John DE FREITAS Obituary

Dear Maggie, Gary and Lisa,
What an amazing person John was. My heartfelt sympathy is with you all at this time.
I was a patient of John's after the earthquake. I learnt so much from him about myself, my reactions, my addictions, etc. We had a lot of laughs together, a few tears and many stories.
I so miss our sessions. I always looked forward to our appointments. I can quite honestly say, that John changed my life for the better.
I hope when you think of him you will always find a smile on your face. I know I will.
The last laugh we had together was early this year. He in his chair and me on the couch. Someone slammed the entrance door to the building. I launched like a rocket off the couch and just about ended up in the plant beside the window. Instead of asking if I was alright, John just started laughing and couldn't stop. He'd never seen anyone launch like that. All I remember was flying high into the air. Didn't think about how I accomplished it.
I know John loved you all very much, and also that he was loved very much by family, friends and patients.
Gone too soon, but will never be forgotten.
My love to you all.
Julia Stannius

Maggie, Lisa and Gary.
Our love and prayers are with you all at this sad time. We'll miss the legendary Johnny D but rest assured, he'll always be with us and his stories will continue to feature when the gang gets together!

I've attached a photo of the day we renamed his beloved Buccaneer!
Much love,
John and Sarah

My heartfelt condolences. John was a wonderful warm and caring person whom I was lucky enough to have supervise me at one point. He taught me many important lessons and I have the utmost respect for him. Wishing his family peace and strength. Rest in peace John

Dear John
I probably should have written you this letter while you were with us, but we have often laughed together while recalling some of these occasions.
The one Tina and I especially cannot forget was the occasion when Tina picked me up at lunch time from my place of work, which was near the Observatory Golf Driving Range to meet you for some practice shots. You were at that time working at the Valkenberg Hospital. You had a little more experience than I had and would correct my swing every now and then to my annoyance... But on this occasion you showed your professional touch as you swung your golf club and connected with the ball beautifully, sending it high into the air when all of a sudden we saw this poor seagull falling from the sky... and someone shouted out " a birdy" Well the poor bird didn´t know what had hit it but you certainly made an impression... : )
Thank you for allowing us to accompany you to Madeira in 2005 and share your Portuguese roots . A wonderful trip followed in Portugal and we have the photographs and memories with us forever.
We know how you loved taking photos and when we visited you in Christchurch in 2007 you and Maggie gave us a wonderful treat driving us all the way to Queenstown and stopping at all the wonderful sights along the way. You insisted that we take photos wherever we stopped and if we didn´t take a photo you would quickly take our camera and do it for us: ) We have some wonderful photos from that time thanks to you.
I remember the many braais ( barbecues ) where we discussed the situation in South Africa and the prediction that in our later years we would possibly all end up in different countries.
We had many memorable days together with you and your family and I could continue on and on. We have always been connected to your whole family - for that privilege I thank you and Maggie.
Enough said old friend, for I know for certain we will have another opportunity to catch up.
God speed.
Doug , Tina and Natividade.
Curia Portugal.