Happy birthday, Uncle. You are dearly missed, especially at family gatherings when your laughter echoed the house. Sleep softly. Love to you. Say hello to all the folks in your neighborhood for us and give Aunt Bea a special xo.

I'm from the Colorado-Newsum branch of the family, and unfortunately did not have the pleasure of getting to know Uncle John. I simply want to express my condolences to my Goodrich and Carney families. We are holding you close in our hearts.

I remember that Uncle relished a good argument. He enjoyed reading about current events. Devoured the news on television and the papers. On our last visit, I brought the New York Times with me, and he seemed to get stronger as we talked about the various issues of the day. We argued. We laughed. And, of course, we never agreed -- all the better to renew our friendly "discourse" the next time around. We'll miss you, Uncle. Sleep softly.

I have known my uncle from birth. He and Aunt Bee were some of my first words and they were some of the first aunts and uncles I was to know and love. My uncle was a learned and highly opinionated individual. He worked hard. He supported his family. He joined in family celebrations. I remember one day when he asked me what I was going to do when I retired. The question caught me off guard and after I regained my footing, it dawned on me that I had no plans, partially because I hadn't worked at any place thus far that offered any benefits. Those thoughts stayed with me for a very long time. On the other hand, my uncle spoke endlessly about his plans after retirement. I hope he was able to see all those plans through to fruition before his transition. At the funeral of his wife who died a few years ago, Uncle John professed that he would be joining her shortly. Some heard this as a morbid thought, but the reality, I believe, is that this was a further expression of his love for his wife. God bless you, Uncle John.