Sadly we say Goodbye to our Friend, John.

  I am glad that I talked to him briefly after service on Sunday. It was simple chatter and pleasant. I will remember it fondly.

   My kids and I have different memories of him that we shared with each other last night. He had touched each of their lives, gently, but with sincerity and caring. In one, he appreciated the gift of song. In another, he took the time to appreciate and share the love of making music on instruments. Not a complicated or technical concern, just interest in a kids budding musical interest. Just the right touch of basic. In the third he admired her spirit and willingness to just go out and perform. Again, not making it complicated, but with just the right touch that made her feel special.

   Ours were a relatively short collection as compared to the many many others who also had long known John. They had many more experiences and conversations in the past to reflect on last night.

   The choir will sing tonight, as he would expect us to do. We will miss his guidance at the organ bench. The nod and big smile of approval after a well sung anthem. Our special choir ornaments John gave us have even more special meaning as we put them away this year.

Fairwell, John.