RIP JohnT

[Smithy]

I'm sorry to announce that our long-standing, fascinating @JohnT has passed away, according to this message from his partner that was forwarded by one of our members:

 

Quote

Hi (name elided)

This is Elizabeth 

I’m saddened to let you know my Darling John passed away.

 

I don't know any more than that. John was an accomplished cook, baker and sailor, and he spent time sailing from his home in Cape Town, South Africa to parts very far away. I'm always enjoyed his posts. He could be counted on to explain Cape Malay cookery, and he contributed beautifully to a topic on Boat Cookery.

 

Fair winds and following seas, John.

[Maison Rustique]

Many condolences for all his family and friends. He will be missed here for sure.

[Shelby]

I'm so sad to read this.  I really enjoyed John and followed his sailing adventures with great interest.  Several years ago he even sent me a detailed trip map so I could follow along.  He also shared his wonderful sausage roll recipe with me.  I've made them so many times since.  @Anna N also set me straight and taught me that cheese has no business being even in the same room as a sausage roll.  I miss her and I miss John  .

[chromedome]

That's unhappy news. When I was a kid I read about the Kon-Tiki, and local boy Joshua Slocum, and thought it would be a grand adventure to live on a boat when I grew up. I quickly learned that it's not quite so straightforward (my father, a naval enlisted man, had little patience for "the romance of the sea"), but I still enjoyed reading his posts and vicariously living that childhood dream through him.

[Kerry Beal]

Damn

[Darienne]

I was lucky enough to have a longstanding relationship with John.  Many years ago now I asked him for help in making what i thought would be a nostalgic meal for my friend Annette's dear father Carl.   Carl had lived for many years in SA and was now at 99 years old living with Annette in Canada.  The two of them, plus two somewhat disagreeable Border Collies, came once a month for lunch.  The joke turned out to be on me.  Carl's late wife had been British, a terrible cook, and Carl had never eaten any South African dishes at all.  He did what I made and seemed very pleased.  

 

I also received a lot of information from John about his intended voyage to this side of the globe.  Sad to say, it never took place.

 

Just this morning I received a lovely long letter from John's partner, Elizabeth.  She is also an enthusiastic cook and liked to hear about John's relationship with eGullet.  I have a feeling she might well join the forum.

 

We will all miss John's always interestings posts and I will miss a dear man who had become a friend.  

[Kerry Beal]

His sticky toffee pudding - safely in my recipe file. Only one I'm happy with.