John F. Roe was born and brought up in rural Lincolnshire in the United Kingdom. He later read History at St John's College, Cambridge, and acquired a degree in English from London University. After graduating he taught and travelled in Europe and Africa and wherever there were mountains. At twenty-eight John married Ella Burley and began a more organised life altogether, as well as two children, Christopher and Madeleine. John taught in Rhodesia for several years and then came to teach in Australia. He loves to read, travel, grow flowers, coach soccer, and keep the company of his grandsons.