Happy Earth Birthday John. Thanks for your help during the recent flooding in Fort Lauderdale. I looked up toward the universe and asked for your guidance. As always you came through for me. I recall that you said that some cataclysmic events were going to turn the tables on this Earth. We were at a Clinton rally at the time. It's a shame so many good people have had to die at the hands of Donald Trump. However you see into the future in ways that I can only dream of. I love you my friend. And thank you for your continuing devotion.

It's hard to believe it's been 5 years since you left this Earth. I know you're out there in the Universe, my friend. Thanks for all the lessons you taught me about goodness, perseverance, and healthy skepticism.

Bon voyage!

Boy we had a good time in grade school...I was so shy and John always coached me. Since we knew each other since 1st grade, I remember a sleepover birthday and, think were were 7? His mother made it so special. I was born the same year, but May 5th. He was at my wedding 43 years ago and my wife so remembers my stories, she has marked John on all of our calendars May 8 since.

I miss running into John on my bike rides and walks. We had meaningful, spiritual conversations peppered with his great sense of humor. I'll be thinking about him today as I leave my stay at home for a walk.

I learned of John's passing a few weeks ago in a beautifully written email from his brother Stephe. I could write a book about my friendship with this uniquely wonderful spirit. You left us much too soon, John. However, Stephe assures me you are in the cosmos, working harder than ever to help heal the Universe. I love you, my friend -- and I always will., The Cohen Factor

John was a roommate and dear friend in college and I echo the sentiments of others regarding his many gifts, including his generosity, bright, inquisitive mind, dry wit and love of music (not to mention athletic ability). I recall many tunes I first heard when he played them on his stereo or guitar and many (J. Taylor - Long Ago and Far Away; 10cc - I'm not in Love; David Gates - Clouds Suite, to name just a few) continue to bring a smile whenever I hear them. As an example of his generosity, when I saw John after a summer break and noticed his stereo was no longer in his dorm room, I learned he had left it with a family that summer "who needed it more than [he] did." I last saw John in late 2010 and, among other things he was proudly telling me about one of his brothers and sister in law and their growing family - his nephews and nieces. I am grateful for having known John and will never forget him. My thoughts and prayers are with him and with all of the Niggemeyer family and friends.

At Stanford and in the 3 1/2 decades since, John demonstrated that friendship can be as simple as tossing a football and as complex as philosophical discourse in a classical sense: the Socrates to Plato paradigm, the teacher and the student. Healing thoughts to the Niggemeyer families from the Craig Family and on behalf of his friends at the Farm.  He has blessed our lives.   Steve Craig

John has been a friend of mine for many years. I was touched by his brilliance, wonderful conversations and just a good person. I wrote the following poem to express my thoughts:

Dear John, the Universe Has Spoken

Dear John, the Universe has spoken.
You traveled through place, time and many people
The Universe has spoken
Your brilliance in thought was a wonder to hear
The Universe has spoken
Your kind gentle soul was a joy to adhere
The Universe has spoken
Your pain and difficulties were noticed
The Universe has spoken
You were loved by many afar and shall be missed dearly
Your Universe is now in transition
THE UNIVERSE HAS SPOKEN

I went to high school with John. He was always so kind. His passionate thirst for knowledge, his wilingness to listen, and his magnetic smile will always be remembered.

John and I attended law school together. He was a gentle soul and all around great guy. Johns sense of humor and warm spirit made law school more pleasant and a more just environment. Years after law school I would run into John out walking. He referred to himself as walking man. I would be on my bike and stop for a quick chat. On more that one occasion I locked up my bike and joined him on his walk. It was always calming and almost spiritual to walk with him.

When we went to grade school together, I wanted to be just like John and Brad. May 8th is when I say a prayer for him, always (never forget the date, as we had his birthday at the "Niggemeyer" house, often, mine was May 5). Never forget the sleepovers, the quirky, and fun "experiments" always going on in the backyard. Had the opportunity to be in Ham on Regal with his brother. One thing I will never forget is at my wedding (in 1977), he came up to Tammy and I with a hug and said, "don't listen to everyone saying, "this won't last". He said, "my heart and soul says different". Tammy and I are celebrating our 40th wedding anniversary and high school reunion (same school, LC). Profound man.

Dear John - thank you for your gentleness and kindness, for the stellar example of extraordinary intelligence and major achievements you provide me all throughout my formative years, and for your marvelously playful spirit. Thank you for sharing your beautiful music and your well-won wisdom regarding life and the healing nature of our planet. Thank you for your thoughtfulness, the perfect cards you would send on special occasions, and for your love and appreciation of the finer things of life - including hot dogs. Thank you for sharing your special connection to the magic of Hawai'i and your absolute pleasure in conversing with people from other cultures, often in their language. Thank you for dazzling us with your presence. With deep and abiding appreciation and love, your brother Stephe