John and I both shared a passion for performing different genres of music. Jazz, Blues, Rock, Musical Theater, Pop and Opera. And of course Burt Bacharach who we thought was in a league of his own.
He would bring me boxes of music and say "I just thought I'd introduce you to some of my favorite songs". As he'd start to say the title - I'd start singing it from the other side of the room. It got to the point that he'd go out of his way to find a song I didn't know. When I'd ask him about a song - he'd not only know it, he'd have the music on my porch within days. When I ventured into Opera, (such a novice) he introduced me to the most beautiful arias. Once he knew your voice he would bestow gifts of beautiful music to you. He'd say, "I was in the neighborhood and thought I'd drop this off to you - thought of you when I ran accross it - can I play it for you, I've got a few extra minutes before my next Mass". He was so generous!
He loved my brownies, my dog and when my kids were young - he really loved their Hermit Crabs.
I praise God for knowing and loving John. He was my friend, kindred spirit and accompanist for most of my work on the west coast. There will never be another like John! 

....
And when you go through the valley
And the shadow comes down from the hill
If morning never comes to be
Be still, be still, be still

If you forget the way to go
And lose where you came from
If no one is standing beside you
Be still and know I am.
....
                        Be Still by The Frey

This was the last song John and I presented at the PopOpera Soiree in November.  We got together to rehearse something for the January PopOpera but time got away from us and I figured we'd get together one more time before the Soiree. Not to be.  John was not only a wonderful musician but a dear friend to me and so many. I would come to the Pacific Beach Women's Club to rehearse something and would end up talking about life and people and dogs for over an hour. Finally, both of us to tired to work, we would just sing something for fun and I'd ger him to sometimes sing a part with me.  It was a wonderful time rehearsal or no rehearsal. What a tragic loss to my life and everyone else.  Belssings, Dear John.  

Christmas Eve Mass 2015.   John has been such a good friend to our children.

We’ll miss you John.  God bless you. 

I asked johns to teach me piano, he imitately sayed yes, however , dint happend , I always going to regretted that!

John an amazing friend and a great musician ...

Glad you became part if the family..

He was the piano teacher for my three sons.

And helped us out in the church choir,

When the family had the opportunity to sing and perform at church...

My son Juan painted this picture of John...

You will be missed and never forgotten ...❤️

I never really knew John but the times I was able to meet him he always helped me in rehearsal in Mira Costa college ! He was a very talented musician and he was a blessing to have . He was a big part of my cousins family who now they dearly miss.  His music will play on forever. Rest in piece John. Thank you for helping me when I need to rehearse my music in school -Tatiana  w

Every room in Johns' house/studio had piles and piles of music, some of  which appeared to have been there for a long, long time!  Whenever I would mention a song, no matter how obsure,  John woud always say"Yes, I think I know that one. In fact I think I even have a copy of it"!  And sure enough after a few minutes of rustling and searching though several piles----Voila!----he found it. (What a system).











          

One day over this past summer, John came to accompany me at my lesson with Georgetta Psaros as usual.  When he arrived, he as upset because I did not show up for the previous opera soiree.  He commented, "What are you going to do, just stand here and sing to this living room for ever?"  That statement landed deep within me.  I realized that John was nudging me out of my comfort zone.  He wanted more for me than I was allowing and he saw in me things I was blind to.  I went home that day and reflected as I painted, (painting is soothing for me).  The painting I painted that day was of a woman in deep contemplation and reflection.  My feeling could not escape the canvas.  I submitted this painting in the Del Mar Fair Art Show, and it was accepted.  I will always look at that painting and remember John for wanting more for me, and wanting me to share myself with the world.  Thank you John, you were a great friend, as well as a partner in music.  My heart will always have a place where you dwell. 

We would always bribe John to drive all the way to where we live with strawberry rhubarb pie.  He would do anything for this pie. Oh how we miss him!

John would always invite me and my best-friend Erik to the Opera Soirees when we were in high school. His influence at such an early stage launched us into where we are today. Not only would he devote hours of his time to our learning and singing, but whenever we would meet, he would bring piles. PILES! Of music for us to each learn, usually consisting of ten to twenty songs EACH. His vast knowledge of music and endless passion for collaboration was evident every time I met with him. His warm soul would always be so inviting and encouraging.