Aside from his constant jokes and funny stories, when I first met John it was on the ball field. I was dating a guy who played on his men's team and to no surprise they were short players. John convinced the umpires to let me play so that the games could go on. When he walked away from the umps he leaned over to me and said as he laughed, "I told them what could one girl hurt to play.... Now.... Let's give'm hell!" We won and the other team complained about a girl playing. John thought it was hilarious!
He lived big and had a passion for many things but the love that he and Marlene had is something to aspire to achieve. I'm thankful for their example of marriage and selflessness.
My condolences and prayers to Marlene, Chelsea, and the entire family.
Love,
Ann