John always loved nicknames for those close to him. Thanks to Marcy and Matthew I received two over the years PJ as Marcy pronounced my name when she was very young. The other was William which Matthew loves to call me and which John did for so many years even when wishing me happy birthdays. My wife Paula didn’t escape that great honor being called Skippy.

The John I got to know over 30 years was light hearted and a story teller to a fault. The stories were endless and grand. I know John always enjoyed reminiscing with me over a story of Matthew and I jumping head first down a large spruce tree in his and Rae’s front yard in Beaverbank in the mid 90’s. The sheer craziness of it, I think is what he always enjoyed about it.

I’ll never be able to look at a Eagle Talon and not think of John with a smile. I was always welcomed in John and Rae’s home and very fortunate to be included in many family events over the years. I loved the man I knew and will miss our chats. Thanks John for being authentic. Love BJ, Paula and the boys James, Henry and Thomas