|
Hans Pasco
I knew John from Grissom forward through Thoreau and into Memorial. We were on the same soccer team, the Cosmos, from Thoreau through Memorial. He was always kind and thoughtful throughout our school years. From graduation through our 30th reunion John and I ran into each other probably a dozen times or so. Unfortunately I only bumped into him once since then and I am only now a Three week member of FaceBook so I had not reconnected with him. He was always warm at our meetings and the conversation great. One of the things I am very grateful to him for was the fact of his kindness. At Grissom and Thoreau I was picked on. As Randy Ware tells me, "You were bullied in school, not because you were small or weak, but because of your gentle nature." John Helander was one of the people who always treated me with respect and dignity and I never got to thank him for his fair and respectful friendship. For those of you who also treated me with respect and dignity, like Tim Webster, Lloyd Ruley, Tom Bittman, Justine Eite(-5 sp), Randy Ware and many others, Thank you for your kindness. For those of you who bullied me, I forgive you.
I remember what fun John was when our team went to Dallas for a soccer tournament in the summer of 1976. And for that matter during every soccer game. Whatever he did I remember John having fun and trying his hardest. I hope that in heaven John is enjoying a good round of poker, maybe with Michael and Gabriel and Mother Teresa, enjoying maybe The worlds best cigar and single malt scotch. You are gone John, but not forgotten. And prayers said for your whole family. Peace.
|
