John was a role model -- a person of intelligence, wit, kindness, and passion. He was also my brother-in-law.
You could always depend on John to fix something that seemed unfixable, or solve a problem in a MacGyver-esque fashion. When my wife & I needed to weigh our 7-week-early preemie daughter, John helped us fashion a baby-scale from a postal-scale, cardboard, wire, and duct tape.
I never got to see him fly a helicopter, but if was anything like he skied, I'm sure it was a thing of skill & beauty.
When you have sisters, one of the top priorities in life is ensuring (hoping) they marry great people. As a younger brother (with older sisters), this is a tough priority, as there isn't much influencing or intimidating to be done by a little brother. My sister Lisa was in her early twenties when it became clear John was her choice, and she his. (They had known each other for many years prior of course, having met as young kids in Vermont.) I was in my teens. I knew even then I had hit the jackpot--my eldest sister would marry an amazing person. I was right.
John felt like a part of the family from day 1, and it has been that way for over twenty years. His abrupt departure is an enormous loss, a stunning blow. I know now, he's our Obi-Wan Kenobi; powerful in life, and (I'm planning on) even more powerful in death. As the darkness now surrounding us slowly turns into light, John’s leadership will be here for us to see and from which to draw inspiration. Skier, Helicopter pilot, Son, Friend, Sibling, MacGyver-esque Technician and Husband: John was amazing in every role.
John: Thank you for everything you’ve given us, you loved your life, and I know your love for Lisa will continue forever from your place in the universe.
Of all the amazing accomplishments in his action-packed life, one of the most important to me was when John taught me how to dance. Long a practioner of the great choreographer cholly adkins (The Nicholas Brothers; virtually every Motown act of the 60's), John was so funny counting off (5, 6, 7, 8!), and particularly at "showtime". He was excellent doing Temptaions-style steps/turns/hand gestures. We spent many hours listening extensively to rock'n'roll music, making fun of The Boss and conversing about all things creative. John was all about "words and music" and really lived life as an example of following one's heart.
John was a great man. His love for Lisa was extraordinary and together they had something few people could ever hope for.
Only the strongest and kindest man would have the understanding, grace and heart to bring such joy to Lisa and make her life so incredible. And from reading these postings and viewing the photos, John shared his wonderful being with all he encountered.
There was a different energy in the house at 7 Barnsley Rd. when John was there. Kind of like, "what's he going to say? what's he thinking? He's kind of quiet . . . " Yet you always wanted to know...
He had charisma. And then out it would come a dry New England hilarity . . . and there was something quick about it even if I did get it just a split second late. But that just made the comment even better.
And you realized just how sharp he was. I was looking forward to skiing with you again John, (was it really only once in Vail?!)
I was John & Lisa's chiropractor when I practiced in Denver. I would go to Vail and adjust him at the condo in the morning before I'd go ride and get the latest scoop on where the secret powder stashes were. I would see him when he would come down to Denver.
He was one of those patients that would make you smile when he walked into the clinic because he was not just a patient but also a friend. The world is a little less bright without him. I always enjoyed his wit and humor.
John, you are missed!
I have known John and Lisa for more than 10 years and attended their wedding in Woodstock VT. As I looked at the photos in the Gallery I remembered that I took the pictures at their wedding. John and Lisa had a truly unique relationship that taught me that relationships do not have to fit into cookie cutter shapes. I just happened to be carrying around their wedding vows in my camera bag for the last 11 years and I am still touched by them. Here is to your Rock and Roll days John.
We met John only once. He had come to visit you here in scenic, sparsely-populated lower Michigan. Although we couldn't sell you two on our lake cabin, John's willingness to spend a few hours of what was a short trip with us was greatly appreciated.
We wish we could say the same for the scones you both prepared. While it escapes us now what ingredient was omitted, they were dry and utterly flavorless. What was far more enjoyable, though, was listening to you both tell the story of cooking them. The picture of two people hopelessly in love, enjoying each other's company while performing an every day task was vividly clear. In many ways, that is exactly as we picture your lives together. No matter how far apart you were geographically, no matter how long it had been between visits, your love for each other never skipped a beat. It was as if you had never been separated.
And so that is our wish you for you- that John may never be far from your heart. Wherever your travels take you and whatever baking projects you may undertake, remember that John will be there, under the cool shade of a sprawling willow tree, to support everything you do.
Kurt, Megan, Bodhi, and Chance Anderson
In the briefest of meetings, I met John at Lisa's MSU Graduation celebration on '06. We shared only a short conversation. It only took that brief introduction to sense that he was one of those rare treasures, a delight to anyone who had the privilege of sharing life with him. And I can see by these many posts that
I am right.
I loved sharing science fiction with John. If you know Star Wars,you may see a connection when I say that John was our Obi Won Kenobi. John was brilliant & patient, he had an ability to see right through the situation. He could understand in a flash what needed to be done. And then he could do it. He could ride, ski, drive, fly, laugh. Whatever it took. And he loved it.
John will always be a role model to me. Whether we were skiing, or catching horses, driving in the car, or sitting around in a café, John simply demonstrated each day how to focus, how to be calm, how to enjoy all the little moments of life.
Obi Won said to Darth Vader as the two fought: “If you strike me down now, I will become more powerful than you can possibly imagine.” I have to believe that, in death, John is more powerful now. Now he is everywhere in the galaxy, helping everyone at the same time.
(On another note, I have recently discovered the cult classic series Firefly, a show John enjoyed. If you like sci fi and have not yet seen this, it is worth renting. You'll think of John while you watch it, and become addicted to it.)
John was a legend in his own time. John’s knowledge of rock and roll, mechanics, human nature, among many other things was amazing. John cared about getting it right. And he did not seek any glory other than knowing that he got it right. John understood the importance of details. I remember John at my wedding 6 years ago. The night before the wedding, while everyone was having cocktails and enjoying the evening, John was solving problems for the guys putting up the tent – he found a tractor and mowed a section of the field for the tent- guys; he solved a few electrical problems for the band, and he sorted out a few logistical problems involving the horses on the farm. And I would never have known all this, but word filtered back to me from various grateful people.
{Back to top}