It was great sadness to all when we received the news of the passing of John Smith on June 17th 2007.

John worked at the Ministry of Education as the switchboard operator. He started at Point Finger Road, Paget, some thirty years ago, then the Ministry re-located to Dundonald Place in Hamilton. John was very particular and diligent about his work.

John, "Johnny," as most of his friends called him, had an accident which left him a paralytic at the age of 14. He was one of the first residents to arrive at Summer Haven which was opened by Sir Richard Gorham in 1983. Prior to Summer Haven he lived at the Extended Care Unit at King Edward VII Memorial Hospital.

Everyone was proud of Johnny and hailed him as one of their "success stories." He had a job, got his driver's licence, purchased a car, taught a friend how to drive and was one of the first quadriplegics to move out into the community on his own. He moved to Castlerigg on Whitney Avenue in Pembroke. Everyone remembers his little red car. And how he got that car passed and back on the road every year only the good Lord knows!

Living alone required a significant amount of organisation on his part scheduling daily caregivers, laundry, housekeeping, getting groceries and getting in and out of his car. He proved to everyone for six years that he could do it on his own.

Johnny was a role model to many disabled persons and was a very good friend of many people from all walks of life. He had a very positive attitude and determination. Johnny showed that being disabled does not prevent anyone from having a very rich and fulfilling life. He was an active audio technician at his church, loved music and was an avid reader.

John also travelled. He sailed on The Lord Nelson, the training ship for the physically challenged, he visited Disney World in Florida, and also went to California, England and Canada. There was nothing that would keep him back.

John is sadly missed by family and friends.