Some thoughts about my friend John that I wish I could be with you to share today. For me John was someone I could ask for help and he was always there... someone I could trust... at my parents anniversary party a couple of years ago I asked him to watch my son Tookoome... John was like a shadow  for two hours watching him. John was someone I could ask to go hiking or skiing or canoeing and he was always there. He was someone who would stick up for what was right even if it meant there was a chance he would get hurt doing it. John wore his heart on his sleeve. John could prepare an excellent meal for 250 people using one kitchen stove 300 yards from the dining hall.

John always stuck up for his friends and supported them in what they were doing. I remember him dancing by himself at "Bannisters" or some bar in downtown Hamilton supporting his band ( I think I remember him saying proudly that he had some role with the band - was it Cat House?) When I needed someone to accompany me on a 10 day canoe trip John was there. I remember even though he had tough times with his dad he would tell me proudly how as a small boy his dad let him work the controls of a large crane they were using to move an old steam locomotive and a caboose for their club. That was where John was like his dad - whatever the job John could do it himself. When his dad passed away John taught himself to fix the electronic controls that the business sold. Many of us here today, and none more than myself, will be reminded as we look around our homes at the many tasks John was instrumental in helping to accomplish. I believe the support he showed his friends was a product of the support he received from his mother and sisters. John was a unique and wonderful person. John was so capable in so many ways except being able to appreciate himself and the positive impact he had on so many people. I am sure the last thing John would have wanted is for the people who cared about him to be sad because we can be sure he cared deeply about us.  So I can only feel regret at having one less really good true friend in the world today and I will miss him dearly.

The way I will remember John is roller blading with Deni running circles around John at full speed and John passing the leash around his waist as they sped down the road. Life is short and mine was better for knowing John. I hope he can relax now but he is probably running around fixing up heaven and cooking some great meal on his roller blades.

Mark Reed