Prostate Cancer Uk
Registered Number 1005541
A perfect gentleman.
Mr & Mrs John Macdonald
I have such fond memories of being with and around John and, despite the years of absence, the close lives we all shared at PCL in the late 1970s remain in sharp focus, it is hard to realize it was nearly 50 years ago. Those years remain a pivotal and joyous period following adolescence as we found our way into adulthood. All thrown together, we instantly gained a wide circle of new friends. John and I soon found a mutual interest in photography. For an early project, we spent much time together exploring and photographing a quiet and neglected corner of London and working up our respective student schemes to regenerate a bomb site on Long Acre in Covent Garden. The streets all around were near empty. In nearby Neals Yard, an alternative activist and entrepreneur had just moved into a derelict warehouse and established a bulk whole food warehouse where together we would go to buy ground oats and pulses. Long hours spent working in the Marylebone Road studios soon led to socializing at various shared flats and houses across London, central to much of which was a run-down town house at 155 Grove Lane in Denmark Hill. Initially John was the sole PCL occupant, but this grew as various friends moved in. I remember much hilarity accompanied by the excesses that characterize student life – the antics could easily have been incorporated into later scripts by Rick Mayall and Ben Elton for The Young Ones! With college life behind us, we all went separate ways and embarked on new careers. Too easy to lose contact before the arrival of mobile phones. Prompted by Covid-19 and by the wonders of the internet, it has been heartwarming to have had the luxury to reconnect and re-establish such familiarity. Sarah and I have hugely enjoyed time spent together – there has been so much to catch up on and never enough time. We’ll always remember John as the quiet and calm presence, a wry smile and endless goodwill and humour. What a guy – he will be greatly missed.
Mr & Mrs Colin Lott
In memory of a very good neighbour
Mr Charles and Pat Arnold
In memory of John,one of life's good people Marion and Colin X
Mr Colin Lindsell
Our deepest condolences to you Lindsaye, Nell and Lily for your loss. Love Denise, Jason Matthew, Sophie and Chloe xxx
Mr & Mrs Denise Bloyce
In loving memory of John Costen. Love, Ian, Joyce and Francesca xxx
Mr Ian Smith
From working together 20 years ago in Middlesbrough to sitting by the cricket pitch chatting and having a laugh. It’s been a privilege to have known you John and to also get to know your family. Very grateful for the support and advice but most of all the friendship. You also did a wonderfully subtle job of selling SW as a place to live!! It’s a wonderful photo and I know exactly where it is! We’ve stopped in there at least once!! Thank you. Iain, Anna, Clara and Alastair
Mr Iain Day
You were always cheerful, thoughtful and kind in all you did. We will all miss you
Mr Mike Eliades
In loving memory of a valued friend
Ms Jane Thornley
Well done Lily for running so bravely and well in memory of your wonderful father. Lots of love.
Ms Zoe Lindgren
We wanted to say a few words to honor the creative, funny, and generous man that John was. I first met John when we were students at the Polytechnic of Central London in the Architecture program in 1976. He was full of energy and enthusiasm. My memory from those days is of someone who could jump in and just make things happen, especially if it meant creating something beautiful. He always had an impressive camera in hand, as well as a pen—ready to draw architecture, designs, and people. Our families have known each other since those student days. I'm grateful we were able to stay friends all these years and periodically share in the joy of watching the next generation grow up and celebrating important moments in life. It means so much to us that our son Julian got to know Nell and Lily. Travels to England periodically brought us to Wendens Ambo to visit. We experienced the warmth of the Costen family firsthand and saw John's creative work over the years, especially the building of a beautiful garden and home full of life and love. It's no wonder Nell and Lily are so talented, having grown up in such a wonderful family. We will always miss him. With our deepest condolences and our love, Cecily Young, John Ruble, Julian Ruble and Masego Mahao
Cecily and John Young and Ruble
It feels like no words are appropriate. I am so sorry for your loss. Such a great charity and very worthy cause.
Mrs Claire Freeman
To Lindsaye and the Girls, I am sending you all my deepest love and condolences at this terrible time. I met John when I worked at the BBC and, although I didn't know him well, it was abundantly apparent that he was a kind, gentle, decent man. I remember, Lindsaye, when he would leave chocolate bars in your desk drawer when you first met - his lovely, romantic way of wooing you. This picture of him so perfectly sums up my memory of him - that gorgeous, open smile. I know that he was hugely loved and, in turn, I know he would have loved you and your beautiful girls so much. You talk so proudly about both girls, and I know he shared that pride, that love. I know that, at this very difficult time, it must be almost impossible to remember him with a smile, but I also know that, in time, you will have thousands of fabulous memories to look back on and enjoy. Of course, they will bring a tear to your eye, but I am sure they will also bring you great joy and, hopefully, comfort. Sending all my love. Toni
Ms Toni Round