John and I were best friends back in the Turkey Hollow School years. We had many adventures together. Just to name a few, sailing and scuba diving in Maine, skiing at Suicide Six, riding motorcycles and snowmobiles, and making James Bond movies. These times will never be forgotten.
I grew up with John in Woodstock Vermont and followed him to the Vail Valley to work in Ski School. John and his family were an influential part of my childhood...I rode their pony as a child...there are so many memories. John always looked out for me in the Vail Valley as he would a little sister. His smile, intense spirit and dedicated style will always live on in my memory.
Though John has been part of magical childhood memories more than my adult time it is no less significant in the fabric of life.
One random memory...I recall his room and all the curious foreign things...a representation of menagerie of passions (apparently on display for my inquisitive eyes, but likely just lying about without such intent). Another…I recall him explaining to me why bats are not bad creatures when they had terrified the hell out of me in the garage. Coming back to visit a few years ago, I remember John's warmth and keen interest in anything I might have to talk about...like coming home to a part of the family that you always knew (and still know) will be there for you.
I attended Turkey Hollow School with the Lancaster’s for seven years, they were all great friends and mentors. I remember Johnbert's great sense of humor. We had a lot of fun doing plays and making movies. It is wonderful to see the wonderful ways that John touched so many lives.
Julie
I am John's aunt, sister to his father. Early on during his preteen years in Vermont, Johnbert, as we called him, spent a lot of Saturday mornings sitting in a chair watching TV, while the rest of us were out playing in the snow. Couldn't budge him outside back then.
But, he surely did change! John became smarter, more handsome, funnier, and a top achiever. From all the heartwarming messages posted here, I am thrilled and touched and humbled to learn how much my youngest nephew meant to so many, and in so many positive ways. For instance skiing was SO important to him, and he did it so very well. He and Lisa loved Vail. One January when we were enjoying a Vail timeshare, John gave us a bump lesson. But, it was 25 below zero and our skis hardly moved. No wonder he was available that morning.
John also excelled in electronic and technical matters. At age 16, he confidently designed and set up our sound system. His "system" still serves us well! In John's more recent years he and I emailed extensively as he trained to become a pilot and instructor. I got my Private Pilot's license (SEL) back in 1958 and have always loved flying. Sharing John's training exploits in Florida was great fun. His enthusiasm for aviation was infectious and wholehearted.
When I first started reading the posts on this site, I was again hit by the sledge hammer of grief. But as I read on, and I was overwhelmed by the love and respect that this community had for John. On those rare occasions that we were together he sometimes spoke about his helicopter work, but I had no idea how involved he was in the helicopter world. I cannot thank you enough for the insights, about my brother’s flying life, that I have found in your stories of him. This was a part of my brother I knew little of, and I am grateful to all those that overcame the emotions of losing a friend, to tell the world about John.
I do not know where 'Fling' is now, but wherever he is, he will be helping someone, or telling a story that will make someone laugh (and teach them something about life) or he will be reveling in just being airborne. I always enjoyed my time with my brother and I am so glad that so many others shared in his humor and his talent as an instructor.
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