John was always a bright spot in my day. I will miss his hellos that were always followed by a chuckle. I used to wonder how he managed to stay in high spirits. It won't be the same place without John.

My sympathies to all who knew John as we now realize how lucky we were to have him as part of our daily life. I just hope somehow he knows how we feel.

A Tribute to John Dexter

For those of you who didn't know John, I can tell you that it was a great privilege to have been one of John's friends. It wasn't hard to be John's friend because John's way was to make friends with everyone. He had a great love for people. Most notably, John had a great love for children, especially the poor and sick ones. I can also tell you that John was one of the most generous men I have had the privilege of knowing.

John always held annual fundraisers, one for Thanksgiving and one for Christmas. The Thanksgiving fundraiser was always kicked off by his own contribution. John would gather food, money, clothing and anything else of value to give to those in need. A lot of Alcatel folks helped so much in John's efforts.

On Thanksgiving John would make sure that as many needy people as he could reach would not do without. John always challenged us by posing the question about how happy those people would be when they got their Thanksgiving turkey. One of John's practices was to give the toys, food and gifts to the parents of those needy children so that the parents would give those things to their children. John wanted the children to take pride in their parents. What an awesome and selfless man John Dexter was.

Christmas was an even bigger event for John. John collected toys and food. Then John would dress as Santa & personally distribute the toys to children in hospitals. He always reported about the bright smiling faces of those sick children. He always reported about what a joy it was for him to give those toys to the children.

After one of those events I sidled up to John and told him how very much I admired him for his efforts. John turned beet red and quickly changed the subject. You see, John was not only a generous man but he did not have a prideful bone in his body. He didn't want nor did he need any recognition for his generosity. His reward was to see those children happy.

John was also a peacemaker and a comforter. I remember the tragic days of 9/11. John called for us to join him in prayer at the front of the building. John wasn't much for words in public, but he asked all of us to hold hands and take a few minutes of silence in remembrance of those who died at the WTC. John brought a lot of Alcatel folks together in prayer that day.

I know that all of you will lift John up to his Maker and ask for John's blessing. I know that John was a blessing to all that knew him.

Today is a sad day for us and for those children and families who received so much from John Dexter. We will all miss John's hearty laugh as he went down the isles greeting and talking to everyone.

Today, I raise my hands in thanks for John Dexter.

I remember back about 4 years ago John's truck got broken into, and his stereo was stolen. Some wonderful person silently started a collection to replace his truck stereo. Within days $640.00 plus was collected and presented to John. He wrote the most endearing letter of gratitude to everyone. It was amazing. I truly hope John understood just how very very much he was loved. Life will not be the same .....