John Ferrier was the first person actually recruited to the League whilst it was simply a loose ideal of a bald brotherhood.

John introduced the bald mans greeting or handshake equivalent by rubbing two foreheads together very quickly.

John Ferrier was a person who epitomised the ideals of the League, for John loved life. As the accompanying pictures will testify, he lived to enjoy and loved to live. His persona was such that you could not help be endeared to John even after you fist met him. He was the first person to support someone who needed a hand, he was the first person to be positive and offer encouragement, he was the first one to pick up a cricket bat at the beach and the first one to offer you a beer.

If there was a social event, John would be there and nearly always the last to leave for John was a peoples person. He was no king but he had all the charms of Prince Hal and was most at home with the non-pretentious. Never would he malign or pre judge but accept peoples differences even if they were not his preferred company. He would proffer his opinion but would always engage in reasoned debate and listen to the perspective of others, even if it was at odds with his.

John Ferrier, fellow bald man loved being active. He loved sport and even to the time of his passing remained active with involvement in Hash House Harriers, basketball, golf and even a surfboard when he got the time. If a sportsman is measured by having a go at anything, no matter what your standard, John was it.

John moved to a stage of pride in the last two years and was keen to see the League under way. He would have reveled in the League and be upset at missing the first social events.

The greatest thing I will probably remember about John was his rapport with children. His ability to give and pass something on and derive pure enjoyment from doing so. Everyone’s children who came in contact with John will recall fond memories of some time he has intimately spent with them, none more so than his own Skye, Bree and Jemma.

Unfortunately, John died suddenly this year doing what he loved. Being and sharing with others. John collapsed in the middle of a basketball game. He epitomised living life to the fullest. His funeral was attended by over five hundred mourners and was held at a local winery out in the open air as he would have wanted. People danced to Midnite Oil, drank, talked and reminisced in the bright sunshine. Only his beautiful wife Annette could capture him so succinctly. Pure John.

We are all the poorer for not having one of the founding League members with us.

Go you bald man.