A few words about my good friend John.
(He unexpectedly passed away this week after a short illness).
John and his wife Judy had a cabin on the lake, just a few places up from ours.
They are the ones who encouraged us to buy the cabin we have now,
(along with Ricks Uncle Wayne and Aunt Jo anne who happen to be John and Judy's best friends).
Our friendship goes back about 6 years, but feels like a lifetime....
John was the first to sign my cast after I had foot surgery, and Judy brought us a meal,
Such a beautiful couple.
Little did we know last August when we said good bye at the lake it would be the last time.
Everything was BIG about John... His heart, personality, smile, laugh and
his booming voice when he sang... and oh, he could sing.
Every November 23rd, on my birthday John would call me and sing "Happy Birthday".
I know he did this for many other's as well.
Last year He sang me a voice mail, when I didnt get to my phone in time. I saved that message and will replay it every year on my birthday to remember my friend John.
John was the definition of "Neighbor and friend",
He had a servants heart and would often mosey down to our cabin to see what we were up to.
Many times he would help Rick with something that took some extra man power. In the photo above, John (by the car) was helping Rick and Scott ( another wonderful neighbor) pull out the boat lift. John helped us alot when we were new cabin owners, so many things to know,
we were always thankful for his helpful tips.
Everyone on Chippewa Loop knew the guy with he backpack blower. 
(Looks like John is blowing all our needles into the neighbors yard in the photo above, Sorry Scott :)
We often would come up in the spring and find that John had already blown our needles into piles, so that all we had to do was load them up in the trailer for the compost center.
Thankful and blessed
John with Rick's uncle Wayne, showing off their "catch"
John would often pick me up in his little fishing boat and we would try to catch some fish,
most of the time we didnt, but we had fun trying.
You were a man of faith with a big love for God, family and friends.
I will miss the joking around, that twinkle in your eye, and your phone calls.
Pretty sure Heaven has just got a whole lot more fun.
Until we meet again...
So, so sorry for your loss Jackie.
ReplyDeleteThank you Cheri...so hard to believe.
DeleteJackie, I am deeply sorry for the loss of your friend John. I feel like I know him from your storytelling. What a wonderful man-- in generosity of spirit, in living his faith, in caring for others. Thank you for sharing your loss and your joy. And, yes, I expect he adds a "fun" element to heaven.
ReplyDeleteThank you Audrey, he was the best!
ReplyDeleteJackie - Thank you for such a beautiful tribute to dad. He was most definitely loved and respected by a lot of people. Larger than life with a love for the Lord. He loved to help!
ReplyDeleteJackie, Thank you for the beautiful tribute to my dad. He was truly larger than life...Big John. He loved to be able to help wherever he could. I love seeing how much he meant to so many people. In true form - he is leaving a BIG GIANT whole in all of our hearts ❤ ...that is the human side wanting him to still be around, but I know he is in a far better place today.
ReplyDeleteTammy, he was so proud of you guys, and often shared what you were up to, and of course pictures of the grands and greats! Oh, and that Twinkle in his eye for your mama! Such a dear friend…. Miss him already!
ReplyDelete