Kayak & River Cleanup Opportunity

Kayak & River Cleanup Opportunity: Do you want to make an immense difference for the San Diego River before the rainy season starts? Join us for the Great River Cleanup on Saturday, Nov. 9th from 9 am- 12 pm! Come out for a beautiful fall morning outdoors to help clean trash from the riverbed before it washes into the ocean and harms wildlife during/after winter storms. There are 9 spots left for the kayak portion of the cleanup, do not miss this rare opportunity to kayak the river in Mission Valley! If you are interested email Rachel at rachel@sandiegoriver.org.

If you would like to stay on land and help clean the riverbed, sign up here: https://sandiegoriver.galaxydigital.com/need/detail/…

Together, we can help restore the river, an immense natural, cultural, and recreational treasure in our region!

John O’Hagan’s Memorial Paddle

-by Jay Murdock, a friend of John

Saturday, November 19th we gathered to remember and honor the memory of a great friend and fellow paddler. John’s wife Dorothy, and many of his long-time friends were there. Both Doug Drake and Louis Greco spoke after the paddle, and part of those speeches are in this article. We paddled just around Mariner’s Point so those on shore could observe the scattering of flower petals and some ashes. Dorothy spoke how much this event meant to her and told us a few memories she has of John. It was a perfect morning on the water.

Photo by Jon Brindle
Photo by Jon Brindle
Photo by Murdock
Words after the paddle
Vicki and Louis Greco, Dorothy, Doug Drake

John was far too young when he died of a heart attack while on a day hike. But he was in good hands that day, having made the most important decision of his life years before: He chose life and the Author of life by accepting that promise found in scripture – John 3:16, and John O’Hagan was changed forever. God’s love and grace touched John, and he passed it on to whoever he met on many occasions. While he was a great outdoorsman, he was also a stellar person, taking the time to help others and bless those around him (more on this is in the article written in July of 2021, just scroll down to find that).

Albert Einstein said “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” John discovered, that by turning his life over to the Creator, the miracle of grace transformed him.

Doug Drake spoke to us after the paddle, that “when someone we love passes, it’s as if we have lost a part of ourselves. Living without your child, spouse, parents, or John, is very much like losing an irreplaceable part of yourself. It’s not something we get over or get back to normal. It’s a loss that endures a lifetime. As C. S. Lewis, the person whose life the amazing movie ‘The Most Reluctant Convert’ is based on said ‘The death of a loved one is an amputation, and the pain I feel now is the happiness I had before’.”

Louis Greco then said “I have had the blessing to know John for over 30 years. I consider him one of my best friends, as I am sure many of you do as well. John seemed to know someone wherever we went. He lived up to his nickname ‘coach’, and was a great coach to me, always available to listen, advise and encourage. As a great leader he would often do a reconnaissance mission to a future campsite, checking important factors such as the availability of water and trail conditions to assure a successful trip. John has now gone ahead of us… to scout out the perfect heavenly campsite.”

Well said Doug and Louis, very well said.

So, this Thanksgiving I am thankful to have known John, to have received the blessing of his playful smile, his great compassion, and for God’s grace channeled through this wonderful man.

Fall Colors Sierras Trip Report

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor and Trip Leader

“On Solo” at June Lake

October 7-10, 2022 was our 8th trip to the June Lakes Loop, north of Mammoth, and we had ideal weather. No wind, daytime temps in the mid-70’s, and night temps in the low 40s, with just a few sprinkles on our hike and the last night after we were in our tents. Now that is how it’s supposed to work for an easy car-camping trip.

Heading to the Lake
Doug and Louis on June Lake
Sheri on Silver Lake
Smelling the bark of a Jeffrey Pine…vanilla!
Sheri and Dave on Silver Lake
Hike to Parker Lake
Charles on Rush Creek Canal (upstream from Silver Lake)
Joe paddling on Silver Lake

After the snow and cold of last year’s trip, some people had second thoughts about going this year, but the nine who went this time all had a wonderful experience.  We hope you can join us next year!

Sheri and Jay near Parker Lake
Doug on Silver Lake
Joe and Jay on June Lake
The Gang on Rush Creek Canal (Kevin-yellow boat, Britt-orange/red boat, Dave-not shown)

Jake Stachovak – In Remembrance

-by Jay Murdock and Others

Photo of Jake Stachovak for Linked by Water expedition – by Michael Paul Franklin

Jake recently lost his battle with cancer, and people near and far who knew him have lost not only a wonderful friend, but a great person who just happened to be one of the best paddlers we’ve known. Yes, Jake was all that and more. Everyone who knew him liked him. He had this wonderful soft nature and calmness about him, but also a confidence and warmth that made you instantly like the man.

Jake’s paddling skills went far beyond most of us, as you will read in the following comments by some who paddled with him, but you would never suspect that in talking with him. He was both kind and gentle in helping us gain a greater skill level in our sport, and it seemed his patience never ran out. He had this ever-present smile that drew us in, a smile that was unassuming and humble, yet conveyed a strength that gave us courage to go beyond our comfort level.

Jake’s Farewell paddle upon leaving for Wisconsin in 2017 -photo by Murdock
Working at Aqua Adventures with Jen Kleck, owner back then -photo by Murdock
With the Wednesday morning paddlers -photo by Murdock
Helping launch the Wednesday morning paddlers in PB -photo by Murdock
At the farewell paddle in 2017 -photo by Murdock
Black Canyon trip – photos by Thom Underwood

Comments from Others:

“Jake and I were paddling buddies and like many kayakers in San Diego we paddled together often.  Thanks to Aqua Adventures and in particular Jen Kleck, we paddled the San Diego coast, from North County to the Coronado islands.  Further south in Baja we paddled the coast south and north of La Bufadora and out to Todos Santos.  Up the CA coast we paddled Point Lobos, Golden Gate, and the San Juans, and who doesn’t have fond memories of paddling the Colorado river and Black Canyon.  In Scotland we paddled the Pentland Firth, where in a tide race I had to self-rescue from a wet exit because Jake was busy rescuing our ‘group leader’ who was being tested for BCU level 5 accreditation – he failed!  From there we paddled the western coast of Scotland and the Isle of Skye (the wildest tide race I ever paddled) and several isles in the Outer Hebrides.  Jake was always there with a smile and confidence that inspired. 

Most of all we were surf buddies, out on the water 2 sometimes 3 times a week.  Jake somehow pried me out of a warm bed way too early for any sane person to consider and convinced me to throw myself into the cold Pacific.  Jake coerced me out in conditions I would never consider myself and once saved me (and my surf boat) from the rock jetty at South Mission beach (I was trying out a new paddle that was beyond my skillset). 

But my most memorable outing with Jake was one surf morning at LJ Shores when I never even got on the water!  We had arranged to meet at the usual ungodly hour but had failed to consider the predicted fog, a weather condition that rarely happens in San Diego.  When I arrived, the fog was so thick (visibility easily less than 10’) that I could barely see a parking spot let alone find Jake’s truck or see Jake on the beach.  After half an hour of searching for Jake and his truck, I assumed he had had the good sense to either not show up that morning or had returned home after seeing the fog conditions.  But before leaving, directed by the sound of the surf, I felt my way across the beach.  To my total surprise, just as I approached the water’s edge and still unable see the surf, out of the fog and the surf walked Jake, surf boat on his shoulder and that big Jake grin on his face.

Jake had a way that made each of us feel we had his undivided attention and always an abundance of good will.  I missed Jake when he moved back north but Jake had a way of staying with you even when he wasn’t present.  I miss him even more now he is gone even though he will always be with me”.    -Thom Underwood

Jake, Jane Hardy, and Mike Franklin -photo by Franklin

“Jake was my first “real” kayak teacher helping me to overcome my fear of tipping over my kayak and paddling in on the ocean.  One fine day Jake took me on a paddle from Aqua Adventures way out past the jetty, over to Ocean Beach Pier, the next thing I know Jake has me riding the back of a wave all the way to shore.  Wow! What an exhilarating experience and Jake made it happen.  That was Jake, “exhilarating”, full of life and ready for the next adventure. He took us all along on his “Portage to Portage’ paddle, what great memories he shared along the way.  Remembering- Jake performing headstands on his kayak and fun times out on the water.  Thank You Jake, for sharing your Joy of living radiating from your bright shiny eyes and your beautiful smile.  Cherishing fond memories close to my heart”.      -Jan Jensen

Honoring Jake, Mission Bay -photo by Franklin

“Jake was great to paddle with.  He was always happy & smiling.  I can’t recall ever seeing him upset.  I recall paddling from Harbor Island to the Coronado’s with him and 3 other guys.  He also taught me how to fix Valley skeg mechanisms (thank you!).  One thing that bugged me was seeing him do a headstand in a Nordkapp.  Oh, come on!  Darned showoff.  I felt so inadequate!   Fair winds and following seas Jake.  You are missed”.         -Gary Billick

“I’m saddened by this news. I learned much from Jake’s kayaking teaching”.             -Vicki Ardoin

In Baja -photo by Franklin

So sorry to hear about Jake!  I have such great memories of paddling with him guiding the meetup group paddlers on the AA social hours Thursday evenings and seeing him around the shop.  Best memories are of the jokes he would pull on the gang at the shop as well!  I still laugh when I think of them 🙂            -Miki Golden

Showing us how to surf a kayak -photo by Franklin

Jake was a paddling buddy a great friend and one of the best people I have ever known. We shared a lot of campfires, paddled together in Baja, along the San Diego coastline and the Colorado River and he always made a great experience that much better just by his presence. Jake accomplished an amazing kayaking feat with his Portage-to-Portage trip where he paddled 5,740 miles down rivers through the Gulf of Mexico and up the Atlantic Coast to loop around the Eastern United States but that pales in comparison to his legacy of friendship and kindness, he left to all of us.

He was strong but gentle, he was confident but never arrogant. He was kind but never weak. He was wise but always open. He cared about other people and always looked for the good in them. He was loyal to his friends. He was resolute and when he said he was going to do something he did it. He has been a great example of what a good human should be. He had a Zen like calm but was always up for some fun. His wide smile was contagious. I can’t think of a time I ever heard him say a harsh thing about anyone. Even his huge expedition to do the Portage-to-Portage trip was understated. Adventure Kayak magazine called it the Anti – Expedition. Jake described it as a bunch of backyard paddles put together but it was much more. Anyone who was lucky enough to meet Jake could bask in his calm strength and feel the peace inside him. He was always the first to jump in and help when things went sideways and was extremely capable. I value the time I got to spend with him especially on the water. I would paddle with him as he was training for his trip and enjoyed that quiet time with a good friend so much.

I hadn’t seen him in a little over 10 years as he moved back to Wisconsin, and I moved overseas, but his friendship was incredibly valuable to me. He will not be forgotten because he was a rare and special person. Now that he is gone, I will try to focus on the good he left in his wake and not on the sadness, but it will be difficult at times. I know I have tried to be a better person because of his example. If you want to do something good for the world, try to follow his example and be more like Jake.          -Mike Franklin

That smile -photo by Franklin

“Jake, Steve Wilson, and I went out to Catalina Island to paddle and camp. The next morning Steve and I got up at sunrise, thinking how manly we were getting up so early. As we stepped outside our tents, we saw Jake coming out of the cold water bare-chested, holding a large fish he just caught. We thought to ourselves that this guy is just not human to be able to pull that off”.      -Duane Strosaker (at the memorial paddle)

His Skill Level:

The following photos show his incredible skill level. During a paddle, Jake could get out of his cockpit and move about the kayak with ease, do a headstand, and even perform a roll using only his hands. Yes, we witnessed that with eyes and mouths wide open with awe.

Jake taking a haystack on the Great Lakes with finesse and confidence – photo by Bill Thompson
Performing a role with half a paddle – photo by Murdock
An amazing ability to balance -photo by Franklin
Surfing was a favorite with Jake -photo by Franklin
He could do this with ease -photo by Murdock
Then he would do this on occasion -photo by Murdock
Performing a role using only his hands -photo by Murdock

Our farewell:

Thirty-two paddlers turned out for Jake’s memorial paddle in San Diego on February 26, and went out beyond the jetty, where his wife, Marit, scattered some ashes. Afterwards we gathered for a time to visit, hug each other, and listen to the great music of Steve Wilson.  

Marit preparing the kayak -photo by Dana Voss
Heading out -photo by Voss
Spreading some ashes at sea -photo by Voss
Saying goodbye -photo be Voss
Steve Wilson singing after the paddle -photo by Murdock

The High School Principal where Jake taught the last four years spoke eloquently of him at his memorial service in Wisconsin: “Jake was an exceptional human being, and those who knew him were lucky to have met him. He had an infectious, joyous smile, and truly found joy in experiencing life to the fullest. Jake cared about people, connected with others, and brought joy to those around him. He embodied the qualities of love, family, and selflessness”.

Who Jake Was:

Those of us who spent time with Jake knew his face conveyed the essence of who he was. The fact of how one’s inner character can be seen through their face was recently summed up by President Zelenskyy of Ukraine after accepting the likelihood that soon he may be killed: “Everyone’s face shows his or her life, their whole life path, as well as the end of one’s life”. We were able to see who Jake was, and how he was able to face his death with courage. Thank you, Jake, for being there for us, for giving so much of yourself to us, and for being a great friend. We will not forget you.

-photo by Murdock

Help Jake Stachovak

Those of us who have been kayaking San Diego for some time will remember Jake Stachovak. He worked at Aqua Adventures for a number of years before returning back to Wausau, Wi. You also might remember him from his epic 5,000-mile kayaking trip, that he chronicled back in 2010. Unfortunately, Jake has been fighting cancer for the past few years. Jake’s cancer has become very aggressive and he is dying. His liver is overrun and it is spreading all over. Some folks have asked how they can help Jake. There is a GoFundMe that was set up for him by his students and staff at the high school he teaches at.

This amazing photo was taken by Bill Thompson at the 2014 The Gales – Storm Gathering is of the inimitable Jake Stachovak.

New Year’s Day Paddle

Let’s start the New Year off on the water as we’ve done for about 15 years.

You’re welcome to join us if you’ve attended some of the skills practices and can keep up with the group’s 3-4 knot pace.

As a reminder, you’re responsible for your own safety so all attendees need to be capable of self-rescuing.

DATE:                            Saturday, January 1

RALLY TIME:                  8:30 am

LAUNCH TIME:              9:00 am

DURATION:                   1 – 2 hours

LAUNCH SITE:              La Jolla Shores Boat Ramp

VENUE:                          Paddle north towards Black’s Beach, or perhaps paddle west to check out the caves

RECOMMENDED:            Depending on the weather, Mid-weight paddling clothes with a splash jacket

PLEASE NOTE: These paddles are not sanctioned San Diego Kayak Club or Aqua Adventures events. The announcer of this event is not the leader of such, merely a “coordinator.”  

Disclaimer: We will have experienced paddlers on this trip, but they will not be responsible for telling you what is or is not safe for you to do. We watch out for one another and assist one another, but all individuals are responsible for, and manage their own safety. This responsibility includes assessing your gear, skill level, and physical conditioning relative to conditions and location, as well as making decisions about what you will or will not do. Participants acknowledge that kayaking on the open sea or bay is inherently dangerous and can lead to physical injury including death as well as property damage. Participants, on their behalf and on behalf of their heirs and assignees, agree to hold the announcers and other participants blameless in the event of such injury, damage or death. Please join us if you want to mildly stretch your capabilities, but please stay home if you would be wildly stretching them. Participants should have bracing skills, be able to self-rescue and assist in the rescue of others. They should be able to launch and/or land in small surf.

June Lake Fall Colors Trip Report – October, 2021

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor

Gull Lake (photo by Kirk Rozelle)

This was the 8th time we have gone up to the June Lake Loop to paddle, hike, and see the wonderful fall colors of the Aspens. Because of health, work, and weather issues, we lost more than half the sign-ups, but those who went kept warm and enjoyed the crisp air. There were new people on this trip, and a couple from Arizona drove over to join us. We even experienced a taste of winter, with snow and 14-degree temperatures on two nights.

Camping at Reversed Creek, Kirk making coffee
Friday morning snow and 14 degrees (cold, what’s cold?)

Because of the snow, most of us went to see the Tufa’s at Mono Lake, then drove over to Mammoth for the day on Friday.

Mono Lake and Tufas (photo by Susan Stiver)
Early snow near Mammoth (photo by Susan Stiver)
The drive to the Mammoth ski lifts (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Mary at…Lake Mary
A winter wonderland

Saturday had great weather (sun and mild breezes), and we took advantage of that with a fun paddle on Silver Lake.

Launching from the Silver Lake dock, Mary and Kirk
Up the creek…with paddles
The turnaround point, Lynne, Susan, and me (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Britt, Clear water and fall colors (photo by Kirk Rozelle)
Mary and Kirk in an Innova kayak (photo by Susan Stiver)
A beautiful place to paddle
Lynne at the dock
Kevin looking good

Some of us then hiked around Gull Lake, where we took some amazing photos of the trees and lake. We ended the day with a wonderful dinner together, then a warm campfire. The mountains are beautiful in the fall for those who are willing to experience the wonder.

Hiking around Gull Lake
Aspens near Gull Lake (photo by Susan Stiver)
Dinner at Eagles Landing

Upcoming Paddles

After spending a lot of Saturday mornings in Mariner’s Basin practicing our rescue and rolling skills, some of us are going to venture out the next two Saturdays.

Saturday, Oct. 2 – La Jolla coastal paddle -north or south and return

Drop boats off at the launch ramp by 8:30 before parking; launch at 9.  Will probably paddle a couple of hours and then find a spot for lunch. We may encounter some surf so please assess your skills before RSVPing.  This is an intermediate paddle.

Saturday, Oct. 9 – Newport Beach Coast Guard Station paddle.

1911 Bayside Drive, Corona del Mar

It’s a good hour and a half drive–5N to 405N to Jamboree, then head W; need to leave here about 7 in hopes of launching by 9. There’s a small parking lot but plenty of street parking–it’s in a neighborhood. Sandy beach launch; bring wheels; bathrooms and boat wash facilities. Very pretty coastal paddle, appropriate for those intermediate paddlers comfortable in open water; similar to here, depending on the day.

As a reminder, you’re responsible for your own safety.

RSVP to Jane Hardy (janehardy@cox.net) for each session

Staying Healthy While Being Active in These Uncertain Times

-by Jay Murdock, SDKC Safety Editor

Tall Ships Paddle 2015

Over the past year some people have expressed concern to me about participating in paddling and other outdoor sports, and especially going to indoor social events. We are hearing different, and often conflicting advise on how to keep ourselves healthy, and a lot of it is unfortunately political in nature. From the start of the Covid-19 spread, I was determined to find truth in what works to help me from getting sick, and how to continually stay healthy. I also decided not to let undo fear control my thinking and my life. The right kind of fear– having a healthy respect for things to avoid — is part of our nature, placed there to keep us safe. We are blessed with incredible bodies having amazing immune systems… we are “fearfully and wonderfully made” and have the ability to learn what is best for us. 

As an appraiser, I’m trained to weed out false information from the data. When you have opposing claims to the “facts”, by examining each for flaws in consistency, and errors, you can eliminate the implausible, and arrive at a point that makes sense. You then apply comparative analysis in order to form an opinion that correlates with reality…the truth. Using those tools for staying healthy, I have recently researched (because “science” changes and evolves over time) primary data (not someone’s article or interpretation about that data) to get answers. It takes considerable time to search deeper for truthful information, but your health and safety are worth it. The key is to find sources that do not have a political axe to grind, that publish original clinical research that has been peer-reviewed. The following information is based on several articles published in 2020 and 2021. The pertinent sources are referenced at the end of this article. 

Therapeutics for Covid-19

Given the facts that the Covid virus can morph into different variants, that face masks cannot effectively stop the virus (even the N-95 mask, which filters 95% at .3 microns can leak, or the virus can even enter the body through the surface of the eye), that vaccines can lose potency over time, our best defense is to bolster the body’s ability to prevent the virus from replicating inside us. The following is what works for me. You want to decide for yourself, and/or consult with your doctor to see what you should do. 

The American Journal of Medicine, January 2021 issue states that Zinc is a known inhibitor of coronavirus replication. Clinical trials of zinc lozenges in the common cold have demonstrated modest reductions in the duration and or severity of symptoms. By extension, this readily available nontoxic therapy could be deployed at the first signs of COVID-19. Lost in all the controversy over Hydroxychloroquine is the fact that it simply aids in the body’s ability to absorb zinc, which the Journal goes on to explain.  

I take 80 mg of zinc per day, which I get in AREDS 2 by PreserVision. Included also in those supplements are vitamins C, E, along with copper, lutein, and zeaxanthin. Taking these pills for the past 3 years has effectively stopped the progression of AMD in my eyes, and unknowingly, most likely helped to keep me from contracting Covid. You may consider taking them even if you do not have AMD if you are over 40, in addition to other supplements. They contain essentials for a strong immune system and eye health.

Updated on 2/13/2022:

I also take 10,000 IU of vitamin D3, which has been found to benefit the body’s immune system. This vitamin, magnesium, and zinc may be the most important therapeutics to take daily to strengthen your body against the virus. Copper and vitamin C have also been linked to cellular health and may be helpful in preventing a virus infection. A baby aspirin a day helps fight inflammation, which the Covid virus brings on. Vitamin K2 helps the body safely use the large dosage of D3, and recent news says that antihistamines may be effective in treating Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (“long COVID”).

In summary, it is up to each of us to take charge of our health, so we can be active and fully participate in life and experience the joy of relationships.

Supporting Primary Data:

Pathophysiological Basis and Rationale for Early Outpatient Treatment of SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Infection – The American Journal of Medicine (amjmed.com)

Vitamin D and Its Potential Benefit for the COVID-19 Pandemic – PubMed (nih.gov)

Evidence that Vitamin D Supplementation Could Reduce Risk of Influenza and COVID-19 Infections and Deaths – PubMed (nih.gov)

Serum zinc and copper in patients with COVID-19 and zinc supplementation in parenteral nutrition – ScienceDirect

Masks Don’t Work: A Review of Science Relevant to COVID-19 Social Policy | River Cities’ Reader (rcreader.com)

Ophthalmic Manifestations Of Coronavirus (COVID-19) – StatPearls – NCBI Bookshelf (nih.gov)

New Research Suggests Magnesium and Vitamin D Can Help Reduce COVID-19 Infections | Saint Luke’s Health System (saintlukeskc.org)

Antihistamines for Postacute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 Infection – ScienceDirect

Vitamin K2 D3 Supplements – Benefits & Side Effects – eNutrition

Note: While the article on masks is an opinion piece, the primary clinical research is presented as the foundation for those opinions, for you to read and decide for yourself.

John O’Hagan – In Remembrance

-by Jay Murdock, a friend of John

John looked like a giant to us, sitting in our kayaks

We have lost a wonderful member of our kayaking and hiking community, and a dear friend to many of us. John suddenly passed away a few weeks back while hiking with his dog, doing what he loved to do. This unexpected event has left those who were privileged to know him in shock and sadness. Those of us who knew he was a man of faith, know he is now in a better place…but we still miss him.

Taking a break while Nordic skiing
With his wife Dorothy at Laguna Meadows

Off Pt Loma and a Saturday morning (John is 3rd from left)

As Lori Nickerson said, “We just saw him on his paddle board on a Wednesday morning paddle a few weeks ago.  We used to see him fairly often way out in the ocean… a speck in the distance, so tall with a distinctive stroke. ‘Oh, that must be John!’  We’d paddle towards each other and chat for a while before going our separate ways.  Such a fine and gentle soul”.

With Bob Jones on a hike…that playful smile is what we always observed
It was a joy to ski with John
Getting back on his kayak after a “nature break”, causing some of us to always get a good laugh…but he never capsized

John was only 62 when he set out to hike that day, not knowing what the future held, but he knew the One who held his future. He loved the woods in all seasons, and used to solo camp in the back country in this “secret spot” amongst the pines. But John also loved to be with others in all the sports he aggressively participated in. A great companion to have on any paddle, hike, pack trip, or Nordic ski, he was always strong and confident in what he was doing. On one Yosemite pack trip, John took the pack of a gal who could not hike the rest of the way to base camp, quickly hiked up the trail, and then returned to get his pack. We were all amazed at the strength of this man, and the humble and cheerful way which he conducted himself. But that was John, always giving to others.

Looking dapper in his kayak outfit on a Saturday paddle
On a pack trip up Mt San Jacinto with other kayakers (John on far right)
He had a smooth and natural Nordic style

John was a good and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. His faith and the relationship with his Maker were the guiding forces in his life, and he understood that life is a precious gift with purpose and meaning. Of all the great attributes that could be said about him, the one that stands out as the pinnacle, is that John was simply, yet profoundly “One of His”.  James Dobson once said “At the end of our lives, what really matters is who we love, and who loves us”. As John moved through life, he left a large “wake” of people who knew his love, and loved him back. And what a tribute that is. Well done, John.

John and Dorothy