07/06/2026
AU REVOIR JOK (AKA JOHN O'KEEFFE)
A little over a week ago, everyone at Christopher Piper Wines came together in Exeter, to say a fond farewell to JOK. We gathered in a sun-dappled Harry's to remember his thirty years of 'active' service but also to wish John all the best for his retirement. There is very little that John hasn't done at CPW, beginning with a stint in the office, then moving into the warehouse and then settling comfortably and successfully into a sales role (ref. photo of JOK taken in 2012!). More recently, he has combined this sales role whilst also being a van driver.
Often in life, you don't miss someone until they (or their voices) are no longer there (think Radio 2's Johnnie Walker and Bob Harris - or TMS's John Arlott and Brian Johnston). JOK has been a very present voice and persona at CPW but above all, we will miss his adaptability, loyalty and wonderful sense of humour. There have been a legion of stories over the years, often digging into the depths of his memory or simply reporting on a press article that he has just read. These stories have nearly always left us laughing and feeling more positive than we were to start with.
We know we will see him at Ottery St. Mary over the years to come, which is great news. Although he is not a social media follower, we know someone will pass these words on to him. Santé, bonne route et à plus.
