Farewell John

We posted this on Facebook but for those of you who are not on there...Our family lost Pop's brother John this weekend.  John has had stage 4 lung cancer  since 2009.  He had been successfully treating it until recently when it went to his brain. 

 Mom had to stay home with us cats but Pop went to Virginia with his brother and family.  He was a big help to them in caring for John.  We missed him but we are glad he went.  John was at home  surrounded by his wife Ann and her wonderful family.  He was in the sun room which is all glassed in, looking out over a snowy wooded scene.  Pop said it was a beautiful day with snow falling.  John slipped away late Friday afternoon, with Ann holding his hand.

In Chile last year.

When Pop called Mom to tell her John had passed - he said he had "crossed the Bridge" which made Mom smile - they definitely have been around cats too long.

Wife Ann to the left and her daughter on right

Uncle John was a runner, a triathlete, a gourmet cook, a wine collector and connoisseur, a lover of travel and a computer whiz.  He helped Mom with her computer if it didn't work right and even encouraged her to try blogging!.  He was kind, generous, caring and because of this had friends the world over.

John and Ann on the couch in the middle of the family!

He met Ann just before his diagnosis.  They married about a year later.  She was with him every step of the way.  John never had kids but Ann had two grown children - a boy and girl who adored John.  He was the father they always wanted.  Ann's extended family embraced John and they enjoyed many outings to the Massachusetts shore with tons of nieces, nephews and their kids. Mom  just wished he had more time to spend with those he loved so much. 

 To live in the hearts of those who love you, is never to die." - Unknown

Pop on left and John on right in Europe