Condolence: Uncle John I just out yesterday that you passed away.. I felt heartbroken that I was not able to see you again and I had no idea you were gone. I pray that you are now with Brian along with my dad and the of your family.. I also pray that Aunt Connie and your family are ok.. I know how long it took to deal with my dad's death and now my mom to passing.. God Bless Uncle John...

Condolence: Dear Ditchman Family;
it's been many, many years.
At this Holiday time, I recall the many friends I've made.
You know, people come and the go and they seldom know how they affect you. John was one of them. I remember as a Boy /scout how he'd take an active interest in his sons' Scouting. He also had room in his heart for us "other" boys. He was like a father-figure. Often times we'd be on the way to a campout and he'd see a scout with a "trash bag" backpack. That is, all of his belongings stashed into a trashbag. He just didn't have a backpack. Knowing how miserable the boy was going to be, John took a few minutes to help the boy lash together an impromptu "backpack" . It was a the diamond Hitch". Oh, how that made that boy's trip swell.
Another time, he saw a boy who'd was so busy looking like he understood everything that was going on during a meeting. The boy was trying so hard to "fit in", but John saw that he wasn't all because the boy was hard-of-hearing and was wearing a hearing aid. So, he takes the boy aside and like a great scouter-dad, he explained a few things to the boy so that he comprehended what was happening. Moreover, he must've told his son, John t be on the lookout for the boy to see that he doesn't get himself into too much mischief because of his lack of communication.
The boy was able to go right up to John and John sort of "interpreted" what was going on. The boy didn't get involved too much with the day to day camaraderie, jokes, gags, or clues as to how to avoid getting the scout leaders upset; because of his hearing.
The boy didn't really know any different. After all, that's what he was used to in his home, school and play. He simply learned to "live with it".
Both John and John, Jr. took the time to be his friend enough that he remained in Scouting.
That boy was me.
I am honored to have know this man. He was a part of my life.
You know, there is a trail sign which is appropriate for this message.
It is the GONE HOME trail sign.
GONE HOME, is a simple sign. It is made on the ground on the trail. It is a large circle with a smaller circle or dot in the middle. It means that the person who was blazing the trail had GONE HOME. there was no more trail signs to follow. The Trail-maker was done with the job of blazing the trail. For with that sign, the person following the trail knew that they need not worry about looking for another sign on the trail ahead. It was up to them to keep on blazing the trail or to also GO HOME.
So,
the large circle can also represent John's circle of friends, scouts, neighbors, co-workers, customers and bosses.
The smaller, inner circle was the circle of himself and his family of his wife and sons. Maybe a pet or two. Those circles were interdependent of each other. First he supported his family with all the love and knowledge he could. He used the tools and wisdom of his own upbringing . With that foundation, he had enough love, wit and wisdom leftover for the larger circle of friends.
John lived a Life. I am honored to have known him.
Memory Eternal, John.
EK

Condolence: I'm truly sorry for your loss...I will always remember Uncle John as a loving, caring & funny man...He always made me smile...I will always be his little Jewwhap...RIP Uncle John, you will forever be part of the fondest memories from my childhood.

Condolence: I am truly sorry to hear about your loss. Uncle John was a great man and h will be truly missed and will always be remembered.

Condolence: sincere sympathy to the family.

Condolence: I miss you so much already grandpa, I'm glad my girls had the chance to know you too. You were the best great grandpa I could have wanted for them. I miss our phone calls, I miss your voice, I miss your spaghetti. Every thing hurts. I'm glad our last phone call was a memorable one. You loved the fathers day shirt the girls had made for you, but you never got to wear it. You told me you loved what I wrote and that you'd see me soon. My heart is broken. I'm going to spend my life remembering you and everything you did for me. I love you.