“If you want to know who we are , we are gentleman of Japan “ .....these words are from The Mikado ... John Day was The Mikado in a Wales production around 1992 . He only came to the dress rehearsal and the actual performances ( busy running the school )...but WOW ! What a commanding performance he made ... His being projecting into every space in the auditorium and held the audience spellbound . His commanding figure , melodic tones and humour ; his calling card traits , unique. I drove a minibus to Scotland in place of John after the earlier Wales trip that academic school year .He had his birthday , this time of year .May .Same as mine exactly I remember .... he wanted to put his young family and wife first . He really thought about this decision . I saw him deliberate . He made a good call . He made lots of good calls . My children now attend Wales . We had no real chance to be admitted. He said to me , “ For every child who really wants to attend Wales High School .. we have a place for him “ . I am deeply saddened by the loss of such a great man . But happy to have known him in some, small way . My thoughts are with those who loved him . Jayne