Jo, I was so saddened to hear of your passing. I consider myself fortunate to have met you and be considered a friend by you. The world is less bright without you in it. My thoughts are with your family in this difficult time. RIP Jo.

David

My Dearest Jo;
It seems like it was just yesterday that we were running intervals together at the local University Track; me admiring your effortless, beautiful and graceful stride as you whizzed around me pushing me to my limit. You always had a wonderful way at pushing others to excel and perform their best anytime.
I remember your beautiful, genuine and kind smile, wise advice and encouragement at the end of each of our workouts together and how you were so easy going with things, not letting anything bother you.
I remember our warm, friendly and comforting conversations over coffee at 7-eleven about running, past and upcoming races and meets, injuries, the future and life in general.  You would always say “how lovely to be sharing coffee with you!”  but it was me that was in aghh to be around your presence, such an accomplished runner and human being; I always felt privileged and special to be around you, and had to pinch myself to remind myself that this was real, this was now….
Life eventually overtook us both and our little running group, everyone went their separate ways, and we lost touch. How I wish I could have been better at not losing touch… And here I am today, to hear of your loss brings tears to my heart. The world has lost a beautiful person, way too young and way before finishing spreading your generosity and kindness to all who were so fortunate to have known you.  Heaven has gained a wonderful soul.  
I will never forget those years, Jo; so long ago, but so close and dear to my heart; those special moments where life seemed simple and never ending,  all because of our surroundings and most especially made possible by those special people that surround you at any given moment….
I will miss you dearly, my dearest Jo; but I am comforted by knowing that although you have left us here, you are comforted by greater powers, figures and comforting forces that also now realize that you were/are that special person you were here on this Earth.  I will never forget you and tearfully as I write this to you, I cannot thank you enough from the bottom of my heart, for those special years, so long ago, yet so close to me forever…
Your Friend….Roberto.