We honored John's birthday, June 27, by breaking bread with a few old friends: Mindy Kyshwonis from Toastmasters, Rosemary Barboza, who helped us adopt Nancy, and Rosemary's mother, who hosted Nancy's "baby shower" when we adopted Nancy at age 3 1/2. I had forgotten that Rosemary's deceased son, Tony, shared the same birthday. Tony would have been 38. Happy reflections on 2 special people.

Reading over these loving comments brought tears to my eyes, what a wonderful life, and such a warm presence he was and yet leaves behind. I'm so very sorry for your loss, Judith. I can imagine how much you miss him. Hugs to you.

I knew John to be a kind, caring person with a quick wit - always ready with an appropriate comment that made me laugh – and a very gifted artist with a compassion for others. His photography was only part of his god-given talent - his poem, A Father’s Hands and his favorite photo (“The Moment”) showed the other gift God gave John - his ability to see others for their true worth.

My father was the kindest man I have ever met. I have struggled through the years to find a man more my age like my mother did. I just can't seem to find the right man who can live up to dad's quality's. He is a tough act to follow. The sky has gained a new star. Love you Dad.

Tank you, thank you John. Without your kindness, patience, and encouragement, I would not be a photographer this very day. We will all miss your loving spirit, but we take solace in the wonderful photos you leave behind. Have a wonderful, blissful, eternal rest good brother.

The world is a better place because of John and his amazing attitude and skills. May we all follow his legacy and live life abundantly!

So many memories...!st one: John's donuts and cider at our practice...a wedding based on much love that only deepened with time...birthday parties...family photos...Proud papa and then proud grandpa...such skill and humility...the Courthouse Christmas photo...heartbreaks and celebrations...Thanks for all, Amazing John!

I'm forever grateful that Judith coaxed, pleaded or pushed John to become a part of Toastmasters. He overcame whatever hesitancies he had to public speaking and was transformed into the 'Toastmonster' who made us laugh and encouraged the rest of us to do our best. Our paths crossed too few times after that, but those years we had in the club together are precious to me.

One of my favorite picture postcards sent by John and Judith: a snapshot of the two of them on their first anniversary with the caption: "Still Crazy After All This Year!"

Although the time I knew John and his loving family was brief, the memory was lasting; My father and step-mother live just up the road on Chickenville Hill and it was John who took several family and wedding pictures for us. The thing that struck me was the gentleness he exhibbited and the loving bond that he and his wife shared. God bless you all!

To Judy and family,
I am so sorry to read of John's passing in my newsletter this morning. May you have comfort in the many memories and support from many friends who loved and appreciated John. God Bless.

Judith and John were among the first friends we made when we moved to Granville. They welcomed us warmly to Toastmasters and we shared some good laughs, good food, and made some good memories. John was so proud of his family. We are so proud of John. The world lost a wonderful man, heaven is now richer.

How precious to have known John for a brief 20 years. Both of us being old school photographers, John was kind enough to pass on his enlarger to me when he went Digital. An aperture F64 barely describes John's life that covered the greatest depths of field in kindness and friendship to everyone he met.

Judith, Sorry to hear about Johns Passing, He was a great photographer, I would like to Thank you and him for doing my Senior Pictures they were awesome. I still have the Portfolio but the binding is starting to come apart. he was an inspiration to me and I am so Thankful that I got to meet you both. May God Bless you in all that you do.

I conder it a great privledge to have know John. I first met John when he took an interest in several young people in my 4-H group. He taught us about photography and allowed us to work at the Adovcate in his dark room. That was back in the '70's. Everytime I would see him in later years he would always remember who I was. He was such a kind man!

LEROY AND JOHN (PART 1 OF 2)
About 30 years ago, a snake appeared a few times in John's darkroom, which was, of course, DARK! John, who was on a deadline, named it Leroy and continued printing. Made John pretty jumpy, though, as you can imagine. Leroy curled up next to the nice warm water heater for short visits. Rick Yantis, our fearless 4H leader (SEE PART 2)

LEROY AND JOHN (PART 2 OF 2) hooked us up with a very kind, gentle man who loves snakes and hates to see any harm come to them. The first time, Leroy was gone by the time our snake handler got there. The 2nd time Leroy was curled up, as advertised. The handler snatched up the snake with his bare hands and popped it in a burlap bag. The handler pronounced that . . .SHE . . .was PREGNANT.