John, I am so thankful to have had you as a friend and mentor in my life. You were one of the most decent, thoughtful, and passionate of fellows. A true gem of a man. Strong and firm, yet never malevolent nor cruel. Humorous, without ever being ill-humored. Funny, yet never vulgar. A brilliant intellectual, a devoted educator and scientist, a committed community leader who fought countless battles for the less fortunate and the voiceless, using your words and intellect, and never a fist. A gentle, humble hearted friend. A ardent lover of peace, and formidable foe to those who oppressed. Resolute with your life's principles, yet always hopeful and trusting that good would always prevail. A lover of the sciences, you reveled in uncovering the myriad mysteries that are to be had, and then sharing them with boundless enthusiasm and a graceful manner. John, you helped reveal the wondrous beauty of the world (to the eye, to the heart, and, of course, through the microscope) to so many and with such a pure heart and delicate humor. I will miss you dearly, and will cherish what I have learned from you and the great times we had shared. Fare thee well, my good friend, on this next great adventure!