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Goodbye

This is my younger brother John.  We received the devastating news that he died a few days ago.

The shock of this is exceeded only by the overwhelming grief we are feeling.

I’m not sure what to write here. The words are stuck in the deepest place in my heart.

I’m sitting  in the quietest early morning hours at my cabin. The last time I saw John was around a trip here last spring, fishing together. He caught a northern and was happy about that. He let it go so it could keep living. 

I’m looking out at the lake. At the place we floated…it is now empty, with only the reflection of the dying season stretching across the water. I’m gazing at the spot we sat in a small row boat only a few months ago…talking about things I don’t remember now because we both through it was one of many family trips we’d continue having together. 

I was wrong.

John was a strong person with the most tender heart I’ve ever met. He was witty. An extreme athlete, he read classic literature, was brilliant, both intellectually and emotionally. He was a founding board member of ALL KIND PROJECT. Well educated. Loyal. He was tenderly sensitive…he couldn’t stand the thought of anything suffering. He was one of the most generous people on the planet. 

But there was so much more to him than that


…so much more. 

It goes without saying, he was loved beyond words, by all of us. 

For those of his friends who are just finding this out-you know who you are-he loved you fiercely, like he loved his family. Loyal and with his full heart. 

I’ll post again, at another time. But I wanted anyone who knew him to know the reason why the world dimmed a few days ago.

And, if you would, our family would appreciate heartfelt prayers sent to him, on his journey from this world. 

Thank you. 

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