This is not a happy end to John Quarrel’s life. I intend to go up north to wish him a better after life. Much went wrong in his later days and Susan and his daughter Helen have stood behind him quite publicly. Here is Susan who who for many years worked with John and looked after his family from their home in Bolton.

She has added

Further to my recent post, I am sure that the APL of which he was a Founder Member, the PMI which he promoted and the NAPF which he tolerated should celebrate his contribution to Pensions and Pension Law. I do look forward to hearing from each and every one but, like John in his dealings with the Maxwell pensioners, will not make anything public.

Here is his daughter Helen.

John was in his prime the voice of NAPF (now Pensions UK) on legal matters, to me the voice of those undone by Maxwell and  the Equitable Life. He was a voice on the PMI and he stood up for pension lawyers, helping to foundg the Association of Pension Lawyers. I remember him railing against what he saw as corruption in pensions, most especially the taking of “personal gifts” paid for by higher fees to pension funds.

This made him friends among decent people but many enemies (as Susan points out). Here is a comment I made about the way JQ stood up for decency. He was a maverick but stood out as others have. This from 2014 when John had been shut up.

Things went badly wrong for him when he founded Quarters. I had not heard from him for some time though I spoke to Susan. She was loyal to her partner as he grew ill with a terrible disease.

John had a moral courage, a rapier fast wit and was kind to all he respected. I remember him as someone who entertained in his chaotic household and took me to watch Bolton FC when they played a team that I supported. John Quarrell’s generosity was unquestionable and I am very sorry that he is no more.