On September 16th, we gathered in Apex, North Carolina, to bid farewell to Johnny. This heartfelt event was made possible by the thoughtful efforts of Matt and Alex, who organized the get-together, and Ewan, who graciously opened his home for the memorial sendoff. It was an evening filled with both new and familiar faces, all of whom shared endless and wonderful stories about Johnny.
Among the new acquaintances (to me) were Ewan and Marty, who provided fresh perspectives on Johnny's life. We were also joined by familiar friends, including Midge, Scott, Alex, and, of course, Matt. Johnny's sister, Lisa, was also in attendance, adding a special touch to the gathering.
Throughout the event, we celebrated Johnny's passion for music, books, and films, which left an indelible mark on all of us. It was a time for sharing the works that had been influenced by Johnny's tastes and interests.
As we remember Johnny, I'd like to leave you with a passage from one of his favorite books, "A Confederacy of Dunces": "...the nation as a whole has no contact with reality. That is only one of the reasons why I have always been forced to exist on the fringes of its society, consigned to the Limbo reserved for those who do know reality when they see it." This passage encapsulates Johnny's unique perspective on life and serves as a fitting tribute to his memory. Thank you to everyone who attended and contributed to this heartfelt farewell.