I'm preparing for the midnight delayed broadcast of tonight's very last Grateful Dead show from Chicago Soldier Field, and it's natural to think of John and how often we listened to some of those songs together. While living on Curtis Street in Denver, we'd go to Tulagi's in Boulder to hear Paul Butterfield, Earl Scruggs, Doc Watson. This was after the Silverton scene fell apart, and before Minnesota and briefly sharing the basement with you on Gilpin Street.
Visited John and Annetta once in Deer River, and didn't see him again until Denny's belated 50th birthday in '98. He made the wry remark that I was one of the few who had met all three of his wives. It's hard to believe I didn't follow up in later years, despite visiting my sister in Minneapolis. We always think there will be more time. John was a remarkable person in many respects. He took full responsibility for the choices he made, and within my experience never felt sorry for himself.
It was very pleasant, despite the circumstances, to exchange a few words with you at the memorial. Life seemed to be treating you fairly well, and I hope that continues to be the case. I consider myself to be in the bonus years, lucky to be in good health, lucky to be here at all.

Best regards,
Mark

Even though we are brothers, my relationship with John didn't develop until later in life.  John was 14 years old when I was born, off to college by the time I was 4 and by the time I was able to develop memories, he was already out on his own pursuing life.  My early memories are "snapshots".I vaguely remember being a ring bearer at his first wedding and having a tough time getting the pin out of the ring cushion because my gloves didn't fit well.  I remember a Summer during his college years where we kept the fraternity dog Thor.  John bringing me a new puppy (missy) after losing my dog in our garage fire.  A family trip to Happy Farm (read commune) that about pushed out Mother over the edge! (although I, for one thought it was cool because they had a basketball court inside the barn!).  But most of my other memories were based around his visits home for the holidays or other events.  As I stated:  "Snapshots"But by the time I graduated from college and started developing my own career and family, I learned that my oldest Brother, John and I shared some similar interests.  We both liked music (he a Dylan fan, me a Rush/Beatles fan) and a love for reading.  We shared many author recommendations with each other.It also became quite obvious just how intelligent John was.  Any board game you played with John as a participant usually ended up with him the winner.  Be it Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit or Balderdash, John had a wealth of knowledge and reasoning that was hard to beat.John and I had differing political beliefs, he a democrat and me a republican, so that always led to some lively debates, often fueled by an adult beverage or two.  But over time, I was stunned at how truly close our beliefs became.  We both agreed that most politicians are fueled by special interests so it didn't really matter what side of the aisle you supported.All of these memories and others I will cherish and will miss getting a chance to make more. But what I will truly miss most about John is that smile, laugh and intelligent sense of humor!RIP my Brother!  I love you,Marty