Dean Bernard

https://www.recordherald.com/2018/04/16/whs-celebrates-life-of-laura-voorhis/

I was friends with Tom through our early school years at Glenwood Middle.  We drifted apart in high school but I wasn't surprised when he enlisted in the Armed Forces..Tom was a good kid who always followed the rules,  Once in a while I could get him to smile but most of the time he was always so serious and and quite an impeccable dresser.  He didn't have long hair like most of us kids and he was also very well mannered.  I swear he would've worn a shirt and tie everyday to school if he knew the other kids his own age wouldn't laugh behind his back or worse yet to his face.  He was a good marksman. patriotic and destined to have a career in some way serving the public interest.  He could've easily settled for a desk job in the military but he purposely sought out the difficult missions nobody else wanted.  Even as a kid he was never someone who simply went along with the crowd.  I guess you could say that kind of independence as a kid helps to create an adult who's not only brave but even self sacrificing. That's how he lived his life and that's how he died.  That's not a bad legacy to leave behind for someone who tragically died so young. 

I was friends with Tom through our early school years at Glenwood Middle.  We drifted apart in high school but I wasn't surprised when he enlisted in the Armed Forces.  Tom was a good kid who always followed the rules.  Once in a while I could get him to smile but most of the time he was always so serious and and quite an impeccable dresser.  He didn't have long hair like most of us kids and he was also very well mannered.  I swear he would've worn a shirt and tie everyday to school if he knew the other kids his own age wouldn't laugh behind his back or worse yet to his face.  He was a good marksman. patriotic and destined to have a career in some way serving the public interest.  He could've easily settled for a desk job in the military but he purposely sought out the difficult missions nobody else wanted.  Even as a kid he was never someone who simply went along with the crowd.  I guess you could say that kind of independence as a kid helps to create an adult who's not only brave but even self sacrificing. That's how he lived his life and that's how he died.  That's not a bad legacy to leave behind from somebody who tragically died so young. 

https://marines.togetherweserved.com/usmc/servlet/tws.webapp.WebApp?cmd=ShadowBoxProfile&type=Person&ID=275047

https://kirkpatrickfuneralhome.com/laura-rowe-voorhis/

   Passing - 3/6/1979 -    John was an honors  student.  He was also a member of Boy Scout Troop 38, The National Honor Society, High School Chess Team, Drama Club and  Swim Team.  John proudly served as a Counselor at Camp Fitch and a member at the Boardman United Methodist Church, where he served as acolyte and Vice President of Youth Fellowship.   

Sat next to him in social studies class and loved talking to him.  He was very genuine.   A kid with a great smile and sense of humor anyone wouldn't soon forget.   I only wish I'd gotten to know him better.  He was one of those smart and cool kids at the same time.  His death reminds us all today of never taking our classmates, friends or family members for granted. Sometimes just listening and not judging others all the time. Well . . . in many cases,  It can make all the difference in the world.