As one who had the privilege of knowing John from kindergarten through high school, I feel honored to have witnessed his brilliance and vivid personality for such a long and ever changing part of his life. Yet, I'm overwhelmingly sad, knowing I was unable to experience the tenacious, caring, and vivacious leader he became.
The qualities, so pivotal to his character, there from the beginning, always growing in there depth and capacity, impacting innumerable lives... I simply wish I had been able fully know the incredible man he was to his family, his Hawaiian friends and family, his ATF colleagues, mentors, and mentees. Whether in Charlotte, DC, Maui, or the numerous other places gifted with his presence, we were all blessed to call him friend.
To his family, I pray for strength through the devastation and thank you for gifting us John. To those who held his highest esteem and were closest to his heart, I pray peace embrace you until you are able to feel its presence.
And to John, rest in peace, dear friend, knowing you were valued, respected, and loved by many.
Andrea Decker