John was the best friend I ever had. He was amazingly smart and spoke multiple languages. John was also my best man at my wedding to Gloria Rye. He had the unusual ability to relate to people of all ages, from every walk of life. His friends ranged in age from people our age to people 40 years older. He was a talented musician, who played the guitar and loved Celtic music. John spent a year or two performing as a buscar on the streets of Paris. Later, he worked for the French Consulate translating legal documents before he started his own software development consultancy. John and I survived many crazy adventures and we could write a very hilarious book about the stuff we did. Unfortunately, John was unable to beat a drug addiction that started when we were only 17. It kept him from many things he loved, including a wonderful woman that was the love of his life. Ultimately, John passed away as a result of his addiction. He was the most amazing person ive ever known. As a result of his passing, I've spent many years in youth programs to help keep kids away from drugs. I hope it can start to make a positive out of the things John taught me with his life and his death. See you on the other side, my friend.
What a beautiful tribute, Ron. I have started and stopped so many times, never feeling like I did him the justice he deserves. You were also someone he loved and admired deeply. Your shared stories were hilarious and never ending! All the best to you and yours.
Gretchen, you have such a kind heart and feeling like you should have done more just means you loved John. It doesn't mean you didn't do enough. You did so much and it made a huge difference in John's life. He's not here to thank you but I know how he talked about you privately, maybe better than anyone else. He would confide in me about the things that were most important to him. You definitely did enough. John would have expected me to tell you this. Don't be sorry and don't have any regrets. John could make anybody laugh. Just remember that and let him keep making us laugh!
Ronald Romer (Central)
John was the best friend I ever had. He was amazingly smart and spoke multiple languages. John was also my best man at my wedding to Gloria Rye. He had the unusual ability to relate to people of all ages, from every walk of life. His friends ranged in age from people our age to people 40 years older. He was a talented musician, who played the guitar and loved Celtic music. John spent a year or two performing as a buscar on the streets of Paris. Later, he worked for the French Consulate translating legal documents before he started his own software development consultancy. John and I survived many crazy adventures and we could write a very hilarious book about the stuff we did. Unfortunately, John was unable to beat a drug addiction that started when we were only 17. It kept him from many things he loved, including a wonderful woman that was the love of his life. Ultimately, John passed away as a result of his addiction. He was the most amazing person ive ever known. As a result of his passing, I've spent many years in youth programs to help keep kids away from drugs. I hope it can start to make a positive out of the things John taught me with his life and his death. See you on the other side, my friend.Gretchen Choynacki (Central) (Hartwig)
What a beautiful tribute, Ron. I have started and stopped so many times, never feeling like I did him the justice he deserves. You were also someone he loved and admired deeply. Your shared stories were hilarious and never ending! All the best to you and yours.
Ronald Romer (Central)
Gretchen, you have such a kind heart and feeling like you should have done more just means you loved John. It doesn't mean you didn't do enough. You did so much and it made a huge difference in John's life. He's not here to thank you but I know how he talked about you privately, maybe better than anyone else. He would confide in me about the things that were most important to him. You definitely did enough. John would have expected me to tell you this. Don't be sorry and don't have any regrets. John could make anybody laugh. Just remember that and let him keep making us laugh!Ronald Romer (Central)
BTW - so wonderful to hear from you! I look forward to meeting again someday!