Vale - John Ward

[Old Croc]

I have just received news of the passing of John Ward who was posting here as GungaDin.

I became worried as he had been off line for a week or two and I asked Crossy, who lives nearby, to check his house.

He confirmed he had been found by neighbors a couple of days ago having passed away in bed.

He had not been well for sometime with lung problems from a lifetime of smoking, and had suffered a broken leg some years ago which had never healed properly.

After several years in Australia (living in a garden shed!) he returned to Thailand the place he loved, a couple of years ago, to live out his time. Tragically it was all too short.

I've recently moved to Phuket and he had plans to ride his bike down here to spend a week or so with me. Sadly, I will now never meet the close friend I have known on skype for 5 years.

He was formerly a moderator on ThaiVisa and well known to older members here as Udon.

His sometimes gruff personality saw a falling out with some here and he disappeared for a while before returning as GungaDin.

He was also known on other forums as Troppo747 and Blackie.

RIP John.

[soundman]

RIP

[Crossy]

Indeed sad, it seems that he had been gone for some time when another of his acquaintances became worried and the police were asked to break in to his house on Friday.

John, whilst being well known as a miserable old scrote (his words), will be missed, it's always sad when someone has to die alone.

His affairs are being handled by the Australian Embassy who will be getting in contact with his ex-wife and daughter in the UK.

RIP Mate

[eek]

Rest in Peace.

[webfact]

RIP

[george]

RIP John

[philw]

Very sorry to hear this.

Good person.

Phil Williams

[billd766]

RIP Gunga Din.

I for one will certainly miss you.

I am going to Chiang Mai tomorrow and hoped to see you there.

Bill

[Scott]

My condolences to the family, friends and posters who will miss him.

[harrry]

I am sorry to hear of this too. I have had a little telephone contact with John and though I have not met him in person wish I had. He was a person who really cared for people.

[surayu]

Goodbye GungaDin, it's sad to read you passed away, RIP.

[Mario2008]

May he rest in peace. My condolences to all his loved ones.

[robblok]

I read his posts always they were nice to read. I don't know him for real but he looked like a real nice person. I normally don't post in these kind of threads but he is the exception.

Rest in peace

[thaicbr]

Good bye John. I will remember you as the cantankerous but helpful old bugger you were.

R.I.P

[Kan Win]

Rest in peace Udon, we had a great time on Thai Visa when you where around.

Sawadee

[mauGR1]

Bye GungaDin, rest in peace.

[GarryP]

RIP. I also do not normally post on threads like these but only last month he sent me a very nice PM with some good suggestions on motorbikes. This is quite a shock actually.

[Tigersachsclub]

Sorry to hear this. RIP

Tiger/Sachs Club - Mbox

[Boo]

Very sad. RIP John

[BigBikeBKK]

Very sad news- I had no idea he was in poor health- he came across online like someone who was healthy and full of life. RIP John.

[yabaaaa]

I almost met Gunga last year when we had planned to go and buy some plants for his garden from one of my suppliers but at the last minute he couldnt make it due to his leg problem I seem to remember. Farewell Gunga!!

[george]

RIP John.

[PoorSucker]

RIP

[bifftastic]

So sad to hear he died alone. RIP

[LickersPhuket]

RIP John,

He had hoped to soon come and visit me at my new bar in Kata, He was a good guy and visited me many times in my bangkok bar..... had a few beers and Cod, Chips and Mushy Peas with me and put the world to rights.

Take care mate................ Have a safe journey. D & L and all the girls

[angiud]

R.I.P. Gunga Din

[Patsycat]

RIP xxx

[lazygourmet]

R.I.P.

[Ulysses G.]

We arrive alone and we go out alone. Mai phen rai, He is in a much better place. 

[bonobo]

RIP