Thursday, February 2. 2012A Very Sad Day....John Linton Yesterday my dad was doing what he liked doing best. Eating at a nice restaurant, drinking nice wines , and talking about the state of the telecommunications market in Australia, and the various companies that make this up. James Linton
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I would to express my condolences towards your family during these hard times, thank you very much for giving everyone at Exetel an opportunity to work under your wing and for showing us what true leadership is.
You will be missed deeply and I will pray for you and your family. Again thank you for everything. Comment (1)
My Sincere Condolences, James.
How I wish this never happened to this great man. John's will never passes away. Comment (1)
I had to read that last post several times before I believed it. Australia has just lost a visionary: someone with wisdom who spoke the truth and saw through all the BS that others were sprouting.
I am truly sorry that he has left us. My condolences to all his family and loved ones. I know that he will be sorely missed by everyone. In my short time with Extel as a customer, I have grown to enjoy his blog and the insights to be gained from it. I am very glad that he had a quick and merciful passing and did not suffer for any extended period of time. Comment (1)
This is very sad news for you and your family as well as everyone involved with Exetel. I cannot imagine how hard this must be for you; you were clearly very, very close.
I send my sincere condolences to you and your family particularly. Comment (1)
James, I'm absolutely flabbergasted reading this. I thought it was John writing about his Dad. But after a few sentences, I realised you were talking about John himself.
What a terrible shock for you and your family, he always sounded so healthy and energetic. I can't believe this has happened so suddenly. The next few months are probably going to be quite difficult for your family. It took me years to steady up after losing my Dad. And 25 years later, I still miss him. Reading John's blog everyday was a highlight of my day - always something interesting and he knew so much about how to run a business. Most of all I admired his generosity. He willingly shared his knowledge here. He gave his customers great deals instead of keeping some extra margin. His donations and leadership in supporting wildlife are just legendary in my mind - a great example to the business world and indeed everyone. He has inspired me to contribute more to wildlife both now and in the future. I'm really going to miss him and I'll certainly never forget him. Dave Comment (1)
I am deeply shocked. I only knew you through this blog but I will really miss you. We've lost someone very special.
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Like Dave, I didn't realise this was about John.
I've always enjoyed this blog, and from these past 6-7 years with Exetel, felt like I knew him. All of Exetel - family, staff, customers - will miss him. Ajay Comment (1)
My sincerest condolences, whether or not you agreed with John Linton's business methods, he was clearly a very smart and courageous businessman and that exceeds what you can say about most. I'm damn sure that he's put in place the very best for his family and his company, and I hope he rests well knowing the path he has prepared for others.
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I too had to read this post a couple of times...
My condolences to all of the family - thanks to John for his entertaining blog (the reason that started me using Exetel several years ago...) Comment (1)
As well as being our CEO, John has been like a father to all the employees here at Exetel, personally helping each person contribute to the company
We will miss him very much, but I believe he has instilled enough of his knowledge and vision into all of us that his spirit is going to live on for many years to come Comment (1)
My condolences to the Linton family.
On behalf of the sales teams, we have all lost someone so close to us and we are lucky to have got to learn under such an experienced, charismatic and kind person. I don't think I'll ever have a better manager in my life. He will be so missed Comment (1)
My condolences to the Linton and Exetel family.
The Australian ISP industry has lost a unique and respected leader and I've lost a great boss who always got me to do better and think more than I have ever done before. Our time together was too short. He will be dearly missed. Comment (1)
Platitudes will not do.
I enjoyed John Linton the most when he wrote of the things he cared about. My heart goes out to Annette and family, and my condolences to all at Exetel. Comment (1)
James,
My sincere condolences to you and your family. John will be surely missed. R.I.P. John. Les Comment (1)
James,
I’d like to express my most sincere condolences to you and your immediate family. No amount of writing could truly reflect or express the pain in losing a loved one and as you pointed out, John would have quibbled at the thought and most probably would have asked to focus on something that mattered – Exetel related but of course. While I am now on the outside, it is without a hint of exaggeration that his generosity over the years I worked with him at Exetel shaped not only me but every other person by constantly refining and defining professionalism in the unconventional sense of always striving for excellence. I wish you and Exetel all the best for the future. Comment (1)
He was an incredible man, and an inspirational mentor.
I feel blessed to have had the amazing opportunity to know him, and learn from him. My prayers for you John, and all your family. You were one of a kind. And you will be sorely missed. Comment (1)
I'm shocked. He will leave a very large void in the commentary of the telecommunications market. A very honest writer, and well reasoned. His perspective often embarrased those part of the group-think. I hope James can continue to steer the company as steadily as his father, and hope to see James step up and take the place of his father in seasoned public commentary.
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John was a wonderful inspiration to his customers and those us who work in ICT Industry(am both in my case)
Only discussed the future the other day in regards to supplier for IP Provider and the establishment of International Points of Presence (POP) in the NZ, US and UK It's sad loss but a wonderful legacy to have started a company from scratch into something special in the industry. My condolences are sent to James and the rest of the Linton Family Comments (2)
My Condolences to you James and the rest of Linton family.
John was both inspiration as a customer and someone who works within the ICT Industry. He has built a company Exetel with his own vision and brought together some skilled individuals Only discussed within this forum the other day about IP Providers being changed and discussion in regards to POP's(Point of Presence) in NZ, US and UK. Thanks for John legacy to the ICT Industry for his vision and hopefully this continue through future at Exetel. Comments (2)
I have sat next to John for the past 2 years at Exetel and I have had the wonderful opportunity of watching John rant, scream and laugh often at his own computer screen or an idle telephone. I have watched him go through 1000 thought processes on how to do things better at Exetel and make it the best possible ISP in the Australian market. I have watched him over the last 2 years with much admiration for being such a unique individual who I respect and adore greatly not just as my boss but as a father figure. I look at his empty chair today with much sadness, in knowing that I can’t have one last discussion with him. However, Exetel was his pride and joy and is his legacy and I am proud to be a part of it today even with the passing of such a great CEO. You will be missed very very dearly John. RIP.
My deepest and heartfelt sympathies to Annette and the family. Comment (1)
Very sad news, your father was quite a character, larger than life as they say.
I will miss his daily postings. Condolences to you and your family Comment (1)
I am shocked & saddened - at the same time, happy that he passed peacefully. In my 60+ years I have rarely been moved to tears at the passing of someone I had never personally knew - I'm not sure when it last happened. James, my heartfelt condolences to your family.
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When Steve asked me to a meeting yesterday at 2pm, I didn't know what it was about. The room was silent as people gathered. Steve gave us an update and we hoped at that time, we'd see John back in the office soon. This morning James informed us of his father passing away the evening before. John taught me a lot over the 7+ years I have been there, I can not thank him enough. I will miss him a lot. Rest in peace my friend.
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I have worked with John for the past 10 years. He touched me a lot in various areas. He is dedicated on working. Whenever I emailed him, he always quickly responded as long as he saw. He took care for his staff and helped resolve most difficulties in my life. He had advanced thinking and changed ideas into reality quickly. He was very generous and nice person. I am very proud to work for him in Exetel. However, it's truly a sad day. We lost a great man. I will miss him forever. Rest in peace John.
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Terrible, terrible news. My thoughts are with you all. Very sad.
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wow....dont know what to say. Although I didnt know you personally, from the Swiftel days to now you were always an accessible, friendly and knowledgeable person who always took the time to respond.
To Annette, James and family condolences  Comment (1)
My sincere condolences to Linton family. Guys like him are legends and leave leagacies for others.
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Condolences to you, Annette, Andrew and family.
He was an inspirational and incredible person with a true spirit. I never thought 13th January 2012 will be the last day to see John in the SL office. Thank you John for everything.. R.I.P. John Comment (1)
My condolences to you James, and to Annette, Steve, Larry and everyone else he was close to.
I only knew John via this forum but after reading his blogs almost every day for the past several years I can honestly say I believe the world is in a sadder place without him. He will be missed. Comment (1)
Just went to catch up with the last two postings and then this.
I have been an Exetel agent almost from day one (June 1994). I was often infuriated by some of John's decisions but he made so many good ones to make up for those. I always thought it would be nice to meet him (and other staff) once but there was never really a reason to meet. Too late now... I will miss him and this blog and hope that Exetel can continue in the way he would have wanted it to. My condolences to you James, Annette and the rest of your family. Comment (1)
John was truly an inspirational leader. The father of Exetel. He taught me more than I could have ever thought possible in my 2 years at Exetel. It is these life and business lessons that I will always remember him for.
My deepest condolences to Annette, James and the Linton family, John was definitely one of a kind. Comment (1)
Terrible News
my condolences to the family I've been reading the blog for years and joined Exetel at the beginning. He had a massive effect on the industry and will be dearly missed. Comment (1)
Words can not describe how sad I was when I heard the news yesterday. I'll be upset for many days to come.
All of us are thankful of him for helping us in our life. Without John I am sure that I would be in the position that I am now. Comment (1)
I'm still shocked and can't believe he won't come to work right at 9:25am to say good morning to everyone...
He will be missed deeply- great boss and a great man Condolences to you, Annette, Andy and family. Comment (1)
Dear James,
Deepest sympathies to you and Anette and Andrew. May you all find the strength and courage to get through the days ahead! My thoughts and prayers will be with you. Comment (1)
I have known and worked with John for 10 years and can say I haven't ever met anyone like him and confidently say will never meet anyone like him in the future. He had an aura that was truly inspirational, that made you want to work always to your highest potential in order to achieve your best possible. Always called a spade a spade and, for those who read his blog, most eloquently said.
It was a great honour and I feel priveleged to have known, worked and learnt from John. Comment (1)
I am so sad and shocked about this news. I am very sorry for your families loss and for all the people who were fortunate enough to know John personally.
I felt over the years of reading his blog that he was a honest and decent man who was a bright light in the world. Who was not afraid to share his feelings of the people and the world in general. His words taught me much about the world of business people and businesses in general. He had more integrity, decency and honesty than most businesses and people combined. The world is a sadder place. May he rest in peace. Comments (2)
This is sad news! I too didn't believe it at first.
Condolences to you and family from our family. Comment (1)
I'm really shocked and sorry to hear about this sad turn of events. From a partner (Tyro - though I've moved on) and a long-term customer, please accept my deepest condolences during what must be a very difficult time for you and your family.
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I was so saddened to hear of John’s death. He was a great boss to me.
May God give him eternal rest and may him soul rest in peace! Please be strong and accept my condolences! Comment (1)
I am very saddened to see your post, James.
I only knew John through this blog – and read it every day for the last few years. He shared with us “warts and all” in this blog – and what an experience it has been! All the best to you and your family, Regards, Comment (1)
It's evident reading through the messages here that John is a well loved, inspirational and unique person. This is tragic news and I wish the family all the best through this extremely difficult time.
He will be missed by many here and abroad. I have never been prouder to be an Exetel customer and it's clear he had an emotional connection with many through his personal musings. Rest in peace John. Comment (1)
Dear Annette, James and family,
There are no words to adequately express the sympathy for the devastation and profound loss you must be feeling……. I’m deeply saddened on the sudden passing of Mr. John Linton. He was a great boss and all of us who worked for him thought the world of him and will miss him very much. I know this is a difficult time for you. John was very much admired and respected throughout the company. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you. James Theje Gunatilake Comment (1)
I have gained many things in my life after joining exetel. It's invaluable for me, specially the knowledge I have acquired so far.
He was a great boss. Given lot of opportunities to make my life brighten up while at exetel. RIP John. My deepest Condolences to Linton family. Regards, Pasan Comment (1)
I was so shocked to hear the news. John had a strong personality and if not for his extraordinary thinking, we would not be working for Exetel from SL.
My deepest Condolences to Linton family. Comment (1)
My condolences to you Annette, James and family.
Mr.John Linton is a great person that I've found in my life. I've learned a lot of things from him during the last 6 years... I couldn't believe that I've lost such a great boss, but we must understand that nothing is permanent on this earth. Honestly I'll miss him a lot. Rest in peace John... Comment (1)
This is very sad news, it actually feels like the passing of a family member rather than someone I had the pleasure of working for a number of years ago. His input has helped many people in their careers/
We will always have good memories of John and great stories to tell of our times with him. He was a 'one off' RIP John (Barney) Comment (1)
We heard the news yestarday and we were completely shocked. I am very sorry about his passing away. He will be a great loss us too.
My sincere condolences to you and your family for this sudden loss of an irreplaceable person. R.I.P. John Comment (1)
I loved John, his musings where always great to read and his insight was truly down to earth.
Many people owe a lot of gratitude to his tireless efforts and we hope the family and staff of Exetel continue his great vision. He left an amazing legacy and contributed a great deal to the human race, and we need more people like him. Have a great 'flight' John. Comment (1)
Dear James
My son, also named James, and I were deeply shocked and we shed a tear for John today. As an Exetel Agent for over 4 years, we never met John but at times communicated with him via email, sometimes sharing a few Rudd jokes of which one he posted in his blog on March 13, 2010. Our deepest sympathy goes out to you and your family as you struggle through the grief and sadness. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of loss. John was a great man and we will all miss him dearly. Robert & James Comments (2)
My deepest sympathies James to you, Annette, Andrew and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
John was a wonderful, inspirational boss and he will always be in our thoughts and memories. R.I.P. John. Comments (2)
I may not have ever met John, but my Dad and I did amazing work with him and Exetel, being both agents and committed customers since 2005. I have met so many of your staff since being active through IRC, the forums and liaising with your agents team, and never have I ever heard one negative about your work. You were loved by your colleagues, family and many other people including your customers.
We lose yet another person who shouldn't have been taken away so soon. Rest in peace, John. Comment (1)
The legacy of Mr. John Linton will continue to Help Make a Better world.
He will surely be missed by all of us. Condolences to Annette and James and the whole Linton Family. Shone Roosmalecocq Comment (1)
Mr.John Linton was a great boss who will not be easily replaced or forgotten.
Dear Annette, James and family our deepest sympathies are with you. Udhara Perera Comment (1)
As a retired founder of New Media technology at Telstra Media, I retired due to Brain cancer, I feel confident in saying Justin Milne (ex Telstra media) and J-B Rousselot would concur with me, that competition is paramount though such events as this are heart felt by all of us in the industry. Please accept our condolences and please live up to his culture for future competition.
Malcolm Larkin. Comment (1)
Dear Malcolm,
Sorry to hear about your health issues, I hope you are okay. Thank you very m uch for the kind words about my father. I know Steve, and myself will do all we can to live up to his commitment to better the telecommunications market in Australia, and to "make this a better world". James Comment (1)
My sincere condolences to you and your family. I lost my Dad from a stroke, in similar circumstances. Nothing prepares you for circumstances like this.
Carry on with his good work. Comment (1)
Dear James and family,
Sorry to read about your loss. I have lost my dad as well in the last couple of weeks. Its hard when you lose not only a father, but a best friend. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there; I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the diamond glints on snow, I am the sun on ripened grain, I am the gentle autumn rain. When you awaken in the morning’s hush I am the swift uplifting rush Of quiet birds in circling flight. I am the soft star-shine at night. Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there; I did not die. - Mary Elizabeth Frye From the Loupos Family Comment (1)
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family through this heartbreaking time. He was a good boss for me and certainly I will miss him very much. My deepest condolences Annette, James and family.
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I was so saddened and shocked to hear of John’s death.
I feel blessed to have an opportunity to know him and he is one of the great personnel I have ever met in my life. John was like a dad to all of us here in Exetel. My deepest condolences to Annette and the family.. John.. May your Soul Rest in Peace.. You will be missed..!! Comment (1)
I greatly appreciated John's contributions on various levels. And being somewhat of a seer, I might say that after a little prod, John is now doing well in the after life.
Death is but a door way. Comment (1)
I saw James's notice on thursday maorning and wanted to say something then, but I was simply lost for words. I couldn't believe that a man so full of life and vigour had been lost to us so suddenly. I'm shattered.
My condolances go out to John's family, and also to his Exetel family, who I know are suffering almost as much. I never met him personally but I had many private exchanges with John, and he was always gracious, friendly, and helpful to me. I admired the way he did business, and the way he has shaped Exetel. He will be greatly missed. Time for a well deserved rest mate I don't think he'll be resting. I think he'll be trying to figure out how to get all the other angels off their clouds, and working towards making heaven a more efficient and better place for the rest of us. I treasure your memory john. Comment (1)
John Linton musings and views are one of the reasons why I became a client of Exetel ... he will be missed, tomorrow or the next life, whichever comes first we will never know!
My condolences to you, your family and people at Exetel ... as a SME owner I know that businesses will not exist without the people. Comment (1)
This is very sad news.
Australia has lost a true leader in the telecommunications industry. Condolances to James & family. To the Exetel team, keep up John's great work in providing a high quality service at a fair price. Comment (1)
James,
Condolences to you and your family from a long term customer of 7+ years. John established the value for money model that that has kept australian internet competitors on the backfoot for years. You have some big boots to fill but I am sure you can handle it. Comment (1)
All I could know about John was reflected in his blog and the great and honest service from exetel.
Reading these responses is revealing. The rarity of what he has achieved has certainly grabbed my attention. At over 50 years old, I can count on less than one hand the people I have met in this life like this. But that is ok, as people like John outweigh people like Julia in the thousands to one. I will miss his overview. All the best Comment (1)
Dear James, Annette, Steve, Family & Friends
I am absolutely shocked and saddened by the passing of John. I have been with Exetel since 06 and have followed John's blog almost every day. I constantly looked forward to reading his musings and following his complete dedication to Exetel as it grew bigger and bigger. Deepest condolences. Comment (1)
James,
My deepest condolences to you and your family. It was a pleasure to meet your dad over business and I know he lives on in you, his family and the great business he had established. Know that what Exetel does, and the generosity of what it provides even in charity, makes a real impact to many out there. May his legacy live on. John. Comment (1)
I only just found this out and can hardly believe what I read.
My deepest condolences to the Linton family. Having been with Exetel from the very early days I have benefited from and fully appreciated the work that John has done. He was truly one of the good guys. Rest in Peace Comment (1)
James,
Through this blog I feel like I have come to know a great man with strong values and someone who stood up for what they believed. I'm very saddened and shocked by his passing wish you strength going forward. Clive Comment (1)
I am so sad to hear about John's passing away. I read this blog every day and learnt a lot. And though having never met him, will much miss him.
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James and family, my sincerest condolences for your loss. Your dad was a truly great man and clearly one with a passion for the environment and living creatures esp. birds. The world is a poorer place for his passing.
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I too, only found out this afternoon. I am truly shocked to find we have lost such an icon as your father. His input into the telecom world has been priceless and invaluable.
I know Exetel can rely on you, James, to continue the path your father has set out for this company. My sincere condolences to you and your family. Comment (1)
The fact that so many people have left Condolences here is a Wonderful testament to John's Character and proves yet again that Exetel is truly a Family. No other ISP's CEO will ever be as sorely missed.
My Sincerest condolences X Comment (1)
I've read John's last blog many times now and for John to write these words on his last day with us must have been a calling from God that it was time for John to join his many passed relatives and friends in heaven.
God must have identified John as having had a full life and achieving what he had to in life and it was time for John's body and soul to rest in peace for eternity in Heaven, the Kingdom of God. Regretfully, we all must leave this life eventually but our memories, our souls and our love for each other will last forever........ ...... quote "Whatever minor 'successes' we may have enjoyed over the past eight years, and they have been few and far between in the wide sweep of telecommunications in Australia, we need to become far more successful in the immediate future and beyond. The 'landscape' we now confront is very, very different to what it was in January 2004 and so is Exetel, both in size and 'composition'. Over the past eight years we have developed some pretty effective capabilities but, equally, we have also lost some capabilities we once had. To meet some of our more ambitious objectives (and they are only modestly ambitious in the grand scheme of things) we will need to do many things much better than we do them today and we will need to develop far more 'doing' people to make the most modest of our ambitions become realities. Like any relatively sensibly directed company we have far more opportunities than we have been able to develop people to address. Like any other relatively sensibly directed company we need to find more people who can take responsibility for new opportunities with the enthusiasm and dedication (and above both of those the competence) that our 'old' people have done to make whatever we have accomplished to date happen so quickly and so well. As with everything in commercial life "it's the people - stupid". A good January is something to be pleased about but that 'inner glow' flickers and dies almost as soon as it is engendered. Exetel's reality is that unless we quickly put the right people in place to make the most of the opportunities available to us we will have substantially wasted much of whatever we have managed to achieve over the past eight years..... ......I wish I was much better at my job and was a lot younger." unquote Rest In Peace John Linton Dear James John would want you to live each day of your life and help others in the process: smile, be authentic, be helpful, be honest. Follow your dreams so that you unconsciously inspire others to follow theirs. If I had to leave one message at this moment in time it would be this: Be honest with yourself in everything you do. If you want to do something deep down but fear it, don’t let the fear put you off. Embrace life and any difficulties that come with it, because this is the only opportunity we have. For every person that tells you that you can’t do something, realise it’s just another person to prove wrong. I wish you James, Annette, your family and all the people at Exetel the very best for the future. I know tomorrow will be a very sad and difficult day for all of you as you lay John to rest. My thoughts are with you all. Robert Comments (2)
Just catching up after being away for a few days and am both shocked and flabbergasted.
Cannot put it any better that has been so superbly expressed in many of the previous responses. Sincere condolences. Comment (1)
My deepest sympathies James to you, Annette, Andrew and your family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
R.I.P. John, you were a wonderful, inspiring boss and will always be in our thoughts and memories. Comments (2)
Your father changed my life. I feel for your loss.
In high school I convinced my mum to get me ADSL from Telstra when it was first deployed. Within 6 months Telstra capped it and we went back to dial up for years. It wasn't until your father introduced fairly priced internet again did we get broadband back again. I graduated RMIT with two degrees, computer systems engineering and computer science. And I would be lying if I didn't say that the vast majority of my work was conducted over an internet connection that was provided by your father's work. I worked at NASDAQ for the last 5 years in Europe. I have now returned to Australia to start my own enterprise. www.porknbunny.com I shared your father's views on the NBN. Comment (1)
My condolences james i have know you and your dad and you sister for many years and meet you guys a few times as well. If you need anything i can help with please let me know
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All the best for the future; I loved reading Johns blog, his opinions and thoughts. His respect for the planet and other people was something I always respected.
A wonderful character; once again it shows how amazing an impact someone can have on someone's life who they have never met. My thoughts, Ryan. Comment (1)
We probably would have never met eye to eye on the windows thing
 But, he was good, honest and well meaning, I for one will miss his contribution. But take comfort and strength from the wonderful family you and he had together. May God bless you and your family during this time and always. John Comment (1)
I use to work for Exetel SL... John is a great person to have as a mentor.
My deepest condolence to you and your family. John is a great CEO.... RIP JOHN.... Comment (1)
My deepest sympathies for James, Annette and whole family. We all lost John. He was visioner and good man. He helped me when I was in absys of depression. Vitek
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My Condolences to the Linton Family.
John was a visionary and the whole Australian internet community will forever be in his debt. You are all in our thoughts. Comment (1)
I'm no-one special, just another happy Exetel customer, but I have read John's blog since he started. Unfortunately I read it every month, so I only just found out the news.
Hard to imagine one would shed a tear for the big boss of one's ISP! My politics might be different to John's, yet what he stands for transcends that: Unquestionable integrity, searing passion, undaunted bravery. John's decency and intrinsic care for humanity and the environment was present in every line he wrote. I'm now in China starting a business on my own. It is very very hard work, and one of the things that keeps me going, keeps me seeing the big picture, is the example John set. One day I will have staff of my own, and John, along with two other Australians I deeply respect and had the pleasure of working for, has shaped my views of managing people, especially in giving people a go, and investing in their development. For me his approach is a benchmark I aspire to. James, Steve, and all the rest of the Exetel family, I have some bad news and some good news. The bad news is that John left an almighty set of boots to fill. The good news is that you've all had the good fortune to have been guided and trained by one of the very best. I wish you all every success in going out there and being decent, successful people. It's everything John would have wanted. Comment (1)
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