March 13
March 13
Well said Bryan! I enjoyed many of the same times with John as you. What I probably miss the most is John's amazing joyful laugh!
July 30th, 2018
Happy Birthday John! We miss you.
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Dear Family and Friends,
We buried John in his hometown of Viola Illinois March 31st at St. John's Catholic Cemetery, followed by a beautiful service paying tribute to his life. Our children performed musical numbers and presented the eulogy as John had requested. His large extended family and friends travelled long distances to attend a ceremony full of John's favorites-vases and vases of red roses followed by his favorite food, lasagne and banana cream pie. We remembered his incredible life and shared our grief for his loss. John would have been proud and I am deeply grateful to all of you for your cards, emails, gifts and contributions to his scholarship.
John's legacy will live on.
Bless you all, Much love Pam
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Please feel free to view photos and add your own memories, stories or pictures of John for the family in the stories tab above.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, if you wish to remember John please consider contributing to the John Flaherty Physics Scholarship (note in memo line the scholarship name) via check to:
Yuba Community College District Foundation Office
425 Plumas Blvd
Suite 200
Yuba City, CA 95991
(530) 749-3868
foundation@yccd.edu
Donation Form: https://goo.gl/jU88v1
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John passed in peace after 17 years of bravely fighting cancer.
Raised in Viola, Illinois, John enjoyed living the majority of his life northern in California with his wife, Pamela, and his three children. John met Pam in Laramie Wyoming while working on his PhD in Physics. They fell in love, completed their degrees, and were married on January 27th, 1971.
In search for sunshine, the couple moved to northern California to raise their family. John taught physics and astronomy at Yuba Community College and even ran a motorcycle and jet ski dealership in the 80s.
He was a man of strong will, determination, and kindness. John's love for his family showed in everything he did, and he most enjoyed working hard to support those he loved.
John is survived by his wife, Pamela, his three children, Heather, John and Britt, his granddaughters, Nora and Emily, his sister Barbara and his brother James. He was preceded in death by his brother Bill, his brother Leo, and his parents Mary Josephine and William Flaherty. Services will be held in Illinois.
Tributes
Leave a tribute
March 11
March 11
So odd
I drove by where John lived while I was in college and where I worked on his corvette yesterday.
I was showing my son YC after a race some of the places around town.
And then I get the notification that today was 6 years
Miss you John
I drove by where John lived while I was in college and where I worked on his corvette yesterday.
I was showing my son YC after a race some of the places around town.
And then I get the notification that today was 6 years
Miss you John
June 18, 2023
June 18, 2023
I was thinking about John today remembering my time at Yuba College with great fondness. I searched for John online thinking I would love to visit with him again and I was very saddened to see that he had passed. I will miss him but I will always remember him. Pam I will say a prayer for you and the family.
April 10, 2023
April 10, 2023
Dear Doreen
Unbelievable to hear from you. I thought of you often and all those times in Laramie. Do you have a Facebook page? You can friend request me. Pam Slagle Flaherty Lincoln CA
Unbelievable to hear from you. I thought of you often and all those times in Laramie. Do you have a Facebook page? You can friend request me. Pam Slagle Flaherty Lincoln CA
April 9, 2023
April 9, 2023
Dear Pam:
I am sad to be finding you in this way. My sincerest condolences.
I have a letter from you from 1977. Before giving up and letting go, I decided to try one more time to find you. We were friends back in Laramie, Wyoming.
I guess my email will be included here. It has been a life time! Just want to say you made a huge difference in my life. So did John by extension. Much love.
Take care!
Doreen Douglas Curry
I am sad to be finding you in this way. My sincerest condolences.
I have a letter from you from 1977. Before giving up and letting go, I decided to try one more time to find you. We were friends back in Laramie, Wyoming.
I guess my email will be included here. It has been a life time! Just want to say you made a huge difference in my life. So did John by extension. Much love.
Take care!
Doreen Douglas Curry
March 14, 2023
March 14, 2023
Years keep going by. My interest in physics still goes strong. Miss you John.
July 30, 2022
July 30, 2022
Happy Birthday John! You’d be 83! The world has changed a lot, although I’m sure you’d rise to the occasion. Your four grandchildren are happy and darling and you’d love them! We all tick on and miss you. Love Pam
May 18, 2022
May 18, 2022
I was just sharing a memory of my time as a student of Dr. Flaherty with a co-worker and decided to look him up ... only to find he has left us. My deepest condolences to the Flaherty family and the many people who had the honor of calling John a friend or colleague. I had the privilege of being one of his physics students in the early 90s and serving as one of his lab assistants. His passion for the subject and teaching it was always evident -- and his personality and energy made learning a complicated subject enjoyable, even fun at times. What a gift it truly was to have him as a professor and mentor during my time at Yuba College. Thanks, Doc, for everything!
March 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
Every week one of us has at least one memory or story of John. The many years we shared as his friends and colleagues have given us so many wonderful memories. Whether it be social moments with he and Pam, recalling students, committee work, classroom moments, going to the track, or talking to previous students, he is a much missed part of our lives.
In fondest memory,
Lauren Syda and Steve Klein
In fondest memory,
Lauren Syda and Steve Klein
March 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
You would be proud of your beautiful family and especially grandchildren! Even have a fantastic grandson now! Thank you to all those who keep you in their memories. We all miss you! Love Pam
March 12, 2022
March 12, 2022
I first met John when I was seventeen. Pam brought him home to meet us. He was such a fun interesting man. Throughout the years he was such a treasure. Always there to help and provide wise counsel. He was family. I think of him often - he was just such a wonderful person - we all really loved him. I know he is in a good place now - sharing his goodness wherever he is.
Patti Fox and Family
Patti Fox and Family
March 11, 2022
March 11, 2022
Too many years are going by too soon
Miss you
Miss you
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Three years since you left us. This last year- 2021- has been one of he most challenging, tragic and almost surreal years because of a calamity of events. A virus, terrible politics, racism have stopped life as we knew it.
However you would be proud of your kids who- true to form- have adapted and handled their lives and those of your four grandchildren beautifully.
You are missed by many people and I still hear stories. Love Pam
However you would be proud of your kids who- true to form- have adapted and handled their lives and those of your four grandchildren beautifully.
You are missed by many people and I still hear stories. Love Pam
March 11, 2021
March 11, 2021
Miss you John
Still remember flying off the back straight of thunder hill when the brakes overheated in the corvette.
Still remember flying off the back straight of thunder hill when the brakes overheated in the corvette.
July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
Happy Birthday John! You are truly "forever missed". Our thoughts of our years at Yuba always hold so many wonderful memories of working with you. The best mentor, colleague, and, most importantly, a good friend.
Lauren Syda and Steve Klein
Lauren Syda and Steve Klein
July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
Happy birthday Papa. Your granddaughter is happy to eat cake for you today. Emily is always happy to eat cake. She is also very fond of peanut butter with banana just like you were.
We all miss you.
We all miss you.
July 30, 2020
July 30, 2020
Wow You would have been 81. The year 2020 has brought its challenges-something we never experienced- a pandemic- but you raised our kids well and they and your darling 4 grandchildren are smart about staying safe- We all miss you,, Love Pam
March 11, 2020
March 11, 2020
Two year anniversary of your departure from us. You now have four wonderful grandchildren. You would love them. They are full of promise and so adorable . Britt now has a beautiful one year old daughter named Josephine after your mom. Jon has added James. your first grand son/ he’s very big and strong. They are all a tribute to you John. You would be proud. Love Pam
September 30, 2019
September 30, 2019
Wow. Did not know Mr. Flaherty passed away. He loved his students and he really did try to help us out in life - not just in the classroom. He was a tough teacher, demanded much of us, but he was a teacher that students could come back and visit long after we had finished his courses. Too bad I did not get a chance to say farewell to him personally before he left. He strongly influenced me to be a better thinker and a smarter worker. He will be missed.
July 30, 2018
July 30, 2018
Happy Birthday John!
Steve & Lauren
Steve & Lauren
April 6, 2018
April 6, 2018
My condolences go out to his family. I was a physics student of his in 1982-1984. Yes, he was a bit unorthodox, but I really enjoyed some of the discussions had during class on various aspects of physics from gravity waves to photon behavior. I'm sure he is remembered fondly by many of his former students.
March 21, 2018
March 21, 2018
Very sorry to hear of John's passing. I first met John when I retired 4 1/2 years ago and I was looking to play tennis on a regular basis. John was very kind to invite me to join his Friday morning group. I thoroughly enjoyed playing with John and admired his love of the game. He certainly inspired me and now I run group. Rest in Peace John!
March 17, 2018
March 17, 2018
So much of my life since 1976 has been intertwined with John Flaherty’s that very few of my best memories don’t involve John in some way. His enthusiasm for crazy professional and recreational projects sucked me and others around him into (usually productive) experiences we would have never taken on without his inspiration. These ranged from epic battles to make Yuba College a better place, to putting together teams for any form of racing (cars, lawnmowers, triathlons, etc.), to he and Pam organizing the best gatherings of friends and colleagues. The Physics instruction John delivered all those years was better than that at the top Universities. His teaching style was often not appreciated fully until students transferred and realized that through Dr. Flaherty, they had picked up the most extraordinary competency during Yuba College Physics. That is the realization and confidence that they can go beyond the struggle to actually figure out hard problems. Thank you John for enriching so many student lives and so many faculty lives, including my own.
March 16, 2018
March 16, 2018
Dear Pam, Family, and Friends:
I had limited experiences knowing John. and they were all GOOD. I will remember his smile and his willingness to volunteer with the boys and girls tennis at Lincoln High, City of Lincoln Social Tennis, and The LHTG.
I had read almost ALL of the tributes which touched me deeply on how much he was loved and admired.
Like the wind, you can't see it, but always can feel it's presence, John will always be remembered for making a difference in so many lives.
Sending my love to Pam and all family and friends of John's
Peter
I had limited experiences knowing John. and they were all GOOD. I will remember his smile and his willingness to volunteer with the boys and girls tennis at Lincoln High, City of Lincoln Social Tennis, and The LHTG.
I had read almost ALL of the tributes which touched me deeply on how much he was loved and admired.
Like the wind, you can't see it, but always can feel it's presence, John will always be remembered for making a difference in so many lives.
Sending my love to Pam and all family and friends of John's
Peter
March 16, 2018
March 16, 2018
Neighbors InDeed, which is a well-respected service group in Sun City Lincoln Hills, greatly benefited from John’s leadership as President when he stepped in in 2006. At the time, Neighbors InDeed was moving from formative stage to one of rapid growth. John oversaw the development of projects, policies and procedures, grew the Board of Directors, enlisted countless volunteers and supported us all in making Neighbors InDeed the well-functioning organization it is today. He did this out of recognizing the needs of, and caring so much for others in the community. A man of great heart. He will be missed. (From Joan Brant-Love and Janet Roberts)
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
Pam, our condolences to you & your family. So glad John had the opportunity to see his new grandbaby & spend time together. He was an amazing man & we are grateful for having known him. Take solace in knowing you have many friends who support you & you can lean on. Love & prayers to you all. Pietrina & Larry Magna
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
John was instrumental in making our first days in Lincoln Hills so successful. He was president of the Tennis group and made sure Tony and I were included in every aspect of the group. I loved the costumes he would wear at all the tennis events. We knew him as the "fun" John, not the academic wonder boy. You will be missed and your shoes will be hard to fill.
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
My deepest condolences go out to the Flaherty family. Your support and love provided the strength and motivation to wage his 17 year battle. I am so grateful for the extra time I was able to enjoy the amazing man, John Flaherty.
His legacy is so rich! A large part of which is the many, many students who benefited from his unique style of teaching. He will be remembered for his loving way of bringing out the best in each of them (though some didn’t recognize at the moment.) Those same inspirational skills extended to his colleagues and friends. Yuba College was positively impacted by his leadership skills and devotion. As a colleague and friend, I value the many experiences we shared. I have fond memories of the many projects he talked me into (most of which ended well), the many situations he helped me resolve, and his continuous support both professionally and personally. Like all that knew John, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to know such a remarkable man.
John, may you rest in peace.
His legacy is so rich! A large part of which is the many, many students who benefited from his unique style of teaching. He will be remembered for his loving way of bringing out the best in each of them (though some didn’t recognize at the moment.) Those same inspirational skills extended to his colleagues and friends. Yuba College was positively impacted by his leadership skills and devotion. As a colleague and friend, I value the many experiences we shared. I have fond memories of the many projects he talked me into (most of which ended well), the many situations he helped me resolve, and his continuous support both professionally and personally. Like all that knew John, I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to know such a remarkable man.
John, may you rest in peace.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
Dear Pam and family.
Your tennis family will miss you! John always had a smile on his face when we knew he was struggling with his health. Always so approachable and easy to talk to. Pam, thank you for sharing your family pictures. I really enjoyed seeing other parts of his life and his younger years. Rest in Peace.
Your tennis family will miss you! John always had a smile on his face when we knew he was struggling with his health. Always so approachable and easy to talk to. Pam, thank you for sharing your family pictures. I really enjoyed seeing other parts of his life and his younger years. Rest in Peace.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
My 3/11 tribute apparently did not go. Each time I see the picture John took of Patti and me at the Valentine Day Tennis Tournament I will think of him. I will miss John.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
I'll send this a second time Pam as I guess my 3/11 did not go. When I look at the Valentines Day tennis tournament picture John took of tennis partner Patti and me, I will think of him each time I see it. A fun guy who will be missed.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
John was a force to be reckoned with during his tenure at Yuba College.But, whenever I cajoled him into helping me with some physics or astronomy event for the community and students, he always humored me and obliged. My thoughts are with Pam and his family at this difficult time.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
Dear John,
Physics does not come in tiny bits but sizable lumps. Sometimes after a long lecture, finishing a worthwhile subject, seconds before the bell rings we say 'Well, this is a good point to stop'. So it is with our lives, after bravely fighting a battle for 17 years, you called it quits. To me you were the older brother that my parents did not provide. In my darkest days at the UWyo, when I had a hard time filling the 'Next of Kin' box of the registration form, looking into the abyss from the very edge, I had your friendship and support. We enjoyed our youth, mature and elderly years together, shared each other's joys and sorrows. Never lost contact, always visiting each other, planned for a get together even when 7000 miles apart. Old age is never easy but the physical side may be endured with stoicism. It is the departing friends and the resulting loneliness of being left behind that hurts most. I thanked you when you were alive and now I thank again for enriching my life and your friendship.
Physics does not come in tiny bits but sizable lumps. Sometimes after a long lecture, finishing a worthwhile subject, seconds before the bell rings we say 'Well, this is a good point to stop'. So it is with our lives, after bravely fighting a battle for 17 years, you called it quits. To me you were the older brother that my parents did not provide. In my darkest days at the UWyo, when I had a hard time filling the 'Next of Kin' box of the registration form, looking into the abyss from the very edge, I had your friendship and support. We enjoyed our youth, mature and elderly years together, shared each other's joys and sorrows. Never lost contact, always visiting each other, planned for a get together even when 7000 miles apart. Old age is never easy but the physical side may be endured with stoicism. It is the departing friends and the resulting loneliness of being left behind that hurts most. I thanked you when you were alive and now I thank again for enriching my life and your friendship.
March 14, 2018
March 14, 2018
John was my physics professor 17 years ago. Taking his class made me switch majors to engineering because he was such a great teacher and person. I spent the next few years talking with him everyday and even used to meet him at the track to race in his Corvette.
He will be sorely missed.
He will be sorely missed.
March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
Johnny & I were HS classmates. He was a smart guy & good study partner. He & I were also the 2 defensive linebackers on our Winola football team. He was very, very good at that position. I always jokingly thanked him for being so good as the opposing team normally ran towards my side of the line..& I enjoyed the action! Great guy that ran a great race thru life. RIP old "Irish" friend
March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
Pam and family,
John was a good guy - he had a smile for everyone he knew and even those he did not know. I enjoy reading some of what folks have to say about John. I know he enjoyed coming and listening and thinking about what guys had to say at our Bible Study sessions and was blown away that people could share and listen to each other. We will miss him.
Carl and Carol Gronau
John was a good guy - he had a smile for everyone he knew and even those he did not know. I enjoy reading some of what folks have to say about John. I know he enjoyed coming and listening and thinking about what guys had to say at our Bible Study sessions and was blown away that people could share and listen to each other. We will miss him.
Carl and Carol Gronau
March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
John was a good brother in law to me.
He came to visit me one summer and we had a nice talk.
My sympathy and prayers to Pam, Jon, Britt, Heather.
He came to visit me one summer and we had a nice talk.
My sympathy and prayers to Pam, Jon, Britt, Heather.
March 13, 2018
March 13, 2018
Many years ago John gave my 10 year old son a job on his ranch. My son was thrilled, what a kind gesture. John was a man of high intelligences and numerous talents. He will by missed by many!
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Thank you John for teaching me physics at Yuba College in 1982. I had a blast watching you teach. I'll never forget the time you kicked me out of your office...lol. All was good the next day though. You were a very forgiving man. You'll be happy to know that I went on to receive a BS in Civil Engineering from UCSS, passed the PE, worked 32 years at Caltrans designing & building bridges, buildings & highways & presently, I'm enjoying being a private pilot. Thank you for all of the seeds you sowed in me during Physics 4A. RIP.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Pam dear: I am so sorry to hear of your loss, our family was always so fond of all of you and your brother and sisters. I never met John but you looked so happy in all of your Facebook pictures, my condolences to you and your children.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
All my condolences to John's family. He was certainly a teacher with flair. I remember asking a question in physics class, and he said "Aw, you don't really want to know that, do you?" Being my usual persistent self, I said "of course!" He said "because god said so!" And then went on to explain. I don't remember the question, but absolutely the man. John, you will be missed.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Pam,Heather, Britt and Jon- I've counted the Flaherty family as friends for over 40 years. John was such a great man- quirky sense of humor, amazing intellect, just a one of a kind person. So sorry to lose him. Please accept my condolences. I will be keeping you all in thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to let me know if there is anything I can do to help during this difficult time.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Dear Pam and Family, We are so sorry to hear about John. You may not remember us, but you and John were so wonderful to invite us into your home and show us (of all things) your Kitec plumbing redo. John was so gracious and helpful. Sending prayers, hugs, love to you. If we can help in any way neighbor, let us know.
Almo & Mary Cordone
Almo & Mary Cordone
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
John was a good friend of mine. He and I were among a group of six that started physics graduate studies at St. Louis University in 1962. We and three other guys rented a 5 bedroom flat in University City during 1963-1964. John and I were the cooks for the group and he made a great apple pie (might have a few apple seeds in it but, nevertheless, a great pie). He invented smashed potatoes (some of the potato skins in the mix) before the gourmet chefs came up with them. John helped me replace the timing chain in my 4 cylinder Pontiac in the middle of downtown St. Louis, where it had broken down. John was the kind of guy you could count on. He worked hard but enjoyed a good laugh. Three of us (his fellow graduate students) visited his family farm for a long weekend that year. We had frog legs, swam in the pond and took target practice with his brother's 38. All in all, it was a weekend to remember. I got married the year before he left for Wyoming but we stayed in touch over the years. He and Pam visited with us at my brother's lake house in CA. He visited us a few times over the years in PA and we always enjoyed catching up with him and treasured his family Christmas letters. He accomplished amazing things during his life and leaves behind a great legacy in his family. John was one of the most genuine people I have ever met. My wife, Buffie, and I will miss him but will keep him in our thoughts and prayers. Ralph
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Pam and Family,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved. We enjoyed knowing John through Neighbors InDeed and Lincoln Hills Astronomy Group. He was wonderful, humorous, helpful, strong, kind, to say just a few nice things about our friendship. Be well and cherish those precious and loving memories he leaves. Respectfully, Al and Carol Witten
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved. We enjoyed knowing John through Neighbors InDeed and Lincoln Hills Astronomy Group. He was wonderful, humorous, helpful, strong, kind, to say just a few nice things about our friendship. Be well and cherish those precious and loving memories he leaves. Respectfully, Al and Carol Witten
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
You will be missed, thank you for inviting me to be part of
Your tennis family.
Your tennis family.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
You will indeed be missed but left me with great memories of your friendship and fun tennis. Even your camera . . . taking a picture of my tennis partner and me at a Valentine Day tournament .
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
Condolences to the Flaherty family.
What a kind and generous man.
May your memories keep you strong and comfort you .
What a kind and generous man.
May your memories keep you strong and comfort you .
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
A sad day for all of us who knew and loved John. Who knew 44 years ago that one of the Deans of Yuba College was not just introducing me to the can-do guy that would organize a motocross club for us, but also my first physics instructor (ok, we could have all guessed that ...), long time racing buddy, best man at my wedding, a guy who would do just about anything to help a friend, ... John. John was good at just about everything, except losing-he never acquired a taste for that. He was extremely proud of Pam, Heather, Jon Leo, and Britt, so I know that he felt fortunate to have won at family.
Go in peace John- congratulations on a life well-lived.
Go in peace John- congratulations on a life well-lived.
March 12, 2018
March 12, 2018
To Pam and Family. Our most heartfelt condolences to you. Both Jackie and I liked and enjoyed John very much the very first time we met here in Sun City. We are very much saddened by his passing. John's sense of humor was the greatest. Our prayers and thoughts to you and family. Marc and Jackie
Leave a Tribute
Recent Tributes
March 13
March 13
Well said Bryan! I enjoyed many of the same times with John as you. What I probably miss the most is John's amazing joyful laugh!
March 11
March 11
So odd
I drove by where John lived while I was in college and where I worked on his corvette yesterday.
I was showing my son YC after a race some of the places around town.
And then I get the notification that today was 6 years
Miss you John
I drove by where John lived while I was in college and where I worked on his corvette yesterday.
I was showing my son YC after a race some of the places around town.
And then I get the notification that today was 6 years
Miss you John
June 18, 2023
June 18, 2023
I was thinking about John today remembering my time at Yuba College with great fondness. I searched for John online thinking I would love to visit with him again and I was very saddened to see that he had passed. I will miss him but I will always remember him. Pam I will say a prayer for you and the family.
Gallery
Happy Birthday John You would have been 79 July 30, 2018. We remember you with love.
Pam and John cruising Lake Wildwood July 2017
John and Ken Gaal at Rich Corrrea's retirement party 2009
At the track 2012
Yuba Christmas Party 2012
College Resolution upon John's retirement
Ed Haegele and John at John's retirement
Gaal Fruhling Flaherty retirement
MESH Party
Recent stories
two of 4 Yuba PhD's
March 20, 2018
OMG- the only 2 instructors that I remember from my 2 years at Yuba, and this brings to mind another story from John. If I recall the story correctly, in the early days of Yuba College, there were only 4 PhD’s on campus- John, Ed, someone in chemistry, and one other. Only one of the 4 (aka ‘other’) regularly touted his title and the other 3 were apparently offended by his gift of pencils engraved with “Merry Christmas from Dr. So and So”. After grinding the pencils down to “Merry Christmas”, the 3 took to gleefully addressing each other as “Dr” in the hallways. Can’t you just picture Ed and John passing each other with a proverbial tip of the hat and a verbal exchange of “Doctor”, “Doctor”? They thoroughly enjoyed this routine until they noticed the nursing program students straining their necks to see who was at the center of such respectful adoration
I think that's the one that I broke ...
March 14, 2018
A perfect comment from a mutual friend, Lisa- "what a gracious man". While unloading boxes during one house moving (not the actual house, though you've seen pics of that one here...), I had the stupid idea to hide a box of trophies for a prank. Went very bad, as I also applied juvenile rationale for the hiding place - in a tree. Instead of finding the box in the tree, John found it on the gound. John was very quiet about it, but I think that is the least happy that I ever saw him. Lisa's description is highly accurate. Last prank I ever attempted.
What a Playmate!
March 13, 2018
by Bill Zeller
John was just so, so much fun. I distinctly recall one Halloween night the doorbell ringing. Upon opening the door, there stood John cradling his helmet attired in his bike leathers and saying, "Trick or treat." There were none of the kids there. Just John and his motorcycle. It was John and Pam who hosted us at their home for our older daughter's wedding rehearsal dinner. There was also the time John and his telescope lured us out to the countryside at an insane time of night/morning to view Halley's Comet which turned out to be missing in action. Not to worry, John simply treated us to a wonderful view of Saturn and its rings. Then there was the phone call three years ago. It was John. "Bill, I know you like to travel. I have a line on a trip I've wanted to make. Want to go to Cuba?" Hmmmmmm? Sure! That was it. John and I spent a wonderful week together backdooring to Cuba through Cozumel. I delighted in our discussions each night interpretting what we had experienced that day. "The Professor," as I would call him, was attempting to administer a course final from the s-l-o-w, s-l-o-w Havana internet as I would needle him about running an off-shore scam. Oh, what fun I had with this wonderful man whom I got to call my friend.