I first meet John back in 1984-5 when I became interested in old engines, it was at the Ulverstone show where Mick Woodhouse, Viv Voss, Peter Dixon, Max Johnson, Peter Lawrence and Ken Allan plus some others I didn’t know. After speaking to John for a while he said get yourself a few engines and come along to a show, so I did with some help from Mick and John and John’s son Mark. A friendship had started with all these blokes, as we are called "old engine blokes". Well from there on we had a fair interest in our old gear and before we knew it, we were talking about forming a club. I think in 1988 the club was formed at Monty’s restaurant in Penguin, Martin Walsh president; myself secretary, Peter Dixon treasurer and I can’t remember what else. From that night on the club has grown to what it is today. The Historical Machinery Club of Tasmania Inc. I felt privileged to insert this in our club letter as many of you who don’t know, a club has a founding member, John Douglas was this person. Over the years John was an inspiration to myself and many others, he give me the drive to restore our heritage, helped me with information, even found an engine or two and would let me know where it was and who to speak to. The club opening was a proud day for John as he and the mayor of central coast opened the club rooms. He spoke to me after and told me he could not believe the number of members the club had and the interest coming from younger people. John was also a patron of the club which he told me was an honour. While I was president, the club presented him life member, this I presented to him, an honour I will always cherish. Over the years I have known John, I found him to be a gentleman, a member who had the good of the club at heart and a good mate.  He will be sadly missed.   

          Rick Brooks.