John Smith was the sponsor, good friend and mentor of many in the Sixth Chapter. He was
inspirational in getting the idea of the Sixth Chapter conceptualised.
To pay tribute we would like to dedicate this section to John by displaying some of his
quotes and sayings:
Do what you have to do, when it needs to done, whether you like it or not!
God’s will for us is living the principles of the 12 Steps.
It’s about getting the inner child out and smacking its arse - grow up!
Boys do what they want to do, men do what they have to do!
I like kids, just not cheeky ones!
Treat everyone like a 12 step job!
Me - Hey John, I'm getting old I just turned 40! John - Well it’s better than the alternative!
Are you happy living the way you are living? No? Then what are YOU going to do about it?
Swearing is a crutch for conversational cripples.
Save that behaviour for the pubs and dives you crawled out of.
The good thing about sponsoring yourself is you never lose an argument but you are sponsored by a fool.
Pay no attention to the late comer as you may miss a critical message from the speaker. Don't encourage latecomers, keep focused.
You have more excuses than I do and I am the excuse master.
Don't worry about what they're doing, just worry about what you're doing!
When you get desperate, you get flexible
John R has a few things to say about 'The Driver'
John S (Driver John) 20/01/1977 – 20/11/2007 aged 68
A Sponsor’s Reflections
I had the privilege of knowing John S (Driver John) from the Canberra Speakers’ Group for 30 years and 10 months to the day. John was a founder of the Canberra Speakers’ Group; played a big part in the highly successful annual camps at Wombeyan Caves; made many a trip to the sick and suffering; and carried the message to re-habs and other facilities.
During John’s treacherous journey to Alcoholics Anonymous he was hospitalised over 30 times. Even at what seemed to be the most hopeless of dark spots, John was never belligerent and never refused help. Thus when enough was enough and finally beaten into desperation John was ready and willing to accept the message of Alcoholics Anonymous. John called me at least once or twice a week for over 30 years.
John never ceased carrying the message as an active member. He had a few months this year of much physical suffering but never complained and attended meetings up until only a couple of weeks before going into critical care. During this time when he phoned me he was still concerned for his sponsees.
John had ‘stickabilty’ and consistency and a ‘never give up’ attitude. He had an abundant and wonderful life, great family and friends and went about doing God's will to the utmost.
There were circa 500 mourners at John's funeral held in Kambah, ACT on Wednesday 28 November 2007 followed by a celebration of John's life attended by over 300 people from all walks of life.
Driver John has gone to the big meeting. He will be deeply and sadly missed by many of us both in the Fellowship and in the community. John will not be forgotten while his legacy lives on. Rather than say we do not know what to do, we now have the lasting legacy to ask each other "WHAT WOULD DRIVER JOHN DO, OR SAY, IN SUCH A SITUATION???"
John R