Dear Jack:

Thinking of you. You are surely missed

Jack I know we have not seen each other in a while but I still remember how we shared the same intrests in trains and I also remember how I taught you how to swim again. I'll never forget the impact you made in my life. You will always be remembered as one of my best friends. You will never be forgotten as long as I will live.

John Shipley was a man of many nicknames; Cinnamon, headbutt, alligator, princess peach, JJ. But throughout St Andrews John was simply known as the Legend of John Shipley. 

We had the privilege of knowing John for two years; but two years was all he needed to leave an everlasting impact on our lives.

John never failed to partake in debates on economics, politics and everything in between – often simply in order to liven discussion. His knowledge and intelligence were applicable in so many spheres. We will dearly miss this, and we shall dearly miss him.

He has been a huge part of university life and these are just some of the many reasons why everyone loved him. John seized opportunities as they presented themselves: whether it meant the spontaneous practical joke or a hitchhiking trip across Europe. He was one of the most loyal and generous people we have ever had the privilege of meeting. When any of us were struggling with anything he always had our backs.  

Being one of the most genuinely nice people in St Andrews. He was not just a great friend, but breathed life into St Andrews. In almost every memory of the past few years, John Shipley was an integral part. An unforgettable image was that of John walking down the street with a huge, mischievous, yet goofy smile on his face. Our loyal friend was loved by everyone he met; and made any day or night fun and exciting. He was one of our best friends and one of the best you could ever ask for. We miss him everyday, for conversations we shared or just merely his presence, which seemed to lighten any mood. He still is and will be present with us everyday, and we can see little things that remind us John is still here. He will live on forever in our hearts and memory. 

John was a rarity in our generation due to his unfailing dedication to his beliefs. He refused to compromise his ideals and morals for any reason. While this could be an incredibly aggravating quality when arguing with him, it was impossible not to respect him for it. He will be sorely missed by everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him – a true friend and a wonderful person.

From all those who love you

John, I'll never forget that night we first met.  Singing along to the music deep into the night, until our voices grew hoarse. Just wanted to say thank you for that memory.    

You'll always be loved.

John, we only met twice or thrice but your passion for life was clearly outlined when you stood with me arguing politics when we were massively in the minority. I'll miss you and St Andrews will miss you.

John, JJ, I will never forget all the nights we all had together, the good and the bad but after every night you would always ask me how I was the next day and I thank you for that.
You will be missed and remembered by all. Rest in Peace

John, I never had the chance to meet you but know how much your father lovedyou and had heard so many tidbits about you that I almost felt like I knew you. 

I am keeping you and your family in my prayers and sincerely mourn the loss of your life. 

My sincere love goes out to the whole Shipley family. 

Rest in peace.

John, I am honoured to have had you as my academic son. You added a degree of maturity to this family (which we all really needed) and almost took on my role as the parent at times to make sure everyone was alright and having a good time. 

 I will miss how you used to smile at me on the street and that no matter how bad the weather was or how busy you were you would always make time to stop and make me laugh. I am very sorry we did not have a chance to spend more time together this year, but I will always look back on my time with you with great fondness. 

 We all deeply miss you. 
 Rest in peace.

You were one of the first people I talked to in st Andrews. Thanks for helping me out with economics and psychology before exams, you were so very patient everytime I needed help..

John, thank you for being a good friend to our son, Daniel.  Knowing he had friends like you helped ease our worry of having him study so far from home.  We loved hearing about your adventures in Berlin and Malta, and still laugh thinking of Pete's video of all of you yelling “Freedom” while running into the sea for May Dip. St Andrew's will not be the same without you.  

To John's family and friends, we mourn with you and will keep you in our prayers.

My own son, who was also interested in economics,  attended the University of St. Andrews for two years before deciding to transfer to a school back here in the United States. Although I did not know John, his death hits close to home for me as he reminds me of my own sons. I extend my deepest sympathies to his parents and grieve with you.

John, your smiling face and encouraging words (especially before and after every economics test) will never be forgotten. Thank you for always finding the time for a quick chat. You were one of the most genuine, kind and sincere people I've ever had the pleasure of knowing. You are sorely missed

John, I only met you once. But you truly were a unique individual. A great sense of humour matched with a great personality. St Andrews wont be the same without you. Only god knows why the good die young. Rest in peace brother.

You're one of a kind, John. I don't think there was ever a time where I never smiled in your presence, even during our hour long political chat on the street in the freezing cold! Thank you for coming to every party, and I cherish every memory we have. You'll never be far from us over the next three St Andrews years and beyond. Love always.

John, Thank you for sitting next to me in economics when I didn't know anyone else, and for offering to help me catch up on the work that I was sure I was going to utterly destroy.  You even offered to take over those questionnaires so that poor lecturer wouldn't feel so awkward standing up there, waiting.  I can't believe it.  I really can't.  The world has truly been made less by your loss.  I can't say I'm a strong believer, but I hope wherever you've gone, you are at peace.

And to John's family, For what it is worth, which I know is very little, John was one of the sincerely kind individuals I had the privilege to meet in a place full of duplicitous people.  Wherever you are, my thoughts and best wishes go with you.

John, I am very privileged to have known you, even for a short time. My deepest condolences to your family, who can be proud to have such a loved and loving son.

You will be sorely Missed I am sure of it.

John, although I have never met you in person, I created a picture of you in my mind: throughout the past decade of working with your father (my client),  your dad would often mention you proudly, with a smile of a parent who adores his child: your funny comments, your love for econometrics, your curiosity about the economy, the world .. You brought a tremendous joy to your father. You were very much loved with your family and friends. And for me, you will remain a special memory.

John, although we weren't particularly close friends you are etched into my memories of first and second year, you were always up for a laugh and a drink, but you coupled this with being an extremely hard worker. You were a great friend to everyone around you and you will be sorely missed. 
My deepest condolences to your family, you were a son they should be proud of and I am sure they are finding it impossible at this sad time. With the support of friends I hope they find a way through.
I am upset and sorry I cannot be at the funeral but I am sure those who are attending will carry the thoughts of all of us who cannot with them.
I will miss you John, rest in peace.

John, I can't believe you're gone, Life wont be the same without you, I just remember the way we all sat out in the hallway in New Hall and sang Billy Jean till Cameron fell asleep, You were such an amazing guy, you always stopped in the street to talk to anyone and always had good things to say, a loyal friend, a kind and polite human being and a genuine soul, you are greatly missed and will be kept alive in our hearts forever.

I know there is nothing I can say to ease the pain of loss we all feel at John's passing.
Although I only knew him a few months, I will always remember John as a funny, caring and all round nice guy. He was a great flatmate and a better friend, always ready to lend me some milk or cheer me up with a goofy youtube video after a rough day. I will miss our banter in the kitchen and random run-ins in town.
My thoughts are with all his family and friends. I hope they find peace in their many fond memories of him.

Thank you, John. Thank you for being my friend. Thank you for challenging me every day. Thank you for making me smile, laugh, yell, cry. Thank you for being yourself.

You were truly one of a kind. An individual in every sense of the word. I'll never have the pleasure of meeting another man like you.

I miss you, John. I love you, John.

I will forever keep you and your family in my prayers, and will see you again someday.

John it was amazing meeting you, and you were a great kid. I had some great times with you. Rest in peace.

John, I still remember you and I sitting at our breakfast table when you visited last summer and Matthew was at work. We talked about the fun you had had your first year at St. Andrews, politics and the economy. You were a charming guest with a bright mind. Rest in peace, you will be missed.

To your parents, brother, and extended family, please accept our families deepest sympathies and know you are in our prayers.

Carolyn & Mark Stys
Parents of Matthew Stys, U of St Andrews
Great Falls, VA

John, you will always be remembered as an honest, genuine, funny, caring and cherished friend. I enjoyed every minute of the brief time we spent together, and you will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences to your family, my heart goes out to you, and to them.

Thank you John for being a good friend to our son Cameron. We enjoyed having you to stay in our home in Scotland, and following your progress with Cameron across Europe. I am not going to deny that I didn't ever sleep well or long whilst you both traipsed about, but I was always excited to here about your experiences and the way you both managed to find interesting people who wanted to help you both in your race to wherever you were going. The story of Cameron's aunt mis-hearing your name and calling you Jan as she made you both a traditional Scottish Burns Night dinner at her home in London kept our family laughing for ages. You were so polite to her, but participated in grinning with the entire party who had realised her mistake long before she did. May you rest well and in peace.
Our sincere condolences to all your family. You are in the thoughts and prayers of all our family.
Marianne & Mark

Please accept my condolences. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sincerely,
Joan Demarest

OBITUARY

John M. Shipley

September 20, 1992 – June 9, 2012

Wanamaker & Carlough Funeral Home

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