Remembering John Middleton

My dear friend, mentor and co-founder of GDG Douglas, John Middleton, sadly passed away in Liverpool on 24 June 2025.

We became fast friends eight years ago, through contributions to local tech events and the Isle of Man Code Club. From our very first conversation, I was energised by his depth of technical knowledge and enthusiasm for community and learning.

This inspiration only grew as he revealed his breadth of knowledge across specialist topics including business, compliance, finance, law, hardware, software, security, gaming and so much more.

He readily shared this sharp aptitude with me, appointing himself as a dedicated mentor. He cheered and cajoled every high and low throughout the early years of building my business, helping me juggle all the pressures and obligations as a first-time founder.

We started the Google Developer Group Douglas in 2019, hosting monthly presentations, workshops and the two-day developer conference DevFest. John was thrilled to also attend Google IO events in London and Mountain View.

He approached his cancer diagnosis as he approached everything, with a strong desire for understanding, fierce commitment to success and an authenticity in sharing the highs and lows with those closest to him.

These are the values I hope to carry and continue as I fondly remember him.