Memories of John Barton Friends

In memory of

John Barton Friends

Deerfield, MA

April 26, 1963 - April 14, 2026

Apr 26, 1963 - Apr 14, 2026

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Please consider a donation to John's Legacy Fund for USASA Southern New England.

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Jim Montanus

My first trip to Deerfield to visit John and Family

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Caleb Shulman

April Beck-Friends

Christian Day

Yaeven Thomas-Adams

Melissa Dickey

Meaghan and Keeva Carr

Amy Lareau

Comments:

Amy Lareau

This is a phenomenal photo. This is a phenomenal photo. This is a phenomenal photo.

Jim Montanus

My first trip to Deerfield to visit John and Family

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Caleb Shulman

April Beck-Friends

Yaeven Thomas-Adams

Amy Lareau

Jim Montanus

My first trip to Deerfield to visit John and Family

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Caleb Shulman

Amy Lareau

Please consider a donation to John's Legacy Fund for USASA Southern New England.

$21,765.00

of $20,000 goal

108 %

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Amy Brini

Shared a heart

Spencer Robinson

I was so sorry to receive this news, I spent many hours with John pedaling over the hills and back roads of Franklin county during our yearly ride at the D2R2. John loved his family and was so proud of his kids. Along our ride we would encounter former and current students holding signs and ringing bells for Mr Friends. I like to think that is how John passed through this life, touching the lives of others.

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Caleb Shulman

Todd Hart F

2021, LeRoy Island, Huron, NY, USA

Barb's 70 th

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Caleb Shulman

Dave & Rosa Fox

Kyle Hart

Michael Oesterlin

Robin Sidel

Full Circle circa 2010-2014….John was one of the most solid figures in my older kids’ lives and the way he showed up for them meant the world to me.

Many wonderful and important memories

So much love from Robin, Judan, Mylo, and Miles

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Todd Hart F

Caleb Shulman

Amy Brini

We have had the honor of knowing John for the past 5 years. He was simply an amazing man, Of great character! He was always welcoming with a warm smile on some very cold days on the Mt. A true role model for not only our children but for all, who were lucky enough to have known him. We send our deepest sympathies to you all. With love and light, my John shine down upon us. We shall never forget him💙 with every snow fall we shall look for reminders.

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Caleb Shulman

Christian Day

Scott Webster

1983, Sodus Bay, New York, USA

Waterskiing — with Scott Webster and John

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Todd Hart F

Scott Webster

My heart felt sympathy to Mary Ellen, Caleb, Ellie, Amy, and the extended Friends family. I will always be remember John as adventurous, funny, big hearted, and a great friend. I will miss the great times we had on Sodus Bay together.

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Todd Hart F

Caleb Shulman

Christian Day

Jack Chen

I was shocked and deeply sad when I heard the news of John's passing.

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Charlie Burkwit

Todd Hart F

Christian Day

Dave & Rosa Fox

Comments:

Charlie Burkwit

John trying out the new boom in 2018 on Sodus Bay, NY. John trying out the new boom in 2018 on Sodus Bay, NY. John trying out the new boom in 2018 on Sodus Bay, ... Read more

Cyndi Skripak

Our families have been intertwined almost all our lives, since the days when our mothers ran a preschool together for 30 years. As time went by, we intersected through mutual friends, his early job with my dad, my son attending Woodward Camp where John taught, and more. In recent years, I loved seeing John's posts about his antics and escapades. He lived life with such joy and exuberance. He was my favorite redheaded kid, until I had a red-headed skateboarder of my own. Your joie de vivre will continue to inspire me John. God bless you and your family and big hugs to Mary Ellen, John's children, Todd, Barry, and family and friends who loved John. I wish I could be there to celebrate his life with you. "Well done, good and faithful servant."

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Caleb Shulman

Charlie Burkwit

Caleb Shulman

Comments:

Charlie Burkwit

John teaching me how to barefoot ski in July 1986. Leroy Island cove, Sodus Bay, NY. John teaching me how to barefoot ski in July 1986. Leroy Island cove, Sodus Bay, NY. John teaching me how to barefoot ski in July 1986. ... Read more

Caleb Shulman

Wake boarding like a pro who won’t be stopped

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Marcelo Gehara

Yaeven Thomas-Adams

Caleb Shulman

Jumping water ski start off a deck

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Marcelo Gehara

Jody Proudfit

2024, Copper Mountain, Frisco, CO, USA

The Alpine Crew

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Caleb Shulman

2014, Diamantina, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

About to embark on an amazing journey on the Estrada real with Gilberto and Caleb

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Marcelo Gehara

Caleb Shulman

We built a ramp during one of the trips to vail so we could jump off of a deck into the back bowls of vail. This is John jumping in. Johns sense of adventure was contagious!

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Marcelo Gehara

April Beck-Friends

Ian Compton

2005, Eaglebrook School, Pine Nook Road, Deerfield, MA, USA

John was my first coach. I found freestyle skiing at Eaglebrook school but there was no team for it. John took me in with the snowboarders and taught me how much better being in the air was then staying on two feet. He went to halfpipe competitions with me all over western Mass and from him I learned the importance of action sports to help quite the mind and overcome fear. Later in life skiing became my profession, I got to travel the world and learn incredible life lessons both physically and mentally. Thank you for the spark and encouragement John, I hold this time very close to my heart and hope I can be as good of a teacher as you.

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