ or an isle of Wight beach hut, the cry of ‘Matteus’, accompanied by a beaming smile, meant the promise of such happy times with the best friend anyone could wish for.

It was a privilege, love you matey, and I will miss you more than you will ever know.

John, I don’t remember a time without you in our lives, The Stewards and The Chaffeys. You and Rosie were a significant part of our childhoods, growing up in the 80’s. Our friendships rooted in the outdoors, on our bikes, building camps, lying on old sleeping bags on the beach, swimming in the sea and the pranks courtesy of you and Matt.
I feel so lucky, as we have all remained friends ever since, celebrating weddings, babies and birthdays. You and Kim have always been such good company with your positivity and laughter being infectious. We are going to miss you so much, you will always be in our hearts and a part of the Steward Chaffey get togethers.
Love Morag, Jez, Lucy and Emily xx

John, always laughing, full of the fun of life and a great mate and partner in crime at the golf club. Just a couple of years ago we both missed the cut in the club champs and stayed in the bar all afternoon. Another afternoon John got his first hole in one and celebrated with champagne all afternoon - we lost our match on the last hole but that didn’t matter a bit!

I’ve had the privilege of knowing John since 2012—first as a competitor, then a peer, and eventually, as a client. But in all these forms of friendship, there was one constant: John was always a thorough gentleman. He was deeply passionate about his work and proud of his role as a family man. His love for his girls and his wife shone through in everything he did, and his hardworking nature was undeniable.

I was fortunate to spend some quality time with John, particularly during work visits to India, social gatherings and a few cricket matches. While cricket wasn’t exactly his sport, John’s enthusiasm and his ability to blend in for the sake of being with friends is something I’ll always remember fondly. His positivity and openness made him the kind of person everyone wanted to be around.

In every conversation, John’s love for his family was always apparent. He also loved to talk about golf, and we shared a common interest in property portfolios. It was these moments of shared passions and values that made my connection with him so special.

Though you are no longer with us, John, I know your positivity must be radiating in another world. The many memories you’ve left us with will stay in our hearts forever. My heartfelt love and best wishes go out to John’s family. May you all find the strength to move forward, even stronger, as John would have wanted. He will always be with us in spirit.

The boy next door

That’s what you were to us. The boy that lived in the house next door to the house we spent our school holidays staying in. We then moved into the caravan in your garden into our teens. And our adult lives never took us too far away from each other.

A whole childhood of sea swimming, flotilla building, camp making, bike riding and sleeping in hay stacks grew into life long friendships between all the siblings.

I will always remember our Sussex seaside adventures, your genuine joie de vivre and incredible warmth.

You’ll always been in our hearts Yo!

Love Kath, Ferg, Libby and Archie

Well what can I say !

What an absolute legend you were no doubt about that .
Full of laughter , positivity and spirit ! A party was never a party if you weren’t there, First to arrive and the last to leave , which pretty much sums us up to why we were the best of friends .
I met you that very day in the cavell way playground with Kim’s amazing father , I loved you both from that day .
The story from then was historic because ofcourse the conversation of my boobs came up to which you told Kim at your party that night she would know who I was the minute she saw me , and that she did .
I met Kim that very morning taking reiss and Georgia to nursery with weeza and joshie in toe .
I knew then Kim was a best friend for life as were the rest of the family who I like to think became a part of me through 17 years of the most amazing holidays , parties, BBQs , even an invite. To my brothers wedding ❤️
Every celebration there was it was always an absolute blast with you chaff ! You never stopped laughing and in the end you never stopped fighting ! You will be missed dearly in this world , but rest assured Kim and the girls will always have me in their life’s just like you made me promise . Go dance with the angels now chaff and have a beer with our dads .
On that note …… you know what’s coming … where’s the bar ‍♀️ forever my friend ❤️

John , your omnipresence at the golf club will be sorely missed ! Taken way too soon , your patience with the juniors , your humour on the terrace , such special memories . RIP

John

We met shortly after you moved into Cavell Way. I can't remember exactly how we met, but it was probably at a house or street party. I say that because you and Kim were ALWAYS at every party and a party wasn't a proper party without you. I can't count how many times we have joked and laughed out loud over the years. I have so many fantastic memories from our trips to Royal Ascot, Cavell Dad Christmas Drinks with silly jumpers, House Parties, Street Parties and just watching football at each other's house. I still laugh when I think about you nearly burning your house down when your BBQ got out of control. I think that was also the day I had way too much Rosé and somehow offered to drive you to work the next day. We were proper rough the next morning.

We had a similar career in IT and over the years we talked a lot about our careers, ambitions and new opportunities. You were a huge help to me after I joined Accenture, helping me navigate the company to get things done.

Like many have said, your enthusiasm and positivity were endless. They shone through in your home life and work life and everyone loved you and liked being around you.

You have left a big hole in our lives. I will cherish the memories we have together and I will have a beer with you every time I watch the mighty Brighton play Newcastle. Don't worry about Kim and the girls - everyone will be looking out for them. Rest easy mate.

Rob, Jackie, Bethan & Abigail xx

It is some time that we had John working with us in Chichester, . I always referred to him as our 'Man in a Hurry'. In all he undertook, he combined direction, enthusiasm, and companionship. His move on was well deserved but such was his character that he stayed a part of our group of friends to the end. John has moved on again, but his spirit will stay on.

John - you were our Tigger, our Captain Chaos, our Peter Pan and a very very good friend. Like Peter Pan you will never grow old in our memories but we will carry you always in our hearts. You drove me mad sometimes but you made me laugh all of the time. We had some mad nights out (and in) and occasionally some very grown up chats (but only very occasionally). We drank our way through a lot of red wine together, mostly while pretending we were supervising the kids. Your carefree zest for life was infectious and our lives are better for having had you as part of them. We will miss you buddy - sleep peacefully. Our arms are wrapped around Kim and the girls xxx

So many wonderful memories I have of John over the years. John was such a genuine good soul, always positive and laughing. A rare and special person. Sending my love to Kim and their family xx

John you are so missed. I still cannot believe you have left us. You filled us with fun, positivity and the ability to cram as much into your life as possible. And at times, you drove us all mad. But we loved you sooooo much. So many memories and too many to mention. Will never forget when you jumped in the pool in Zante with you phone in your pocket. Rest assured we will look after Kim and the girls and there is always a bed here for Kim to come and have a glass, one for the road and one for the ditch. God Bless you my friend, you are not fighting anymore.
Your glass was over flowing with positivity and we must carry on that attitude in your name.
Will always miss you.
Mikey x

In loving memory of our little bro John ,
We will miss you terribly , always in our hearts xx
Rest in peace John xxx

Dearest John,

I can’t quite believe that you are no longer here. I shall miss your massive positivity in my life.

I am not sure that you ever really noticed, that your inner peace, strength and positive approach to anything that life through at you, was an inspiration to many, me included.

I doubt that I shall ever meet someone quite like you again.

Rest in Peace, my dear dear friend.

So Matey! We first met on that hilarious night in Menorca when you told Georgia let’s have a race and you hadn’t put your shoes on. Off she went and luckily Estelle stopped her. The live entertainment that night kept our young kids awake so being the sociable bunnies we are we drank wine and ate Ritz crackers. That was start of an amazing friendship and you became one of my best mates. We’ve done loads of stuff together, Family holidays to Dubai, wow we maxed out on those holidays and I’ll never forget when I took you in a taxi to the middle of the desert to ride bikes around a 50k cycle track in 35 degree heat, you were crapping yourself! :-) Centrparcs holidays, Cycling in the Isle of White, welcoming me as a part time member of the Cavell Way boys, Spurs vs Brighton at the lane, Trying to control our drunk wives in the Science museum in London, Watching Minions as two families in the smallest cinema in the world and I’ll never forget that night we had in London, not only did we watch Spurs beat Arsenal 4-1 in the Sports bar, but the rest of night was one of those special ones I’ll never forget, it was bonkers and I know if you are reading this, you are going to be laughing your head off. But, what I always enjoyed the most and I am going to miss is our chats. Not just when we were together but when we used to speak on the phone. Your positivity was always infectious (even when you didn’t believe what you weer saying, just to make me feel better). The conversations on such a wide range of topics I always enjoyed and you were the voice of reason many many times. I know it worked both ways and the advice, support and encouragement we gave each other was so valuable and I know it got us through some interesting times. I feel I’ve lost a bit of my soul and my heart mate but I am so pleased we managed to spend some quality time together on a few occasions over the last few months. I promise you we will be here for Kim and the girls, you lot have always been like family and always will. Love ya mate.

Hey Johnny boy
Amazing son, husband, dad and friend
Thanks for being the most positive inspirational friend , you made me laugh so much it hurt ! You have also given me the funniest memories which will never leave me
Far too many to mention but one of the first was when you parked on Kaz’s foot
We are all Gonna miss ya so much mate xxxx
Dave , Kaz , sof and Izzy xxxx

Well Chaff- no better place to start than st the beginning.
When we first met in Menorca - you first clapped eyes on me whilst I was grabbing hold of Georgiia - who was racing you to the shops. That was the start of a beautiful friendship- one that I will always treasure.
So many memories to speak of-
- searching for a purple turtle barefoot in the middle of the night
- centreparcs weekends- always accompanied by the Minions!
- holidays together - Dubai- don’t think my liver ever recovered from those two! We laughed - we drank- we had a few splashes st the water park - we laughed and drank some more!
- we bought the same cars- three times over- we both had new kitchens- csnt now remember who went first- we seemed to make a habit of both having the same things . Never did get my conservatory though!

Chaff you’ve left a huge hole, I’m going to miss you forever but I promise to always be there for my beautiful friend Kim and your very special girls , Georgiia and Weeza.
Love you always
Miss you Chaff
Xxx

Joooooohnnnnyyy boy / lastminute.john !!……too many fond/fun memories to put down in writing but here’s a few off the top of my head…..our annual Isle Of Wight rides where we seem to spend more time eating/drinking than riding – Friday Chish n Fips on Red Funnel Ferry with a couple of Ales on way to your Mums…Saturday Island loop with your regular comedy bike “Mechanicals” involving either a bus ride home or recovery from Sheila. Cheese on toast in the hot tub after followed by Curry in evening at your Mums favourite restaurant then Full English after our Sunday morning walk…remember your Mum pouring milk into your ear to remove a trapped fly outside the “Hi de Hi” pub…could only happened to you! My Mum still talks fondly of when she joined us on our IOW holiday with morning swims, late afternoon drinks on the beach not forgetting my “chaffing” moment when I ended up walking like John Wayne wearing my Mums sarong (thank you Kim for the strawberry Vaseline!) Numerous impromptu mid week catch up beers putting the world to rights watching the footy & “cramming the fun in” to each & every day whenever possible. You will leave a big hole in our lives John, miss you mate!