Family, friends and colleagues bid farewell to the ‘face of recycling’

Wednesday 14 May 2014

The funeral of the man who got Islanders recycling has taken place at the Westmount crematorium. John Rive died on 2 May, aged 42, having been diagnosed with a brain tumour in July 2012.

The committed environmentalist became Recycling Officer at Transport and Technical Services (TTS) in 2003 and was key to developing the first Solid Waste strategy for the Island, approved by the States in 2005.

John's colleague Allyson Holmes reflected the thoughts of all at TTS when she said: "It became very clear, very quickly that he was the right man for the job. He was enthusiastic, committed and had the communication skills to promote the message in a style that was sincere and credible. His integrity shone through. He brought about the expansion of recycling facilities around the Island, encouraged and assisted the Parishes to introduce kerbside collections and increased the recycling rate to what it is today.

"His contribution to TTS developed over the years and he became Recycling Manager and then Assistant Director – Solid Waste.  He was extremely well respected as the ‘face of recycling’ and liked by his colleagues both at TTS, at the Environment Department, and across all States Departments and he will be much missed.”

John leaves behind his wife Sonia, an eight-year-old son Harvey, and six-year-old daughter, Jennifer.

Bailiwick Publishing would like to extend its sincere condolences to all his family.