John is responsible for linking people that needed something with people that could help.
Today I am good friends with Baochi, an Alcatel employee, because 2 years ago John talked to her and found out she had a pet rabbit. When he found out I had pet rabbits, he told me about her and suggested I call because she had some questions. Since then Baochi and I share rabbit stories and health tips, and recently I was able to "bunny-sit" while she went on vacation out of the country...and she was worry-free knowing her pet was in experienced hands. Today we were discussing how we might not have become friends if it wasn't for John.

I've been able to find a home for a rabbit that belonged to a friend of an Alcatel employee. Once again, John put the word out to give me a call, maybe I could help. In this particular case, the bunny went to a neighbor, Tim, I had just met who had asked me about my pet bunnies. Tim is a "special needs" person, diagnosed with bipolar disorder, and is associated with a Ventura organization that assists such people with living in the community. I've been in touch with Tim's counselor since moving and I'm always told that the bunny has helped raise the quality of Tim's life a lot, and that the bunny is spoiled. Very indirectly, John has helped to improve the life of a stranger at the other end of the county.

I have a home-based business. When I first started here I didn't know the surrounding area. I approached John about where to go to mail out small packages for my business, and he offered to do it for me if it fit into his schedule. I would give him my package and a blank check, and he would give me a receipt later in the day. It was small, but it was such a big help for me at the time.

Then there's all those hot days in Calabasas. John seemed to always be there with the air-conditioned company van when I needed to walk up the hill to our other building.

And the bunny updates. Before I go home I stop to check out the grassy areas to see if the 3 bunnies are present. The 3 bunnies that John told me about, because as an owner of pet rabbits, he thought I just might be interested to know about the wild ones at work.

My favorite John Dexter story was when I saw John talking on his cell phone but raising his voice somewhat, which caught me a little off gaurd because I had never seen him upset. All of the sudden he slams his phone on the floor. It turns out it was a rubber phone, that one had me laughing. I'll miss you your wackiness big guy, I wish there were more like you!

Rest in Peace

John was one of my favorite persons at Alcatel. He was the first one here, outside of my immediate work group, to go out of his way to make me feel welcome -- it made a huge, huge difference. He always greeted me by name and never had an unkind word for anybody.

I'll always remember his hearty good humor and his selfless, unstinting generosity.