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

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.

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

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

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