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| A Tribute to John Dexter
John was the most generous and caring person I have ever met. He had a place in his heart for everyone, even strangers, who were not strangers for long. John's generosity had no boundaries, for he took pride in making people feel welcomed. John was always in good spirits. Seeing his smiling face and hearing his hearty laugh would immediately boost my spirits. It was a comfort I took for granted. John had something pleasant to say to everybody, whether it was asking about their day, their family, or telling one of his many fascinating stories about kayaking or the waterfall he built behind his house. John inspired us all to achieve greatness and to be great people, unknowing that we could never achieve his level. I wish John's family the very best and will keep John's memory in my
heart always. John was truly an exceptional person and I am thankful that
I had the good fortune of crossing paths with such a remarkable man and
calling him my friend. |
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| Thinking of John brings a smile to my heart and
tears to my eyes. John wasn't just a good man. He was a great man. He will
truly be missed by all who knew him.
On Wednesday, I sat at my desk, and I could hear him laughing in the distance. I could hear him say "Hey Cathy, How's it going?", "Let me help you with that", I could see him walking down the aisle with the mail crate thrown over his shoulder. I could see him walking at a quick clip, because he was running late. I could hear his keys dangling and jingling when they hit his leg as he walked. I could see the big smile he almost always seem to carry with him. It was so infectious, that I just had to smile. Then I realized that I wasn't really seeing and hearing these things but remembering someone who is now only with us in our hearts and in our memories. The tears began to flow again. They say that the good die young. This is truly the case with John. While
he many no longer walk amongst us, his spirit will always remain. He touched
many of our lives, and he will not be forgotten. Thank you for sharing
him with us. Once many years ago, I had the opportunity to say goodbye
and thanks to the great Lucille Ball. The thoughts that I felt and wrote
then were "You will be forever in our hearts". She made us laugh,
and brought joy to our lives. John was always there to help others and
to try and bring joy into other lives. For the second time, I would like
to say: John, you will be forever in our hearts. |
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| When I think of John I smile, even while I'm
writing this about him. Of all my many memories of him over the past 4 years,
not one stands out more than the other. He was a down to earth, kind and
gracious man. He carried such a strong presence with the company as a co-worker
and friend that seemed to lift our spirits with his great attitude and laughter
as he passed us by each day.
Over the holidays, he enlightened myself as well as my family each year when buying gifts and food for his favorite charities and hospitals. Just watching him dedicate himself with great enthusiasm giving to the needy and sick made you feel humble and proud. It was my pleasure knowing John. I will always have a special place in
my heart for John and will always remember him. May God be with him. |
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| The world will certainly miss John. What a joy
to be around him. He was always smiling. He always greeted you with a smile
and a chuckle. He was as close as I've known anyone to being a real Santa Claus. His generousity of his time and money was unmatched. The world needs more people like John. I'm sure this is a sad time for his family. But they must have been so proud to have John in their lives. |
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| I'm saddened to have to write a letter to tell others what
I wish I could have said to John before he left us, and I add him to the
list of really "good guys" I have known that have been called
too early by their maker.
John met me on the first day I came to Xylan, and his infectious personality immediatly won me over....a feeling that never left after five years of watching him take pride in the work he did for others (we all appreciated his efforts, but few of us ever took the time to tell him so). I never saw him refuse a request for help from anyone for any purpose...no matter how simple or disagreeable. He would just chuckly his way through the job and encourage others to do the same. We had a lot of "end-of-quarter crunches" in the early days, and John was always there until the wee hours helping in any way he could, while other were too important to roll up their sleeves. John was the essence of dependability, a person you could count on, and one who will be sorely missed. For those who were fortunate enough to know him my words are unnecessary. For his family and friends who are suddenly without him, take great pride in the side of him we knew in the workplace because he will never be forgotten. My favorite poet wrote this passage, and I like to think it comforts others at times like this. "If from my lofty perch I fall, there on the rocks below to sprawl
And you should pass and find me there, press closed my eyes, push back
my hair |
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