Never to be forgotten . . . Missing you always, little bro . . . With love!

Boon, the timing of this anniversary and the conclusion of the NFL (more specifically, the Bears) regular season fills me with soooo many desires to talk with you. Of course, this is not the only time of year I miss the daylights out of you and want to converse with you, but this time was our special time!
We’d be having a field day of back and forth discussion on what in the world da Bears are doing right now. Oh boy, it’s a doozy this year!

We raised one in your honor again at the end of load-out for WSOS. You’re with me every show I drive your namesake. MAN, you are missed more than you could possibly know!! I could go on and on…

Love you, love you, love you little brother!! Say “hi” and “love you” to Dad for me.

See ya someday! Your big (and yet younger looking ) brother, Slim

God I miss you boon....you were one of my best friends. I still think of your every day!

Doesn’t seem like 5 years ago, but still hurts like 5 years ago! Miss you Big f-k!

hey big fella I cant believe its been 5 years you are so deeply missed by all the Link hasn't been the same you are always in my thoughts and prayers miss you BOON.

Well, welcome to the 60s, little brother -- Happy Birthday!! (even though it's now after midnight). Would have loved to have celebrated this milestone with you in a big, embarrassing way :) but I trust you're having an unmatched celebration, with dad directing all of heaven and belting out the birthday song in prime fashion!
So, the other day I decided to sit down at the piano and try to play some sheet music stored in the bench, including "Tenderly" and "Misty". Gosh, was I rusty!
Disappointed that I could hardly play, I sat there and teared up thinking, "Boonie would've been able to play these both so well -- and in true Boon form!" Missed you then...and always will. Lovies, #6

Happy 6-0 big f--k!  We'd be havin Boons Big Bobolink Backyard Beers Bags n Broads Birthday Bash about now. I dont know what you would have called it.

Still take the bike out for a spin every so often for my Boon fix. Miss you and we all think about and talk about you often. 

"I will see you again, but not yet....not yet." What movie is that from, Boon? You should have this one down! 

Peace

McF--k

Well, happy 60th birthday little brother! Went out to dinner last night with Nerd, Dish, Jilly, Super and B to celebrate and reminisce. We thought how much fun it would be during this time for you and your other “bicker brother” to have a “conversation“ on the Covid and political climate during this time. We would all just sit back and get huge belly laughs listening to you two go at it with your differing points of view about everything!!

I also shared the story of how on your fifth birthday we almost lost you due to you “sniffing” the container of chlorine tablets we had for our swimming pool. That was a close one! I can’t think of how we would’ve missed out on the last 51 years of your humor, insight, generosity and thoughtfulness had that episode spun in the wrong direction, what a tragedy that would have been!

Don’t know if our Bears are even going to have a season this year with our friend Mr. Covid. They’re going to give it a go, but I’m not sure they’ll get through it - we’ll see?

Anyway, still thinking of you every day, missing you TONS, and still thinking it’s all a dream. Love you little brother, always will!

Happy Birthday!
Your bigger brother, Slim

(P.S. - How many pieces of your bike have you taken off so far? )

Miss you big guy. Im giving the Wing extra TLC for ya!

Uncle John-Boon....3 years wow. I bet your up in heaven riding your motorcycle and having a blast. Cant wait to ride with you in heaven one day. I love and miss you more than words can describe. By the way, say hi to Papa for me and tell him how much I love and miss him too! Until we meet again!
Love Jodie

Hanging on to Jesus' promise...One year, one day closer to giving you a hug in person...
Love and miss you, Boonie

Happy 59th, little brother! Still missed every day! Still loved even more every day!!!
Slim

Miss you Boon. Feel like i just saw you yesterday. Your loss changed my life.

Can’t believe it’s been 2 years already - seems like only 1 year and 8 months (“The Jerk” reference). Ya see? Every day there are little things that bring you back into my head, which make me want to call you!
Our beloved Bears had a great season this year and are looking good for the next few, at least. You’d be pleased with most of the moves Mr. Pace has made - especially the Mack trade.
Josh still wants “eggs McBoon” and B and I still expect you to just show up with some flavor of cream pie at our back door.
I’ve been driving you crazy, too! Yes, as I write, I’m driving the truck named after you for a Sardis show in AZ. I’ve passed by tons of places that would have lured you in to explore on your solitude bike trips - Rt 66 half-way point, great caverns, and others.
I could go on and on, but just know that you are fondly thought of each and every day and missed tremendously!!! Take good care of Dad up there - keep ‘em all laughing!
Love and MISS YOU little brother!
Slim

Happy birthday Boon!! Miss you somethin terrible!

It’s now August 2018. Boon you have been missed so much by all of us who knew you. You are still remembered almost daily by the crazy little touches we all have done to remember you i.e. at my house in my office I have a section of my cabinet displaying your “Boone Whisky” your torn Lighthouse jacket and photos of Snowmass village Co from the 80’s. At Sardis you have a section of our coffee cabinet displaying your Picture and dirty coffee cup. Out back of Sardis is a brand new 28’ Freightliner truck that we named Boon (since it was ordered for you to drive) We miss you man, but so thankful for the precious memories!  Rick - alias Kai, Richie

Just returned from the Rocky Mountains for a time of rest and recharge with my family. Every biker I saw on a Gold Wing brought to mind your brilliant smile and infectious laughter. Miss you Boon. Happy birthday. Hope the cake is good on heaven!

I did not talk to or see Bunior much the last few years since leaving the Dirt Band. But it always made my week when we spoke on the phone or got an email. It hurts knowing the funniest man I've ever known is not still making the "Chicago Bunch" laugh, going on road trips. My heart is heavy for you all & family. Phyllis & I miss you all and will always miss Bunior. God bless our friends from Chicago.

Boon a year has passed and I can't say it was a fun one. We missed you every day and more so in the summer for all our riding and band chasing. You left a gaping hole in our life but were thankful for all that we shared which was excellent! Rip my brother! Loved you !

Miss you Boon! Will never, ever forget you!

Happy Birthday, little brother! 57 today! I sang the song to you on the way to work this morning - man, that was hard! Because of who you were makes it very, very difficult to keep you from my thoughts each and every day - many times a day! So many times I reach for my phone to call you, and then have to put it back because I know it won't be answered.

And this being Bears season... I find no words to say how much I already miss the tons of conversations we would have had/and will have about your draft projections, heading down to the Chatterbox before camp and talking about the "juice" we'd drink bragging on their Super Bowl appearance this year. "Don't call me, I'll be on delay!" Yes, but you'd take my call because you knew I would follow proper protocol and first ask what minute into the game you were, so as not to blow anything that you hadn't seen yet. Not sure who I'm gonna call this year...?

Boon, it's been a rough year so far without you and I/WE miss you terribly, but we'll get through it, 'cause we know we'll see you and Dad again. For us, it's just a waiting game until then!

By the way, I didn't know if I was going to like it, but I'm glad B told me to bring your hot tub over to our place. I use it often and can't wait until the snow flies when I can crank it up and watch JJ while the flakes rest on my top knot! We'll honor you at the annual Meet-4-Meat by keeping a chair open for ya.

I could go on, but I think it's time to close out of this one - runnin' out of Kleenex!

Love ya, little bro. 'Til I see ya again!

Slim

I was scrolling through my phone contacts and I came across "Bunyard". I have thought about Boon often since his passing. Everyone called him Boon or Bunior, as did I from the day I met him but I also started calling him Bunyard at some point, as did others. I know he liked Bunyard as when he'd call he'd simply say "Brownie, Bunyard!". I have been trying to remember when I met him and I simply can't. I've racked my brain and I can only estimate that it was somewhere between 20 - 25 years ago, 1992 - 1997. 

One of many times with Bunyard I'll never forget is the night he invited me in to his hot tub and I declined - "I ain't gettin' in that seething cauldron of bacteria!" I responded, with a smile. Boon laughed so hard which of course made me laugh and we were both in tears. I then asked him how many raccoons were living underneath that thing and he spit up his brewsky on Stick-man.

Bunior/Boon/Bunyard/Barnyard/Boon-Dog was definitely a special person; he was smart, kind, witty, hilarious, loyal, generous, selfless, and cool. One of the best human beings I've ever known. It occurred to me that I never heard Boon rip on anyone like most guys do, not even a mild ribbing in jest and I don't think this was a conscious decision, it was simply part of his character, who he was. He was above that and his humor was more, I don't know, intellectual I guess but even that doesn't describe it. Uniquely witty I suppose, just one of MANY reasons why so many people loved him AND instantly liked him when they met him.

I have many memories of great times with my friend Bunyard and I know he would want me to remember all the times we laughed so much it hurt. The times we had to walk away from each other in order to breathe properly and stop the pain in our guts. We made each other cry for cryin' out loud - from laughing so much! Sharing these moments with another human being is incredibly rare and looking back I wish I could have spent more time with him. It was an honor and a pleasure to know this man and to be his friend. Bunyard will stay in my phone and my memory for as long as I live.

Kent Brown

So my brain works in weird ways.... I was watching tv and saw "lighthouse productions "... I thought... where do I know that? Oh yeah, Boon worked for them, I think, then that led to googling and well, here I am.... I'm the little sister of a long-time friend. i was never in the mix as a friend; more just a pest, I'm sure, but I remember hearing a ton of stories!! I also remember my Mom saying, "what is he doing?" as Boon would ride up on his bike in bare feet and shorts! He was always "my brothers cute friend" that we all would be goo-goo over when he'd stop by. Gone waaay too soon! I'm really late in my condolences, but I hope he has peace and my thoughts go out to the Jorian family. Peace, Boon. Littlest sootch

'

I can't tell you the number of times when I'm doing something and I think, "I'll call Boon", "I should ask Boon", "I'll tell Boon", "Boon would remember", "Boon could help", "I'll drop this off at Boon's house", "Boon would know"... too many times to count.
I miss him dearly and daily.

How often do you think of Boon?

'

Saturday, I attended a memorial service for John Jorian. I worked with John while at Motorola and he at Lighthouse Productions and then Sardis Media.

I always knew John was a great guy, however sadly never knew him away from work. I learned so much in what was really a celebration of John's life.

I learned John would always want to make everyone feel special, regardless who you were and whether he just met you or was your lifelong friend.

I was touched by the words from his family and friends. Everyone spoke so eloquently about John or Boon as he is better known. I have thought that while I have always tried to make others happy or have fun, I pale in comparison to how John lived his life.

Because, John made you feel special- as though for those moments he was with you, you were the most important person in the World. What a gift! And so, I am going to do my best to follow John's lead. 

Wouldn't it be great if we all could do that? I do believe by just treating everyone with respect and compassion, our lives would be so much better.

By the way, I also learned John and I had very similar joys from life: a love for anytime outdoors and the beauty of the nature; skiing, campfires, spending time with friends, soccer, and he also hated mulch!

I wish I could have known this long ago as I know John and I would have been good friends. He was described by all as their "Best Friend".

A sad time for the large family of 8 children and friends who were like family. His legacy will live on in all of you and I hope others who, like me may now be touched by how John lived and loved life!

OK, a quick, cute one -- When my son, Luke (affectionately called "Puker" by Uncle Boon) was in about 4th grade, Johnny told him how important it was that he always obey his parents . . . EXCEPT when it comes to wearing shorts! Well, inspired by that, Luke vowed to never wear pants all throughout his 5th grade school year -- and he held to it. I even had a teacher ask me if I was OK with him wearing shorts on one freezing, winter day, and I said, "Thanks to his uncle, as long as his head and chest are covered, I'm good with it!" :) Thanks, little brother, from the bottom of my heart for spending time with my boy so often, and loving him so much!! I hope he grows up to have a heart like yours -- Love, love, love and miss you beyond words . . .

Unlike many who grew up with Boon I met him through Campus Life and South Park Church where we played on the church softball team along with Slim. One evening, during warmups before a game over at the old Emerson Jr. High, Slim was uncorking some huge hits with a new bat, trying to land a 16" softball on the Emerson roof. Well not to be left out of the fun Boon took Slim's bat (obviously thinking if Slim can do it with that bat...) and he started jacking shots at the Emerson roof. I can't remember if any of them made it, but it was a blast watching both of these guys unload on a poor defenseless softball. I'm pretty sure the name of the bat was something like The Bomber and Boon raved about it.

That gave me a thought for a name of a softball bat, B-52 Heavy Bomber – cool name, tough name. It so happened that I was working for Wilson Sporting Goods and when Wilson bought DeMarini bats and I tossed out the name B-52 for a new bat they were making and they have used it ever since.

So, if you're ever on a softball field or in a sporting goods store and you see a DeMarini B-52 bat I hope it will make you smile knowing the name was inspired by Boon and Slim.

Uncle Boon, My Angel on a Goldwing. I never thought that God would take you so soon from us but I guess he needed you up in heaven. Uncle Boon I miss you every day, your laugh, your smile and your ever giving nature that knew no bounds. You always accepted me for who I was, never judging or criticizing me, just always holding out that open helping hand to me that I needed ever so much. Your soul was bright and your heart pure with love and giving. There is truly none other like you on this earth and will never be another again. You are missed like crazy but I will see you again you old crumudgeon ;-). Peace and Love.
Jodie.

Boon you were the sun in our solar system of friends...you were at the center and you had a gravitational pull on us all. I feel so very fortunate to have crossed paths and become lifelong friends with you. Absolutely never a dull moment around you. 

I will miss "what movie is this line from" and "who was the original recording artist" trivia we challenged each other with. And you coulda let me win at least once!

I just never imagined last summer as we sat on your patio until the sun came up and talked about the loss of parents that I would be talking about your loss in a few short months. If I had known, I would never have left! 

I hear they have Gold Wings in heaven, so let's go for a ride if I'm lucky enough to get there.

I will see you Boon, but not too soon. And God, be prepared to be entertained.

So many memories, so hard to choose. John was a good friend and mentor to me. He took me under his giant wings at Lighthouse and taught me everything he could about slide programming, and more. I spent many hours in a projection room helping him finish a module for a show. We'd go to Subway at lunch and he'd always get a foot long with double meat :). One time we tried Long John Silvers instead and with his dry wit he asked the girl behind the counter "Do you have anything that's not fried?".

But one of my favorite stories of John was this. One time, Ken Haller and I had decided to take Bunior down. We were going to bum rush him in the Lighthouse theater and tackle him (or try too). See, neither one of us could do it alone, so we were going to try together. So, we came into the Theater, John was at the back, Ken went right to flank him, I came straight at him. Within a second I was being held upside down and John was swinging at Ken, all the while he was laughing at us. Now for context, I'm 6'2" and was probably 200lbs at the time. We finally conceded the fight and he let me down and between him catching his breath and laughing at us we all had a good laugh. Ken and I talked about that moment many times after, about how strong he was, and surprisingly quick for his size. And we never tried that again. He was an amazing guy, I'm going to miss him.

The world is definitely a bit dimmer and there will be just a little less laughter at events! While it has been way too long since I have seen you, the moment I hear your name I smile--thinking of your kind and genuine heart, your snarky sense of humor, and despite being a goofball, being the epitome of professional when it came to your work.

When I was new in my career and would head over to Lighthouse, I always knew that while I would work hard, I would have a lot of fun there because of people like John. 

My heart is heavy with your sudden departure and how many lives are impacting by this. I pray for peace for your family. Until we meet again my old friend...

Even though I didn't know John personally, he sounded like a wonderful person. I knew his parents, Glenn and Jean at South Park Church. As they will always be remembered as warm and compassionate, they have passed their legacy on to John and family.

There are friendships imprinted in our hearts that will never be diminished by time or distance even when the stark reality of a great friends passing knocks us down. John your heart of gold and sense of humor will have immortal significance. I will always remember: The Hot Tub Club, Shangri-La's, The Hootinannis, Cheeseburger Competition, Motorcycling to different Summer Fests, just to name a few! When I see a beautiful sunset on the horizon, I Hope you are looking down at us from on top of the world! You will be greatly missed!

Without a doubt one of the most genuine, loyal and hilarious human beings on the planet. And that laugh. Rest well, John...you will be missed by everyone who had the privilege of knowing you.

My memories are older, but certainly consistent with John's life story! (Okay, I never called him Bunior or Boone, but...) I have such a positive memory of his friendship in the high school hey day of Son City at South Park Church, back in the 1970's. Wow, John was just one of those kids who was always nice, always approachable and friendly and never bowed to cliques of any kind. He was fun and comfortable and friendly. I will miss him. My condolences to the whole Jorian clan. I am glad for our hope of resurrection and a future together. 'til then, we are sad.

Boon was so great to work with and so fun to party with after the work was done. I was always more relaxed when he was on the project. You were taken too early. RIP

Boone was without a doubt one of most genuinely kind, thoughtful and generous people I have ever known. I never heard him say anything negative about anyone, or complain about anything. After not seeing him for 3-4 years, I saw him just 2 months ago. He insisted I put on his coat as we sat outside. He never, ever, forgot to send me an email on my birthday. I am beyond stunned that one of the best is gone so soon. For more than 2 decades, I was fortunate to have known, loved, and be loved by, such an amazing guy. Love you, Boone. Aloha and Go Bears.

Just over a month ago, I attended the memorial service of Glenn Jorian, John’s dad. I sent John this email following the service: “John. So good seeing you at your dad’s service. Sorry for your loss. Wish I could have met your dad. He sounded like a great man. The highlight of the service for me was your opening remarks. When you opened the director’s score, it brought tears to my eyes. It was a beautiful thing you did for your dad. I will long remember it. Blessings John.” John’s remarks at his dad’s funeral spoke of a great man with a big laugh who loved to sing and direct choirs. It was a beautiful picture. The picture I have of John is also of a great man with a big laugh, riding a motorcycle in his usual gear, t-shirt, shorts and flip flops, a few bugs in his teeth because of his big smile. Heaven speaks of roads of gold. Perhaps John is already exploring them on a Honda Goldwing. Honda’s logo features wings after all. Sad that you left us so soon John. You were and will always be, one of a kind. Blessings again, brother.

I have known Boon for 25 years and been neighbors for around 12 of those. Boon was the mayor of Bobolink he had a special way of bringing family and friends together with are happy day Wednesdays or are Christmas Shangri-La party. I will miss those nights when you see the garage light on and stop in and ask if I'm open for business lol. Boon will be deeply missed. love ya big fella Aloha.. GO BEARS!

It has been 25 years since I left LP, and probably 20 since I had a lunch with Ron Reeves and John. Can't believe how much it hurts to know he's gone. From setting up an audio system outside our RV, the night before a Indy500 race, and playing DJ with him to a crazy crowd in the street, a Tom Petty concert that a group of us used 2 floor seats as a way to get all of us up close, and the ringleader in teaching me the weirdest possible mixed drink names on my 21st birthday. I would have worked for free at Lighthouse to be around John. Blazing Saddles quotes. Tie dye shirts. Goldwings. Ratboy is going to miss ya Bunior.

John, you've left us too soon and your presence will shine down on us for an eternity. You were an important part of so many 'families'. Of course the Jorian clan, the Lighthouse/Sardis team and also the Motorola Solutions family, and probably so many more. Our families grieve, but your spirit will live with these families and keep everyone laughing. We know u just want us to keep moving and just have fun. So, here's to the good times of past and for all the stories we'll tell in times ahead.

Who could forget John's genuine love for life, cars that burned oil, wearing shorts and Timberland's until almost December in midwest winters and his bike. John you will be truly missed.

John was definitely a special guy. He was a very intelligent smart, creative confident guy. Yet he was playful adventurous athletic joyful and helpful in many ways. I loved singing with him. He always brought a sense of fun in all he did. I loved that he was independent never working inside the lines. Boone you will be missed. Never in our wildest imagination did we think this would be your time. Never. I'm sure your dad was shocked to see you so soon. We grieve and celebrate at the same time. In many ways I feel jealous that you made it and now you see the truth as you always believed. See you in the not so far future. Live is short but not now for you. Enjoy enjoy enjoy!!!

I think everyone who knows the Jorian family knows the warmth they share to friends and make them feel like family. I'll always remember Boon from Son City days, touch football and softball games on Saturday afternoons, Halloween at SIU, and the fact he was a great guy, fun to be around, a kind person and grounded in his faith in Jesus. I'm sure Big G was there to welcome you home Brother.