John: It has been two months and the memories have grown more vivid. I suspect you’d have criticized several individuals for celebrations in Oakland—rather Claremont—and then Boulder, UT that provided the opportunity to reminisce about “Johnnie”, Dr. Austin, John, Dr. John, Uncle John, our “big brother”, our best friend, “my little brother” and the guy everyone had on speed dial. . . more reliable than “9-1-1”, more capable than any help-desk, any on-call mechanic, any typical uncle who’d have a nephew and his wife delivering their first child—a daughter. . . one-of-a-kind.
Well, we knew you were with us as we doted on you, talked about your remarkable intellect, your unparalleled creativity, your patience, your remarkable encouragement, your innate ability to find things in us we never knew we had, your devotion to Jacqui, your ability to convince others to suffer through those inexplicable foreign films, your love of your “Sweetie”, . . . and you never expected anything in return. You found your reward in sharing time with individuals you knew needed you or were simply, “interesting”. John, you gave so much, and now many of us are realizing there was never sufficient opportunity to express our gratitude. If you’d been there, you’d have been impressed by how smart I was at the Claremont Country Club after my sixth glass of Newton unfiltered Chardonnay in discussing your idiosyncrasies, your foibles. . . and I see you leaning back and asking, “So Warren, what have you learned, what piece of evidence can you offer to convince me you have been awakened?”
Well, “Johnnie” . . . Dr. John. . . two things: Jacqui always impressed me as “quietly tough” but I must share with you that while she will always love you and will never fill the hole you left, she is focused, organized and very smart and tough. That lady had always impressed me; this experience has taken it to a new level. Secondly, between Jim, Bryce and me, we realized it’s OK to say we love another guy. . . that being said, I think Cousin Gerry would weigh in and say that he loves you and always has, and—remarkably—Sid cried in Boulder when describing his experiences with you. . . he also stimulated some sustained laughter too. It was terrific to hear Jim, Ed, Justin, Bobby, Tim, Larry, and Alan extol your virtues. . . Alan talked about “doubles” coming at you and going away from you in Scotland. A pair of doubles. . . again, unbelievable what you could always do with an “Aw shucks!” attitude.
John I wandered through the house on the ranch. . . alfalfa panorama for a front yard. . . whether on roof deck, in the tub, or on the back patio, the slick rock back drop as the back yard is simply spectacular. . . what a dichotomy. The floor plan is spectacular, the land so special. This may be the first “new item” you have ever financed or purchased since I have known you. . . I hope to have pizza with Miss Jacqui, your “Sweetie”, in the kitchen prior to heading down to the barn to do chores. . . .
How we miss you John. . . the annual “Quail dinner” will be hosted by Senator Mathews in Nashville August 6; the theme, the focus, the preoccupation given the participants including your friends Gov. McWhorter, Gov. Bredesen, and the Senator. . . to mention nothing of Mr. Pete, Harry Lee and the entourage. . . is about you. Everyone’s friend. I thought I’d not make it because of a Board meeting, but all-of-a-sudden being with friends and extolling your virtues has taken on a new importance.
John, on August 6th we will make fun of you, tell stories, and reminisce. . . then Phil will likely insist we stop and simply say none of us has ever, ever enjoyed a richer friendship.
John, I miss you, I think about you often, I will do anything Jacqui asks, I will tell Eva about you, I will continue to live my life knowing you made me better and I never had a chance to repay you.
How I miss you,
Stryker
Stryker Warren jr.
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