John Alfred Nelson Turner was born in 1933, the son of a doctor.  His father moved to Africa to work there and as a young boy, 4 or 5, John and his mum took sail to Africa to join him. It was during the Spanish civil war and off the coast of Spain their ship was torpedoed.  They abandoned ship but were saved.. a near death experience as a young boy..Returning home John joined Campbell College where he excelled off and on the pitch. His name on the school board should have read J.A.N.Turner but due to a clerical error it read JAN and his new and forever name was born.  

Leaving school for Queen's he studied Dentistry and played rugby on a senior league winning team, partnering Jack Kyle at half back.  In his last season at Queen's, late 50s, they won the senior league, beating Cl at Belmont to clinch the title. The following year he joined Cl and they beat Queen's to win the league for Cl, again at Belmont. . A rare individual double. He played in a great Ulster team and Cl..Cecil Pedlow, Dick Jones etc..

Gentle , happy and kind to all.

A true great.

From Kenya's sun to Campbell's halls,
Jan thrived in life, where laughter calls.
Rugby was key, with friendships dear,
With certain jokes that we couldn’t share here! 

His love for the game was matched by one more,
A deeper affection for Gran he adored.
With her eye rolls and laughter, she kept him in line,
In their love for each other, they always would shine.

With Lucy and Matthew, his laughter rang clear,
A wheezy chuckle at moments held dear.
In blue he would dress, bringing joy all around,
Playing bowls in the garden, where memories were found.

We’d tackle Magic Eye puzzles, squinting with glee,
Dancing the Christmas polka, as happy as can be.
Inappropriate giggles would often break through, 
We’d hear him start laughing, and soon we’d join too.

After eating his dinner, he’d devour a cherry cake,
And after a joke, we’d reply ‘for gods sake!’. 
When watching the rugby, he’d sing the irish tune,
And when watching the football, he’d say ‘shoot the ball you goon!’

For Robbie and Ben, they would take us to the zoo,
And more often than not, Jan would wear the colour blue.
So many memories that we have on our mind,
Like when he flew across the garden, on our brand new zip-line!

In Barleycove’s sun, Faye and Alfie would play,
With Gran and Jan, making memories each day.
His fruit salad, a treat, with schnapps just for fun,
Not quite for the kids, but they were still offered some! 

He’d send us robin cards for each special occasion,
With an “Oh boy!” or “Crikey!” for every celebration.
He loved playing with Harvey, always throwing him a toy.
Filling our days with laughter, a true source of joy.

In every small moment, his laughter remains,
A legacy of love that forever sustains.
From all six of us, here’s to Gran and Jan,
Let’s attempt some Swahili, Tunakupenda san!