Posted by Cal Purdin on July 14, 2010:

I was really shocked to see the news of John's passing. He was a good friend and will be missed. We had many good, and a few tough times together; from WP, to Jump School when 4 of us lived in a 3 bdrm trailer (figure that one out), to Ranger school, to hunting trips and golf while at Ft Sill, and after. I recall that John departed Ft Sill for National Team Hockey tryouts and I lost track of him until late one afternoon in 1989, in Scottsdale AZ. Marshall Larsen and I were on the first tee at the TPC Desert Course when we heard someone yell "hey guys, can I join you?". We turned and to our mutual surprise it was John. What an evening we had. His first wife Paula was a doll and her passing was tough on John, Rachel and Sara. Her funeral occured on her 40th birthday and the tribute still brings tears to my eyes. John was an avid hunter. One hunting story that must be shared began with my son Todd and Marshall's son Cam, wanting to hunt ducks with John. As John's plan unfolded, we loaded equipment in John's Toyota well before sunrise and headed for Lake Roosevelt (East of Phoenix). John's plan called for a stealthy hike of about one half mile to the lake with decoys and other equipment. Marshall and I decided that was best left to John, Todd and Cam, so we stayed near the truck and hunted! By mid morning, John and the boys returned (gameless) to view the 9 quail and 3 Canadian geese Marshall and I had shot; we carefully displayed them on the hood of John's SUV! We could never let him forget that trip! I could go on! I, like those of you who knew John, will miss him. He was a true friend! Rest in Peace John! Cal Purdin

admin