John on his 1997 Fatboy in Coral Springs Florida.
The Richard Cranium Society .. fondly known as the dickheads. Some of John's indrustry pals. They took trips all over fishing and such for a long weekend. This trip, the last he took was to Florida where they caught a BUNCH of stuff to eat. One of their usual outtings with included the club symbol of brotherhood. Charley, Greg (he was the best man at our wedding) Mark, Connor, my memory fails me on the other two, but if I come across them, I'll update.
John lost his corporate job in 2004, after some thought he opened up a company for tile installation, hardwood flooring and such. This is a fire place he did at a house in Chattanooga. He was a master tiler. Some of the showers and tub surrounds were gorgeous. As things would go for 3 years his business was fairly decent. He had a few contracts with high end builders. In 2008, when the recession came, all the builders in our area quit building, as such there was no work to be done. He tried doing private home things for individuals the next year and a half but it was very slow and non productive. Since he was such a superstar in his corporate job, and so talented in his company's installation, his failure to find that satisfaction would be the start of his demise. Sad to watch, such a talented man lose himself when things turned sour.
John, Misty (laying), Hanna (sitting). Taken in 2005, these are the first two dogs we had. Weimaraners, I got Misty for him for Father's Day in 2001. He had always talked about having a weimaraner. Hanna came in 2003 when I was tired of him hogging Misty all the time. John and I enjoyed both of them immensely. Hanna would sadly die from brain cancer at the age of 4, Misty lived a year and a half longer than John and had to be put to sleep at 11. Her back legs were gone and she couldn't get around well anymore. The day she went across the rainbow bridge I was very sad, but smiled because John had his dog back.
Beth and Shelly. I remember when he received this picture. Might have been 1995 or 1996. He carried it in his wallet never removing it. Was in it the day he passed away. He loved them and I hope they know that. Sadly for me no connection with them lasted past November, 2010.
A picture of John as a boy, maybe about 9? His sister always said this is one of her favorites. When I saw it, it was one of mine too. Classic.
A picture we took December 1998, before we married on April 17, 1999. The interesting thing, I was taller than John. In this picture he stood on a box and I took my shoes off. What a winner of a smile, no wonder he could sell ice cubes to Alaskians.
Ali, rescued when she was 6 1/2 year old, a replacement for Hanna who died of brain cancer in 2007. John didn't want another puppy, he had thought it was time for us to not be tied down with the burden of watching dogs. I wanted another to replace Hanna and he agreed to let me adopt a dog from a rescue group that was the same age as Misty. It would turn out that this dog, Ali, would capture his heart more than even Misty. His tennis shoe rubbing her neck is fondly remembered. She just stood next to his leg until he did what she wanted. I had to put her down March, 2013. She was 11 1/2. Age caught up with her and she started having seizures. She is though sorely missed as are all our animals and John himself.
Light a Candle
