In fall 2019, John developed Bell's palsy on the left side of his face, adding a lisp, a dropped eyelid, & more trouble framing words - he felt more conspicuous than ever.
We went to dinner at Abe & Louis with friends, & I gave him a card I made.
It was a wonderful evening.

John was a kind, selfless leader who tried to get others to do their best. His friendship was authentic and enduring. We met in early 1985 and were friends since. John had lofty goals and met many of them. The few he didn't meet was not for the lack of trying. John you will truly be missed.

John had the gift to be able to communicate with everyone, at all levels, and always made some sort of impression.  I found his way of doing things to be unique, passionate, innovative, intelligent, and charismatic.  I sometimes thought of him as IL's Steve Jobs.   He was showy and got things done.  
I'll miss his voice, his laughter, his thoughts, and his love for disability rights.

John taught me many things about the tenacity, persistence, righteous indignation and amazing contributions of people with disabilities to the policy making process.  He also built real relationships across different experience that I greatly valued.  He lived a life of considerable contribution and I am grateful for my small participation in his considerable work.  Jean McGuire

Rest In Peace, John.   Your disability advocacy is your lasting legacy.   Condolences to your family—may they find comfort in memories of you.

May you rest in Peace John. You introduced me to the world for disability advocacy, and taught me so much about seeking a passion and taking leadership.  Our hearts of full of many happy holiday memories with you.  May your legacy of advocacy live on, and your spunky personality and good humor warm their hearts.  I am deeply grateful for our friendship.  May your work continue to inspire!

John would have loved the portrait of two fairy penguins,gazing over Melbourne harbor - the elderly female was widowed 1st, then her young male companion lost his mate, too.  
With no eggs to sit or chicks to tend, they meet to sit & comfort one another.  They sit for hours, sometimes preen one another, or stroke their friend's back.

It's July, sweetheart -
thinking of you, & your favorite vacay spot, the Orleans, in Vegas. I posted some photos - we had a great time, & planned to go back as soon as Covid allowed it.

I've made it past the 6-month mark, on Apr 20, then thru your birthday, & Fathers Day; miss you, darlin'.

It's been a year, darlin'.
I miss you sorely, think of you often, wish you were here.
I still sometimes wake, & before I open my eyes, think you're here - then of course, open them, & realize all over again that you're gone. My 1st thought each day, & last each night - love you, sweetheart.

John was (& is) the love of my life. Not afraid of honest sentiment, kind, loyal, devoted to his advocacy, & he'd make me laugh til I couldn't breathe. I told him many times, if he died before me, I'd find him in another incarnation, & spend at least 60 years with him. Now I suppose I'll have to do it. // I also said he'd get along without me, far easier than I could, without him. Truth.

The last time I spoke to John was at BU, circa 1984, when we were both students there.  A lifetime has passed, and I only just read of his passing.  I wondered why he hadn’t accepted my FB friend request.  Now I know, and this is one of those times I wish I’d stayed in touch with my friend.   To be continued.

We ran for student union together under the Win with Winske slate but lost to a guy named Bond Snodgrass.  I remember joking with John about his wheelchair. He’d go bombing across the Storrow Drive crossovers and joked about how hitting someone would be vehicular homicide.
It’s been almost 40 years, and I’m late, but I will miss him.  So long, my friend.