Jon and I met on the school bus when we were just 12 years old. To say that we grew up together would be a bit of an understatement. We did, along with some of the other folks you see here. But it was really much more profound than that. We listened to music, we played ball, we learned to drive, we started talking to girls, those sorts of things; but mostly we just hung out and shared our lives - as we grew into men.
Jon has always been one of my best friends. He was honest, insightful, and direct in the way that only your closest friends can be. He was not one to ramble on; but to be sure, the he said always rang true. It came from that deep wisdom of his. Jon was his own man. Not a follower, nor a rebel for it's own sake. He always had a clear vision of what really mattered and ran his life from his stable, principled center.
Jon had a great love for his family and they were where he found the most profound comfort. By that I mean both his birth family and the new one that he built with Sarah. Being a few years ahead of me with children, I often sought his advice with my own small personal issues. He was a great friend to me.
For al of his depth and intellect, Jon was extremely easy going. Always up for a game of catch in the park or a drink at the local pub. I have so many memories of simple times spent with him, just laughing and joking around. I was counting on so many more.
In thinking about him these last few days; probably more clearly than ever, I have come to see just how much better my own life has been from knowing him.
I miss Jon.
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