Barry John, the legendary former Cardiff, Wales and British and Irish Lions fly-half has died aged 79. John played in 25 internationals for Wales and five Tests for the Lions, one in South Africa in 1968 and four in New Zealand three years later. Wales won three Five Nations titles, a Grand Slam and two Triple Crowns during his stint on the international stage. John cemented his legacy against the 1971 All Blacks by playing a starring role in the historic 2-1 win over the hosts who dubbed John 'The King'. He retired the following year aged just 27. RIP
I remember him as the premiere name in a team of Welsh "Greats", playing stand off, to Gareth Edwards at scrum half. He was a magician and I never quite understood why he retired so early. RIP
Another sporting giant departs, a colossus of a player and quite simply a genius ! Haven't been many like him ever. RIP The King
Another legend of my youth when in South Wales. The taffs loved Barry John - and why not. Amazing he retired at just 27. Of course Max Boyce had to sing about him.
The Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77. RIP
Last of the original cast to pass away, truly the end of an era. You'll not see the like of it again, RIP 'Pike'...
https://x.com/michaelwarbur17/status/1754494977306948012?s=46&t=IY6M0zI1h1T3HNaXabWIhQ Actor Michael Jayston too.
Back then he seemed so young in the Dad's Army cast, and I guess so was I back then, but life has moved on and I'm 70 now. Looking forward to at least another good 20 years with the R's promoted back to the Premier League, or is that too much to hope for in 20 years? Anyway I don't plan to use this spot, located behind our bungalow, for a while yet, all paid for though that my five daughters find a bit morbid. I told my new partner, Wendy, that I didn't want to be that lonely old man buried in the back corner of cemetery, near a secret gate that leads to our home,, so she agreed to "join" me, at least half of her ashes, the other half 30 mins away beside a.lake where her former husband is buried (with her maiden name on his grave marker). Now the only stipulation for a $700 grave plot, versus a $2,700 Columbarium "mail box", is that I have to be interred in a cheap pine box! Now Wendy desperately wants to one day experience a trip to Loftus Road, with an R's win and pre and post match celebrations at the Crown & Sceptre and Coningham Arms (the true Irish R's way!)
