As an immigrant making my way through work, Maureen Klatt was not only my boss but also a friend and mentor. She graciously invited my wife Nirmala, daughter Pavitra, and son Pravin to her home for summer BBQs  . At these gatherings, John was always present with his happy-go-lucky attitude, welcoming my family with open arms and making everyone feel comfortable and loved.

It deeply saddens me to learn of John’s passing—a truly supportive husband to Maureen and a great soul. My heart goes out to Maureen and their families during this difficult time. May they find great strength to guide them through this journey. God bless John, Maureen, and their families.”

I don't know where to begin other than it was an absolutely privilege to move back to the Bay Area & spend time with John over the past six months. John and I connected on many levels - Midwest upbringing but living in CA, materials-materials-materials, amazement of college basketball (and playing hooky from work to watch March Madness games), investment, family values, the spiritual journey, yoga, and so on...

I am still frustrated.... in his last months, he disclosed to me that his "home made" cinnamon rolls actually came from a box mix and not a scratch mix. He still maintained that we watch TV and mute the commercials up until the end.

Maureen, Paige, Jacob, and Mason are constantly in my thoughts, as well as the extended Klatt-clan.  

Peace be with John.

John and I spent a lot of time on the tennis court together. I was the coach and "Klattman" was my student, but as the lessons grew into seasons and the seasons turned into years it was John who became the teacher and I the student. I loved my time with John working on his serve and then on the breaks he would drop some wisdom on me about life, love, and politics.

John did develop a beautiful lefty slice serve, topspin backhand, and developed a weapon for a forehand. I was blessed with a lifetime of "Klatt" thoughts, philosophies, and many memories I will always cherish. My thoughts and prayers go out to the whole Klatt family. 

Coach Todd

John was one of very few people (less than 10), who changed my life, and it was very good and right change for me.  

In 1994 I started to work for Candescent Technologies Corp. as a technician in John's team.  At that time I was a fresh immigrant from USSR without even proper English but with very strong desire to work and use all my previous knowledge in Electrical Engineering .  

When less than  2 month since my first work day I came to John with my hand written report (with data tables and charts) about my analysis of what I am doing in the lab and suggestions on how to improve some aspects of that operation (he did not ask for that overview, these were just my own thoughts), he told me: "Dima, this is the last report that I accept from you in the hand written format.  There is one PC in the lab dedicated to use by all technicians (it was 386 computer which I had no idea how to use and which was shared by approximately 10 other technicians!).   I am giving you permission to use it for as long as you need it even if some other person wants to bump you out of it, but you should master using the full MS Office and other special programs installed on that machine. "   Of course I never pushed anybody out from that PC, but since than I was spending a lot of my free hours on that computer.

About 3 month and several reports later he told me to study one particular English Grammar book:  E.Weiss "How to write a report that your manager remembered it."    When I myself was not able to get it from San Francisco libraries, he himself during our lunch hours physically took me to several Bay Area libraries to find and get it. This thin, just about 40 page long,  book was absolute eye opening for me, it gave me more knowledge about English Grammar and essay writing than my several English classes is the City College.  

Now, 30 years later,  I can absolutely honestly say that huge chunk of my professional success as a Process Development Engineer, Team Manager, Data Analysis Engineer belongs to knowledge that John gave me through this book and by pushing me to use that particular PC.  Though by 1994 I had relatively extensive experience in mainframe operation, that 386 machine was the first PC in my life and, if not for John's guidance,  in no way I would be able to put my hands on one of them in timely manner to become a Computer Science Professional (and a Manager) as I am right now.

When in December 2023 I reminded to John about this moment in our life and what I think about it, he simply told me that  he saw what my real professional potential is (against than current technician's role) and he simply was not able to let it go unused.   

This small fact shows how deep John cared about people around him and how good teacher he was.   

He will be alive in my heart for as long as my heart is beating.