An Open Letter to John Tumchewics
Sometimes it makes me sad, though… Andy being gone. I have to remind myself that some birds aren’t meant to be caged. Their feathers are just too bright. And when they fly away, the part of you that knows it was a sin to lock them up DOES rejoice. But still, the place you live in is that much more drab and empty that they’re gone.
I guess I just miss my friend.
- Red Redding, “The Shawshank Redemption”
Hey, John.
I’m sorry to be writing this here, but I really don’t know where else to go with it. Hopefully you have a computer or something up there and can read this somehow. I just have some things I have to say to you, dude.
It’s been crazy here since you left us. The whole place is just up in arms – I don’t think anyone really knows what to do. I’m sure you know this, but so many people here cared for you so much, and now everyone’s just looking for some direction. Luckily, there are a lot of us, and that makes it a bit easier. What sucks is that normally, when something like this happens, we’d all look to you to provide that happy spark, a dumb joke and a huge smile, and everyone would forget about whatever it was that was bothering them for at least a little while. It almost went unsaid that you’d be there when we needed a pick-me-up, and right now, we all need one more than ever.
I hope you know that, man. That’s how you’ll always be remembered. The happiest, most easy going guy I think almost any of us would say they’ve ever had the pleasure to meet, and somebody who just lived life to the fullest every single second of every single day. You’re an inspiration to all of us, a great person and an even better friend. There’ll only ever be one Jonny T.
It’s crazy to think how many memories I have about you in the few short years since we became friends. Pulling the grad guys party out of our asses at the 11th hour, remember that? A long chain of text messages, a few packs of smokies at Extra Foods and it was on. Probably the best night of grad week too. Or skipping the last day of English class to go jump off the bridge in May, it was freakin freezing. Nobody ever said we were the sharpest tools in the shed, but at least we had balls.
And then, everyone left for school, except you and me. “Best friends by default,” I think that was what we called it, and even though we didn’t hang out nearly as much as we should have that year, it was always good to know there was a friendly face and a willing buddy whenever I needed him, just a Fox ride away. Remember that time we got noodle house to go and scarfed it down in the theatre parking lot so we didn’t miss the start of Drillbit Taylor? Again, not the smartest move we ever made, but you can’t say that we weren’t committed. Or taking the ferry over to Nanaimo, listening to “Hollywood’s Not America” on repeat. Or just cruising around, shooting the shit on a weeknight, because there was nothing better to do. It may seem mundane and silly, man, but that’s stuff that really stuck with me. I hope you know that it did.
But now you’re gone, dude. I don’t know if it’s really sunk in yet, and I don’t know if it ever will. I just keep expecting to wake up to a ridiculous text about your past night’s escapades, or a big “PSYCHE” on your facebook wall, or something. You always just seemed invincible to me man, I know it’s corny to say this, but kind of like a big brother. I really did look up to you, and I hope you know how much you have and will continue to influence my life (and everyone else’s, too).
There are other people down here who are hurting more than me too, man. I’m sure you could guess who they all are. But what I hope you know is how much everyone (and I mean everyone) misses you, even the people you would never guess in a million years. You were such a huge part of Yellowknife, dude, and even though we all want you back, and feel cheated that you’ve been taken from us so early, everyone’s happy they got the chance to know you. You just made impressions on so many people.
You might call me out on this someday, when I join you up there, but I’ll admit I cried when I heard the news. I cried a lot, but tried not to do it more than I had to, because I know that you, more than anyone, would not want to let something like this get everyone down. So, instead of mourning the fact that you’re gone, I’ll just try to be happy that I was lucky enough to cross paths with you while you were here, and think about all the good times we got to have. I think that’s the first thing I managed to say when I heard the news, actually: that I have a ton of memories of you, all of them good ones.
One of my favourites was when I was just seven years old. I was in pre-immersion at JH Sissons, and I showed up to the school on the wrong day. With no way to contact my parents, I was despondent – stuck all the way across town for the afternoon was such a scary proposition for a seven year old. Not knowing anybody there or having any idea what to do, I went out to the playground, sat down on a rock and started to cry. But then, there you were:
“You can come hang out with me today”
I didn’t even know who you were, but we spent the whole afternoon together. You took me to all your classes, hung out with me at recess, and never once made me feel like I was out of place, and when I left I didn’t even know your name. I think we both figured it out when we were in grade 12, remember?
I just hope you know that that’s how I’ll remember you. You were always there when I needed you, even when I didn’t know I did.
On Saturday night, I had a barbecue at my house, to try and get everyone together and cheer them up. At one point, we went outside and drank a bottle of Baby Duck in your honour. After we each took a sip, I poured the rest out for you, and while I was, I looked up in the sky – it was one of those cloudy, purple Yellowknife nights. Through the clouds, there was one bright spot where the sun was holding on, shaped like a sideways crescent moon, or a certain somebody’s trademark smile. I hope it was you man. And if it was, then you already know this, but I’ll make sure I say it again.
I love you. And I’ll never forget you.
Rest in peace, man. Have a beer up in heaven for me.
I miss you.
G.
i dont kno what to say… these things effect everyone differently and all of the inspiring messages u captured garrett, help paint the picture that was john. its awesome that you took the time to put this together im sure he would be very very proud! thank you
Thanks for posting this Garrett.
Hey John.
I sent you a text saying good bye. As lame as that might be. I had a dream the next night you texted me back saying, what? Like none of this had ever happened. A huge, horrible joke.
Like Garrett said, there are people hurting more than me. I was never one of the regs. But you were always there. And we always made time for Tim Hortons run, to gossip and visit.
You attempted to teach me how to drive one night in high school when we had nothing better to do. We went out on the ice road, but I panicked and you had to shift gears for me while I steered frantically. I think we nearly embedded ourselves into a snow bank.
Speaking of snowbanks, I’m sorry I shoved you and your trumpet in a snow bank in middle school. We always had those walks home from William Mac. Every day, a group of us. And your unicycle. That was amazing.
When Garrett posted that interview with you I wanted to comment that I remember the Karlee vs. Shariff fight too. And Mr Hernando’s epic fail of a music class.
Thanks for coming by to Lucy’s house last Christmas to hang out with us, you hadn’t seen some of those girls in awhile. We’d had too much to drink and you thoughtfully drove us in Jen’s car to wherever we needed to go.
I’ve realized that I might have been the last of your friends from Yellowknife to see you. At the Edmonton airport at Christmas. Thank god both of our flights to Toronto were delayed hey? We had a good talk, had hours to hang out.
Rest in peace.
I miss you.
What’s up, Johnny T.
It still feels like I’m typing you a text message, or writing on your wall but I’m not. Garrett said it above, “It’s been crazy here since you left” and he’s right. When i heard the news i just starred blankly, then got up and left the house and sat on the deck for a while, then i got a phone call… It felt like i got kicked in the stomach, I actually didn’t believe it. John you of all people wouldn’t have wanted to see me the way i was on Friday night, the way everyone was that night…being around my friends that night made me feel slightly better, we all stood in a circle and shotgunned a beer to you, shared memories, the funny ones, crazy ones and the ones you just shake your head at and say “yep, that’s Johnny T for ya.”
Saturday was pretty rough on me, I was alone for a bit that day and I just broke down, I’m not one to show my soft side a lot but i did, you’d probably tease me about it but you had the ability to do that to me. I sat on my bed for two hours re-living old memories, looking at some of my saved text messages from you and laughing harder than i ever have before…especially the one about the random girl taking your car at the bar one night, driving you around and picking up her kids. Sam and Garrett wanted to have something for you Saturday night, and I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, being around our friends made the night so much more bearable. Garrett had a BBQ for you, seeing everyone there sharing their memories, serious, funny or crazy it was hard to keep the tears from flooding in our eyes. I took a Keg cup and wrote “For JT” on it and had it on me at all times…occasionally I would drop to a knee and chug one for you, because you of all people would have joined me in it. We once again shotgunned in your honor, Garrett doing the first toast and myself the second, I’m not one for a little speech but i owed it to you. The same thing happened later with the Baby Duck, I think forever i’ll always pour out a drink for you.
When i took my year off, you were one of the few people here… and you grew into one of my best friends during that time, countless lunch trips, countless horrible Borat impressions, and that time you came over and we absolutely had to drink before we went and saw “Zach and Miri Make A Porno” we shotgunned 5 beers in about 10 mins, staggering out of my house we always had a good time. The night of “Shawn Greig” will be forever cherished as well, I don’t think i’ve ever laughed that hard in my life. The time we had a game where you were my teammate and we had to sabotage a party, well… you were the first to steal that shower head and the night went downhill from that moment trying to one up you, but in reality no one can one up, Johnny T.
John, I want you to know how much you meant to all of us, even people who you rarely talked to. I bet you right now i can do a poll on 40 Yellowknifers and 35 know who you were. You made me realize how much my friends mean to me, I love you all, and I loved you John, you’ll never be forgotten, Buddy.
Ryan.
What wonderful words Garrett that you posted about your friend John, it brought me to tears just reading it. I did not know John, but I knew of him. We sent a few emails back and forth in the spring as he was seeking employment with Wisk Air Helicopters. We were all deeply sadened to hear of his passing and was hoping that someone would know what address to send a card to his family would be. We are just a helicopter company wanting to send his family and friends our sincere condolences.
Hi there Jessica,
I’m not sure of his family’s mailing address, but I’ll do my best to dig it up for you and send you an e-mail.
Garrett
I would also be intersetd int he family Mailing address! I was a friend of John’s from North Bay and would like to send my deepest sympathy to his family.
Hey Jennifer,
Good to hear from you! I never met any of John’s friends from North Bay but from the stories I’ve heard it sounds like you guys had a blast. If I manage to get his mailing address I will certainly forward it to you as well.
Garrett
Hi Garrett,
I am John’s Uncle, thank you for all of your kind words and sharing your memories. If you need my brother’s (John’s Dad) address and would like to pass it on to others please do not hesitate to contact me at the email address below.
Kindly,
Mike & Linda Tumchewics
Saudi Arabia
Email: tumchewx@me.com
Wow, I was in shock when I found out what happened! John was a great guy, that always had a smile on his face. He was one of the first people to introduce himself, when I started school at J.H.Sissons. He will be truely missed by everyone who knew him.
First off wonderful idea Garrett.
… After hearing the news from Julie, I still cannot believe it, I wanted to text you just to see if you’d reply and say this wasn’t true. My first thought was one of the last few times we talked.. and it was about flying helicopters and how I was going to e-mail you a list of Helicopter companies that my bf suggested you should pass your resume to. I remember how excited you were, because you were almost finish!! I remember how passionate you were just talking about it, We talked about how many hours you had left training. And I remember how you sent me a youtube video of your school and it was a helicopter vide. You warned me it was unbelievably long but worth it because you were in it.. haha. I must admit, I watched half of it.. don’t worry I waited til I seen a glimpse of you then closed it.. lol. I remember how that last time we talked about how “hungover” you were as well, because you partied with your instructors.. and you still had to study all weekend for your flight. You were always a trooper! I remembered you telling me about how you were going to be in Montreal with your class and I had planned on going there as well and we were going to meet up for a few drinks.. I’m sorry that didn’t happen.
Another memory I have is when you were the “bouncer” for my birthday party.. and how you were so precise following the list of invites. And I remember those gr 10 girls trying to sneak in and you kicked them right out. I’m not sure if I thanked you for that.. but thanks! Then I remember how there was only a few of us left at 4am.. I walked passed the dining room table and they were convincing me to take that “mysterious shot” but I walked away.. and somehow they ended up convincing you to take it. I remember 4 people holding you back from going after Carter! Then Monday in english class, eventhough Carter sat a few desk infront of you.. you were so nonchalant. Eventhough that class really sucked, you made it worthwhile.
I also remember skipping Mr Lacey’s English class one morning to take my car out for a spin in the ice road and I let you drive. Was I ever nervous!!! And I remember sitting in the hallway of SJF in the morning and you didn’t finish a worksheet for Lacey’s class.. and I didn’t as well, so we copied Kyle’s instead.
John you have an amazing way of making everyone and myself laugh/smile, and an unbelievable way of making me cry. Thank you for the memories and laughters Johnny T.
Wherever you are I hope you know how much you’ll be missed!
xxo
I didn’t know John nearly as well as many of you did, but there is one memory I have of him that stands out from the rest. It was New Years Eve of this year and I was staying out at a friend’s cabin on Prelude. We skidooed out onto the ice to see the fireworks and noticed a big gathering of people around a fire from the surrounding cabins, so we stopped by and talked to some people we recognized. I noticed some of the ’07 crowd from my school standing around the fire, but didn’t really know anyone well enough to say hi. A few minutes later, John walks over to talk to my friend’s dad, has a little chat with him, then turns to me and says, “Hey, is that Andrea?” I didn’t think he remembered me, let alone recognized me in my snowmobiling gear, but I smiled, said yes it was, and we talked for a little while. Oh, and did I mention he was wearing a huge viking hat? Then he offered me a swig of champagne, wished me a Happy New Year, and went on to socialize with the rest of the crowd.
To me, though I hardly knew him, that memory sums up who I knew John to be: hilarious and incredibly friendly. I’m sure countless people can vouch for that. Rest in peace, John, and know that you have touched so, so many lives without even realizing it.
Well I guess we are all connected by being Yellowknifers, through siblings, schools, event…and life in our community. I didn’t graduate with John, but our families know eachother well and he babysat my little boy for sometime. I got to know John as a young adult when I moved back to Rycon Drive after being away at University. We were all Forrest Drive kids and it is really horrible to lose such a young, cool, grounded and wonderfully respectful person. I recevied the news on Friday night and was stunned for hours. At his age I can remember being just ready to take on the world, to experience life as an adult and to being a whole new journey of your life. Seems like too many YK kids leave us too soon, and being from a small town it seems to impact all of us greatly. This site is a great idea – thank you. John – you made a difference in our life.
Hey JT
you can keep the sweater. you did say the next time we meet i could have it back and you would have to tell me every story that happened while wearing it, i can’t tell you how much i looked forward to that day. I may not have known you for as long as many of these wonderful people but i think anyone will agree with me when i say it only takes one adventure to appreciate what a wonderful person you are. From the night of shawn grieg where i first met you to the night you decided that this party would suck if we didn’t team up and have challenges, stealing the shower head being a big point winner you were the first on on the scene but shortly after i was there i wouldn’t let you leave, so i frisked you down and looked you in the eye, sall good buddy someone else has clearly got to it before us. next thing your outside with the shower head, I still have no idea how you pulled it off, guess i never will. I’m grateful for every day and adventure you gave me
Johnny T you will never die, as long as there’s a yellowknifer with a beer and a good time, you’ll never be gone
Garrett great idea, he was lucky to have you bud.
I love you all, AJ
I worked with John at Con Mine. Light hearted and dedicated, he figured things out crazy fast. He’s the type of person that you always hope to run into again, regardless of the reason, and it saddens me that I won’t get to have that opportunity.
I’m better off for crossing paths and knowing him when I did and for that, he will be missed.
this letter is really great, and pretty much sums up a lot of things i am feeling as well. i’m having kind of a hard time putting things into words but it makes me smile seeing all the profile pics people are uploading on facebook of them and john and all of them are the most random/cute/crazy pictures because john really did play a part in so many people’s lives. He was that guy that was nice to everyone and would rather just have a good time and turn every night into something unforgettable. like a lot of people, i’ll never forget all his crazy stories! Reading the interview put up on this blog site a few weeks ago.. you can actually hear johns laugh and voice when you read it.
I’ll never forget the last time i saw you.. New years at your cabin with my closest yellowknife friends and i actually remember that to be my favorite new years ever.. playing jenga, eating delicious chili, playing games in the snow and of course you had the full one piece snow suit and the viking hat haha. You took all my favorite yellowknife times and made them something extra memorable whether it was your outfit, your level of drunkness, your attitude , or your dance moves at the raven.
but i would have rather blamed someone else for it.
and john i just want you to know that i miss you and i’m so glad to have known you and i’m sorry i didn’t visit you in north bay like we tried to plan so many times but i did know all along it was you who poured beer on me… both times
where ever you are..i hope you can see how much the people you left behind miss you and are thinking about you all the time. I’m still having a really hard time realizing that you’re gone.. but as i type each word i’m just trying to stay as positive as i possibly can.. knowing you.. you’d probably rather have us cheers to your life and laugh about all our memories with you, but its hard sometimes not to feel cheated like garrett said. tragedies like this remind you how precious life really is.. and to never take anyone you love or any day you live for granted. You always seemed to have that mindset and i hope thats one thing i can learn from our friendship.
rest in piece john, you’ll live forever in our memories and in our hearts
much love, amanda <3
Man, i keep thinking of the night he poured that stuff on your head on the dance floor, once at the tree and the other at the Raven i believe.
Man, i loved that guy…
haha once was on the dance floor and the other was at that grad 07 party we all had at tin can hill!
As i was sitting and thinking more about john, even more memories came to mind and ones i just needed to share.
I remember a while ago we all had a Lion king themed party at Courtney Mckiels place and everyone had pretty moderate effort costumes.. John showed up dressed as Rafiki and had his whole entire face painted and a monkey suit on hahahaha i’m smiling so much just thinking about it i’m sure if anyone is really curious they could find a pic on facebook i wish i had one on hand it was too good
Another was the white tee party we had before we all went off to uni and a bunch of us girls did the weirdest photoshoot and john was of course right in there taking pics with us and i’m really glad i still have the white tee you and everyone wrote on in toronto with me.
http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-ash1/v134/148/72/501827819/n501827819_250069_5324.jpg
heres a nice one of us on that night haha
Last summer i brought my friend ally up from toronto to visit yellowknife and of course john was the first person of my friends to make her feel completely welcome and offer he a beer right off the bat.. i ever remember you were drinking that gross grasshopper beer that night! a few days later we all went to whitneys place and we were standing by the docks (in old town) and you kept talking about jumping in and then of course you being john you jumped right in the water and were dancing around in your underwear haha in just a short time of meeting you i think you were one of the most memorable people in yk to my friend
i guess i was just so used to your antics haha so i wasn’t even surprised!
you always brought your quirky ways to everything you did and it made you who you are, all my memories with you are good
and i wish we could all make more.. but i’m thankful for that
Is his father’s name Robert by chance? If so, then I’ve found it on Canada 411.
This is the address on Canada 411
5120 Forrest Dr N
Yellowknife, NT X1A 2W4
Maybe you could let me know.
Thanks and so sorry again for your loss.
Hi Jessica,
Yes that is the Tumchewics’ family address.
Thank you very much for your kindness.
I wish I had more memories of him. All I have is breif glimpses of him in the Hall way… ALWAYS smiling that big grin that you couldn’t help but smile back at… Then there was art, he was nicer than I gave him credit for… He was really a great guy.
I remember we bought his group for Grad Auction… He was such a good sport about being in a corset and fairy wings…
John I wish I had taken the chance to get to know you better. And even though I don’t know you nearly as well as I wish I did, I miss you.
I only knew John for a couple months, my boyfriend Andre was one of his classmates, who he got along with greatly. I remember driving out to North Bay every weekend or so to visit and always had a great time whenever he was around. He was such a joker, randomly showing up in Chuck’s living room sporting a neon green speedo.
I remember one weekend where John, Matt A., Andre and I went for “breakfast” at Guido’s. We were a good 15 minutes into eating, when I brought up this story that’s just too awful to be repeated on here. Right away, John and the boys started gagging and it carried on to the parking lot. We needed to go to Wal-Mart so Andre and I followed them there. All of a sudden, John and Matt both opened their doors and started spewing everywhere while Matt was still driving. Every time I think about it, I laugh so hard. I didn’t know you for very long, but you were one great friend, John. I’ll catch you on the flipside. Meanwhile, please look over the boys while they’re high in the skies, your wonderful family and your caring friends.
Hey John.
When I heard about the accident, like everybody else who has ever had the honor of meeting you, I was horrified. I, too, thought it was a cruel joke, but it wasn’t. I still can not believe you’re gone. You were one of the rare and few amazing people on this earth, and I hope God had a fair reason for taking you from us the way that he did…
As my dad so perfectly said, “you died a saint”. I don’t know if you remember that our dad’s worked together for 20 years, and how you used to come over and shovel our driveways “just because you wanted to help”.
We didn’t talk much in high school, but when we did you were the funniest and nicest person i’ll ever know.
The first thing I will always think of when I think of you, will be your smile.
Take care man, we all miss you.
I am very sorry to hear about this terrible loss. Shariff phoned me and told me about what happened the day of. At first when he said ” You know John Tumchewics, right? ” I thought he was going to tell me some ridiculously funny story, of something that you did. ” But.. then tears immediately ran from my eyes. I feel like I didn’t get to know you as well as I should have. But the memories I do have of you, are always of you laughing, and smiling. Telling everyone funny jokes, just being spontaneous, and living life to the fullest. You were always such a happy & smart guy. Such a loyal companion, and friendly peer. A good person to be around, always projecting a positive image among others. It’s not fair that you were taken from us at such a young age, but like they say ” the good die young. ” I hope that wherever you are, your smile is still shining bright. [ which I am certain of ] Honestly, I do not think I have ever seen you without a smile! I remember first meeting you many moons ago, in pre-immersion at Mildred Hall. I’ll always remember your rubber boots from back in the day, and that darn laugh of yours. I just want you to know that you are an amazing person, and you had such an impact on everyone that you met. You accomplished so much at a such a young age, and everyone is so proud of you for that. We all miss you so much, and will remember you forever and always. You are a Yellowknife legend that is for sure. I am thankful to have met you in this life. Rest in peace John. xoxo
Garrett,
What a fantastic letter to John. It is truly a gift to his friends to read this. I am so sorry that you guys lost such a wonderful friend. Remember all the good times (there are many), and celebrate his life. He will live on in your hearts, forever.
Carolyn
I’ll miss that smile, laugh and energy that John brought to the table. Didn’t know him as well as many of you, but I send my regards out to his family and friends.
Rest in Peace John.
Garrett, thanks for posting this. I met John a few summers ago when he drove our friends and their canoe out to Powder Point so we could paddle in to Hidden Lk. He was just one of those guys who you knew was totally cool and he was super nice… And super funny. I just met him the one weekend, but I’d see him around YK and he was always with friends and always had a huge smile.
Man, some of these stories are awesome. I check in here every day, more than once to see some new stories and re-read some of the first ones posted. John, the impact you had on so many people is amazing.
It’s great to see so many people come in and share a letter, or a story about John, as a friend i can say that it’s helping me greatly. Thanks Garrett for putting this together, and thanks to everyone who have shared their stories or even came in here out of kindness to show support for his friends and family.
Ryan
you’re a superstar <3
dear john,
our time together was too short. i will always miss you.
love courtney
dear john,
you were an amazing guy,
your time here was to short,
your memories will never fade,
rest in peace.
love ashley.
Hey John,
A month or two ago you messaged me on facebook to see how things have been since I left the North..and I thought, man am I lucky to have made a friend with Johnny T. We were friends for a short period of time when I lived there, but in that period of time you really left an impression. You were always smiling, making some funny joke, or just being there when someone needed you. John, you are one of the few people in the world I can honestly say is a genuine person who has a heart of gold and wasn’t afraid to help others out, even if it was a simple smile. I still remember when Danielle and I went to your house and we saw “Blasting Zone” on your bedroom door, and I spat hot chocolate all over Dani, because it was just too funny. Man, hanging out with you was a riot, and always a great time. I wont forget track and field practises and Hay River with you, you always made it such a fun time. I looked forward to practises because I knew at somepoint I would get to hangout with you and that made everything that much better.
I came home from work the other night and turned on my laptop. I usually facebook creep like a madwoman, but for some reason the other night I didn’t do it. That is when I got the news. I may be on the East Coast, but you would be suprised how fast news travels. Bruser sent me a message saying “Hey did you hear what happened to John?” and I just stared at my screen. You had only messaged me a month ago, so I said ” No?” – and he then told me and I couldn’t believe it. I went on your facebook, saw the comments and sat emotionless at my computer. It didn’t fully hit me until today that you were gone. I read all the stories people had about you, and started crying. I miss you buddy. I’m sorry we didn’t stay at close over the years…but, wherever you are, I want you to know that you are such an amazing person, and I am so happy to have known you, for however brief.
You no longer are here to help me clean up hot chocolate because I cannot hold in my laughter..but every cup I have from hereon out, is for you. Wherever you are Johnny, I hope you know how many lives you touched, and people who cared about you. I miss you a lot buddy…everyone has a guardian angel, and I know your looking over all of us.
<3
Thank you Garrett for that beautiful letter about Cousin John (his dad is my cousin on our Moms’ side). It brought tears to my eyes; it was so moving. I am so glad he had a friend like you in his life. The tears are never far off, since hearing about John. We live in BC now and unfortunately are not able to make it for the funeral. John’s passing is a hard thing to take, but at least he is with his Grandfather now!
John,
I don’t even know where to begin. When I had gotten word about the accident, I broke down, I broke down hard. Losing both of you so suddenly was one of the greatest shocks I’ve ever gotten. The past couple of days had been tough, Sunday especially. I made the trip out to Elk Lake and met up with Dave and Blair by chance.
Figuring everything out and traveling gave me so much time to look back on the year. And when I got a link to this site, it just made so much more memories rush back. You’ve changed me over the year and I carry memories of you everywhere. My leg, scarred from our first attempt on Chuck’s dirtbikes. Riding around the back yard with massive grins, more so you than I, what with the Joker smile and all. And of course we slowly gained confidence moving up gears and doing our half-assed wheelies. But everything got crazier when we decide to rip down the highway to get to that back trail. Uninsured and unregistered, we set off with the basic advice of, “If you guys get stopped or followed, you don’t know me and don’t come back to the house.” We really did luck out, dodging cops all after without even know it. And just the reaction we both had to the first puddle of mud, trying to scramble around it. Thank god you were ahead of me, it gave me some warning and i managed to avoid it. You, however, didn’t quite manage to get around that first one so well, or at all for that matter. And of course when we got back to the house, you had made it out scot-free, aside from the mud clots you were wearing. Not until you came back from the second trip, completely giddy from Matt A. flipping over his handlebars into a massive puddle did you get any injury. Taking the ditch to make the highway ride more interesting and losing your balance as soon as you were airborne. Definitely one of the great days topped with cold beer and Matt, you and I standing in the driveway stripped to our boxers while April tended our wounds.
Any outing was made interesting with your presence, including the massive amounts of coffee runs made towards the end of the year.
One the outstanding nights was the night we passed our flight tests. Only us classy folks drink that much on a Wednesday evening. Many a nights spent at the Moose were thoroughly enjoyed by the entire class. Most of which those nights we were emerged in one of your many stories.
What I’m trying to say is, Ethan and you were two of the greats. At least some of the greatest I’ve ever met. And only spending those few short months with you had really influenced me in ways you’d probably never had expected. And as other have noted, you’re probably sitting somewhere, right alongside Ethan, laughing at us for being soft. Soft or not, this is what you’ve done to us, you’ll never be forgotten and you will always be sorely missed.
As you wrote about me in the book you gave me, I’ll write about you John, You are the man.
-Andre “Frenchman” McIntee
john
hope you can read all of these amazing things people have to say about you! i’m sure deep down you knew how much everyone loved your company, it was quite apparent with all the laughs that were constantly pouring out of anyone within earshot of you
LOVE reading all these memories (such a great idea garrett), they’re making me laugh and cry at the same time. so many hilarious moments. you always had such a presence, whether it be dressing up as the abovementioned rafiki costume, or as k-fed back in high school, rap battles and all in the foyer. as goofy and hilarious that you were, you also had an extremely caring side as well. your heart was so incredibly big, and we all cherish that.
i feel so, so lucky to have had you in my life, and even though i wish it could have been for a longer time, and even though i’m sad that you’re gone, i’ll try to stay positive and focus on the countless, great memories we all had with you.
johnny t., i miss you
i’ll be thinking of you always
linna
Hey John,
it’s unreal that you are no longer with us. I know we weren’t very close, but I definitely have great memories of you from Sir John. You were a genuinely amazing person who was always able to put a smile on anyone’s face, including mine. Everyone down here is thinking of you and missing you so very much. It’s so unfortunate that you were taken from us so early on in your life, but I suppose things happen for a reason. Maybe your path was to continue and do great things in other places. We never know when our last day will be therefore we must live each day to the fullest, you definitely fulfilled that conquest. John, you will be missed dearly and thought of often. I wish you only the best.
Take care of yourself up there,
Nicole
Hi John, I was out at Science Tundra Camp in 2005 at Daring Lake, the year you went with about 15 other students.You were so much fun to be around, self-effacing and quirky brilliant. People felt good just being around you.I knew that whatever you chose to do in life that you would be the best at it. I haven’t been able to send a card to your mom and dad and your sisters. I’m sure words are inadequate to comfort them. They will miss you beyond measure. You leaving so early is a huge loss to many whose lives you had an impact on and to those you hadn’t had a chance to yet. I think you were a Science guy but I expect you could appreciate a bit of lit. So here is a poem by Rainer Maria Rilke dedicated to you and for your family and your friends, who are missing you greatly.
The Sonnets To Orpheus:Book 2:XIII by R.M. Rilke (trans. Stephen Mitchell)
Be ahead of all parting, as though it already were
behind you, like the winter that has just gone by.
For among these winters there is one so endlessly winter
that only by wintering through it all will your heart survive.
Be forever dead in Eurydice-more gladly arise
into the seamless life proclaimed in your song.
Here, in the realm of decline, among momentary days,
be the crystal cup that shattered even as it rang.
Be-and yet know the great void where all things begin,
the inifinite source of your own most intense vibration,
so that, this once, you may give it your perfect assent.
To all that is used-up, and to all the muffled and dumb
creatures in the world’s full reserve, the unsayable sums,
joyfully add yourself, and cancel the count.
It was wonderful to know you John.
Hey man, looks like they finally got you on Facebook so I’m just going to put this here. Hopefully you can find a way to read it somehow.
I’ve just been thinking about you a lot lately, man. As life goes on and we get older the memories and goofy stories (and you know there were a ton of them) start to fade, but the one thing that’s really stuck with me, and even been amplified, is the impact you had on my life. I really didn’t realize how much I really try and emulate you – your personality around both old friends and new, your ability to keep people happy and together even when the situation doesn’t call for it in the least, and that idea that when you leave someone, always leave them looking forward to seeing you again.
These are things I try and do every day, and I hope you know that you’re the first person I think of when I think of all of them. I guess you really just don’t fully realize the impact somebody has on you until their gone.
Your mom gave me a Leatherman with your initials on it, I keep it with me all the time. It’s the perfect reminder, really – it’s always there when I need it, no matter the situation. From fixing power outlets to opening beers
.
I miss you, man. Hope you’re having a blast up there.
Garrett