John Smith Obituary

Hello, Johnny P. Smith. :-)

One year ago, God took you home. I am still so much in denial that you are really gone. It is hard to realize that I cannot hold your hand, go hiking with you, or just sit around and play cards with you. It is still hard to realize that you will not be walking through the door, that you are not here to tease me when I complain about little things, lift my spirits when I am down with that wonderful contagious smile of yours, or that you aren't here to just throw things together for dinner because it "sounded good" (and most often was).

And I miss the flowers… Sitting here in Providence, Rhode Island tonight, I think about the flowers you would have sent ahead of me to welcome me to my new job. I look out the window here and see the Capitol Building all lit up in the dark of night. It is beautiful. If you were still here, I would be describing the scenery to you and you would ask about every little detail. I would take some pictures and email them to you. And then you would fly out with me on one of my weekly trips just to "see for yourself" and to share in the experience.

It still does not seem like you are really not here. I still sense your spirit around me so strongly at times. I think about you so often, and thank you so much for and welcome your regular visits into my dreams. My heart still aches for you, and the tears still flow; and they probably always will. I just miss you so much. It just does not seem like it has already been a year. It still seems like it was just today – as if time stopped when Heaven opened up its doors for you.

I can only imagine your journey now and all the wondrous persons that you might have met up with -- some for the first time (like my parents, a couple of my brothers and several other family members) -- and some that you have met up with again (such as your father and your brother), the famous (like Elijah, Moses, Mary, Samson, etc.), and even the Lord Himself. :-)

You were one to always celebrate life. I cannot imagine you doing anything less now than celebrating your new life and basking forever in the peace and love of our Lord. Wishing you love and joyous blessings as you begin another new year with Him, John.

Love eternally,
Karen

Hello, Hon.

You have been gone now nine months, but it seems like just yesterday. The time has gone by both quickly and slowly at the same time. I still feel the presence of your spirit, and pray that your comforting presence will never leave me.

I have something really sweet to share with you. Remember how Loki would always run off whenever we would mention the "b" word? ("B" for bath.) Well this weekend when I mentioned it, he just went and crawled in the bathtub. He did not run off or anything. Then Gunner hopped in the tub to join him. They both so surprised me. I have been taking the dogs to the dogpark more frequently and they are really doing well. Loki rarely growls anymore at any of the other dogs, and Gunner is just the sweet quiet thing that he has always been.

I have just recently mustered up some courage to start sorting through material possessions that you left behind. I have donated most of your clothing to the DAV and took some items down to the homeless shelter. I hope that you don't mind. "Mom" and Cass are coming down to see what they might like after I finish organizing (hopefully I should have this finished later on this year). I know that there are some cherished memories from your childhood that are important to “Mom”, and I feel in my heart that you would want her to have these.

Each time I open another box, Hon, I come across so many cherished memories that I have of you -- memories that remind me of our life together and of the so many things we did together. Some of the things cause me to smile; other things cause me to weep. The items that touch my heart the most are the little things: the notes you would leave me about where you went, the happy faces and clocks you drew to let me know that you were with your buddies for happy hour, the notes you drew with your eye-heart-ewe’s (I love you’s), receipts where you had picked up hair dye for me, the receipt where you picked flowers up for me when I started my new job, the pen from the Governor’s Mansion when we went to Washington, … .

John, you are always in my heart – always in my mind. I miss my better half.

Love always.

Hello, Sweetie.

It's just me again. Nathan and I drove up to Ft. Logan Sunday and met up with your mom and your sister Cass. "Mom" sprinkled holy water around your final resting place and we sat around your marker and talked, tearfully at times, to you and about you. “Mom” expressed her hopes that you, your brother Jim, and your dad have all been able to meet each other again up there. The sun was shining, there was freshly planted green grass in place (Nathan and I walked through mud the last time we were there), the weather was perfect, and the peace of the Lord permeated the air. We decorated your place with red roses and Cass brought a little American flag and enhanced the flower arrangement. Afterward we went to lunch and talked about you and how you were just too young to have left this earth. We continued to reminisce about what such a good person you were. And Johnny, you were. You were just this incredibly good person who is so missed and who will always be so loved.

Nathan and I volunteered tonight for a candidate who is running in our district for the U.S. Congress, labeling and stamping postcards to send out for a fund-raising activity. We were introduced to some of the other interns working for this candidate. If you were still here, I know that you would have been sitting amongst us helping out. You enjoyed the political scene, and with the upcoming elections, we all miss the heated debates that we all used to get into as we expressed our opinions and speculated about the election outcomes.

Sending you love eternally. I love you.

Hi, John.

Today is Memorial Day. I did not get up to the cemetery and bring you flowers, but I will make it up to you as soon as I can travel long distances again. When recently giving the dogs a bath, Loki jumped out of the tub. When I picked him up to put him back, I twisted my back. So now I am in rehab for a couple of months. Now if you were here, Sweetie, this would not have happened. You were the one who always gave Loki and Gunner their baths, took them to the vet, etc. It has been hard to rearrange my life around our dogs without you. I do not know how you were so able to manage to take care of them and of everyone and everything else and still have so much time for me.

I spent today doing things that we used to do. I was out collecting signatures to nominate someone for the upcoming County Election. We did not always agree on a candidate; however, when we did agree, we walked around together -- door-to-door -- and you stood beside me while I pealed my heart out for the candidate of our choice. You used to laugh at my zealousness at times. But you were always there to support me, even when you felt that my electoral passion was running over. I missed you being by my side, but I was able to smile as I reminisced about fond memories that I have of us during previous elections.

I stopped by our old neighborhood to collect some signatures. Our friends are still having a hard time realizing that the Lord has really taken you home. Don, Roland, Roxanne and Ken, Carol and Harry, and Betty and Bernie were finally able to comfortably talk about that day. It was so good to see them again, and you and the current political situation were the topics of our discussions -- you being first, of course. I believe that it was healing for us to be able to openly talk about your leaving, Sweetie, and especially on this day -- as we shared some of our memories of you.

On the news tonight, they were talking about our Veterans being honored at Memorial Park. This included you, John. You served your country well when you were in the Marines. You risked your life during an era where so many of our friends were taken home. John, I cannot help thinking once again, of the reunion that you might be having with those who passed before you – that fought with you and around you while you served in Viet Nam. Some of the stories you shared with me about your service sent chills up my spine.

I am and always will be proud of you, John. You are my hero.

John,

Yesterday was your birthday. No, Hon, I did not forget. I sat down to type you a note, and the right words just would not come. I started with some light stuff like how you must be enjoying your first birthday in Heaven -- similar to what I wrote about you enjoying your first Christmas in heaven. What can I say to you, Hon, that you already do not know. I miss you more than words can express. Still all in all, the Lord knew that you would be spending this Birthday of yours with Him.

I am so glad that your Mom and Sis were here to celebrate your birthday with you last year. It was your first birthday in the new house. You and I went to the grocery store, picked up an Angel Food cake, whipped cream and strawberries (your favorite type of cake). Then we came home and trimmed half the cake with the whipped cream and strawberries and left the other half plain, for those who did not want the trimmings. Well, the trimmings looked so good that we ended up decorating the entire cake. Then we ended up going back to the store for more of everything.

Happy Birthday, John!! May you continue to enjoy the celebration of your life in that Heavenly land where time does not exist...where everyone is young and in perfect form, where you do not need to worry about anything, where you are being rewarded for the good life that you lived.

Still, I wish that you were still here. I love you. I miss you.

John,

Happy Easter, Darling!

I thank the Lord for what He did for us so that we might live with Him forever. I thank the Lord, Honey, that because of what He did for us, you can now see Him and be there with Him in His magnificent kingdom. Even so, my heart is filled with such immense sorrow. You filled a void in my heart that I did not even know existed. I miss your sweet smile -- your quick grin -- your laughter -- your gentle nature. I miss the smell of the freshly-brewed coffee you made every morning. I miss your voice. I miss you calling me at work, just to say "Hi" or to just chat a bit about everything or about nothing just to let me know that you were thinking about me. I miss our walks together with Loki and Gunner. I miss our Saturday adventures to Sam's Club. I miss seeing you in your red tee-shirt. I miss your snoring. I just miss everything about you, John. You were just this wonderful gift that the Lord brought into my life. I am thankful for the time He had chosen for us to share our lives together. I just really wish that He had given us more time together, Hon. I just miss you so much.

I love you.

Your wife forever,
Karen

Hi, Sweetie.

Nathan and I drove up to Ft. Logan yesterday and draped your resting place with flowers that I got for you for Valentine's Day. Every event brings back so many memories of our life together. On Valentine's Day, I reminisced about the time you showed up at my work with three dozen red roses, boxes of chocolates, and all those balloons with heart images and "I Love You" and "Happy Valentine's Day" messages. Those balloons towered over the top of my cubicle and were seen clear across the entire floor. You met so many of my coworkers when they came over to see what was going on. You made me feel so special. I still have those balloons along with the so many other treasures that remind me of how wonderful you were.

I want to thank you so much again for how you helped and inspired so many people, including Nathan. You were such a blessing and such a wonderful stepfather to him. I cannot but help feeling that somehow, somewhere in that great unknown, your eternal presence is still inspiring him, and I think you would be proud of where he is with his life now because of you. Recently, he was selected to be part of a research team for the Shroud of Turin; and after we visited you yesterday, we drove over to St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Littleton where they were having an exposition on the shroud. You did so much to encourage him during some rough times, and your encouragement helped him so much reach upwards and to become the fine young man that he is today.

We had our caucuses this month. I remember how we were on opposite sides of the fence so many times when it came to politics. Anyone in close proximity could hear our intense debates over candidates and over issues. (I loved the time when we put up lawn signs -- one for your candidate and one for my candidate, with a sign between them that read: "A House Divided". We laughed and had so much fun with that.) Well, Nathan was elected Precinct Chairman and is also a Delegate for his precinct; and I know that it is again because of your influence to always aspire upwards that has helped him to strive to become the best that he can be.

John, thank you for the guidance and inspiration you gave to those you loved while you were here. Because of your neverending love and patience, we owe so much to you. Because of you, we are all better people. You taught us kindness and in so many ways, how to love. You taught us how to achieve and how to realize our dreams. Your legacy will always be remembered.

Thank you for all that you were to us. With continuing love forever.

Karen

Sweetie,

I posted on Christmas Day in remembrance of you, but for some reason the post did not go through. I was so reminded of Christmas last year -- our first Christmas in this house. You, Nathan, Gina, and I spent Christmas Day together, enjoying Christmas Dinner, reminiscing about past Christmases, and opening gifts. You were so missed this Christmas, John; yet I sensed your presence in everything around us.

I had a wonderful surprise just before Christmas. Loki and Gunner began barking and ran to the front door. I looked out the livingroom window and there was what seemed like an army of people walking up to our doorstep. Choir members were out that night singing heart-warming Christmas carols to widows in the church, bringing a touch of the joy of Christmas. I opened the door to a choir of heavenly angelic voices. As they sang one Christmas carol after another, I walked out and gave each of them a hug while they continued singing. Every hug that I received back was like a hug from you, John. There was such an awesome presence of the Lord amongst them, and I knew in my heart that you were there amongst them, too.

I can only imagine what Christmas was really like for you, Hon, being there in the presence of our Lord Himself. We all love you.

You are always in my heart.

Karen

I was one of John's many friends he had during the age of 19 to 24. At this time John worked for Coors. He enjoyed drag racing and car rallys with his 1970 Buick GSX (only 600 were made)cruising 16th st. downtown Denver and meeting all his racing buddies at the White Spot restarant there. He joined the Marines at 20 And loved be one, even to the point him and his fellow marines would sing at the top of their lungs, Halls of Montezuma, at the local Shakey's Pizza palor. John's glowing and humorous personality made it easy for him to be friends with everyone he met. I was truley blessed knowing John. God bless you Karen for being that special women in John's life. He truley deserved a gracious & thoughtful wife and friend he found in you. Thank you so much for contacting me. As you all have said it would be hard not to have special memories of John.

Hi, Hon.

Thanksgiving was not the same without you. From the time the Lord brought us together, you, Nathan, and I have always celebrated Thanksgiving together. For seven years, we shared in the cooking, invited friends over, and had a good time. I loved to watch you chop up the onions and celery and sauté them for the dressing. That was always your job. Mine was to cook the turkey. Remember when I left the meat thermometer in the turkey and the plastic head of the thermometer melted? How you laughed. You always saw the humor in those kinds of mistakes I would make.

Baby, Nathan and I drove up to Ft. Logan to visit you this Thanksgiving. We draped your final resting place with some cedar (that we cut from the back yard) and an arrangement of beautiful autumn flowers. We talked to you as if you were right there with us. We wished you Happy Thanksgiving and thanked our Lord for bringing you into our lives so long ago and for the time we had with you. We spent the afternoon with “Mom” and Phil, and your sister Cass. Phil treated us to a Thanksgiving dinner at a local buffet place. As you know, Hon, you were the center of our conversation. We missed having our dear Johnny with us.

John, the days don’t seem to get any easier, not that I expected them to. I remember so many happy times with you. And for the past couple of months, you were happier than I had ever seen you. You finally realized that you no longer had to take care of the world, and had a right to be happy yourself. As you stated, it was like a heavy yoke had been taken off your neck. And it just seemed so unfair that the Lord took you home when He did, just as you were experiencing the fullness that life had to offer you. Hon, you always sacrificed and did without yourself just to try to take care of so many others. I know that the Lord is rewarding you beyond measure, Hon, for all you did for all of us while you were here.

Sweetie, I am reminded daily of your goodness. Every waking moment, you are still on my mind. I dream about you so often, it is as if you are still here. I will always love you. You were always my shining star. Sweetie, I miss my shining star.

Your loving wife always,
Karen

Baby,

It's been two weeks since the Lord took you home, but it seems like just a moment ago. I have started to write to you so many times, but instead of words, only tears of grief would flow. John, you are my life -- you are the love of my life. You were a wonderful husband -- my best friend -- my everything.

You cared in so many ways -- the way you would give me a hug, kiss, and an "I love you" whenever I left for work. Remember the time that I did not want to interrupt your conference call and tried to leave without disturbing you? You ran out the door with your headphones on and knocked on the car window because you wanted me to know that you loved me. You then sealed that moment with a goodbye kiss -- and your contagious smile. It's moments like these, John, that I will remember forever. It was moments like these, Honey, where you always made me feel so special -- so loved.

I received a card from your friend, Lenore, today. She said, "Your loss of John is an immense sorrow. John touched many lives with his brilliance, depth and sensitivity. He was a gifted person who will be missed each time he comes to mind." She then mentioned, "At Fort Logan, I'm not sure if you noticed, but the geese took off in a huge flight, just as Taps was played for John. It was almost like an orchestrated flyover by his beloved birds. It was so touching to me that I had to think that there was a higher power involved in this wildlife tribute."

John, Lenore was so right. Your love for animals was so evident by those who knew you. You always took care of any of God's creatures that He sent your way -- the wild birds that regularly visited our balcony, our dogs, our cat, the squirrels...

Angel, you always marveled about our world. You were the one that would call me outside to look at another beautiful sunrise or sunset, or something else that God had painted with His own hand. Whenever we took a trip, you were always the first to notice the spectacular in some form of God's creation.

John, I miss you so much. Please save a place for me, Hon, beside you -- in that great forever where our Lord is keeping you in His perfect care. Receive His love, my beloved, and rest in His everlasting peace.

I will always love you.

Karen

I was fortunate to know John for more than a year since joining WellPoint. He had wonderful talent to amaze people, to make them excited about regular technical topics. He loved life, he enjoyed it, he always brought light and smiles to people who worked with him. I spent a couple of hours with him on early morning of October 24 on our way to the airport in California. We were talking about different paths to IT and architecture, about our aspiration with technology, about our plans. I truly enjoyed that time with him. I will miss him. Memory of him will always live with me.
My sympathy to his family and to his loved ones.

John was a wonderful co-worker. Always willing to do whatever was need. John was a good friend. I am a better person for having known him. I will miss John.

Dear Karen, It has taken me a lot of days to grasp the fact that each time I go out of doors, John will not appear with a big smile and a friendly "hello." It has been good to have you both for neighbors. I will continue to pray as you deal with great loneliness.
Lovingly, Marietta

I was lucky to meet John many years ago. He was once married to my younger sister. Josh, at this time, remember the love your dad had for you was unconditional and everlasting. He was a good man with a strong and loud laugh. My sympathy to his family and hope that the memory of his jokes, love and laughter get you through this very difficult time.

I spoke with John many times over the phone and at BOF meetings. I finally had the pleasure of meeting John at one of our team building off site meetings. He was one of those few people that you picture their personality and it matches perfectly to them when you finnally meet in person. A very kind, generous, funny, and friendly person. My prayers go out to his family.

John and I joined Anthem about the same time and for a while, we were the only two people in Colorado in IT Architecture. So I used to drag John to all the vendor seminars held in Denver. They were always an adventure if he was there. We managed to get the information and at the same time be able to assess the style, literacy, dress, and personalities of whomever we were seeing. To put it plainly, having John there made it all fun. That is how I will remember him. He was a man who knew how to make work fun and they don't call it work for nothing. :-)

I feel fortunate to have had John on our team, bringing his initiative, passion and sense of humor, sharing his knowledge and expertise on a multitude of projects and activities. He had a zest for life and enthusiasm that was infectious. And it showed whether we would be shooting the breeze or talking business.

Thank you for all the smiles and good memories you have given us John!

I remember walking through the MCI building past John's desk and I always got a friendly hello. I remember many conversations about countless subjects and John's exuberance and friendly attitude. I remember laughing with John because of his joking and light hearted attitude. John is a legacy to very fond memories and we will miss him. He is in a better place now and I look forward to seeing him again.

Great teammate and all-around good guy.

I had the pleasure of working with 'Johnnie' at WellPoint. His contagious laughter will echo around here for a long time. He was a terrific person who showed real care and concern for those around him. I hope the Saints and Angels are good debaters for John!

John was one of a kind. Always upbeat, always smiling, always giving, always witty. He touched us all in so many different ways. May his spirit continue to uplift and inspire us to newer heights and sights.

I am a lucky person to have known John and have him as my friend. His smile and laughter were contagious. He had a true zest for life and would always put a smile on your face. I know he was loved and will be missed by many.

I had the pleasure of hiring John as an architect at Wellpoint. John was never without a smile or "can do" attitude. We loved to have philosophical arguments which were as much for fun as for business reasons. I must confess, despite political correctness, I will miss getting a call with the greeting "Hey Lady!" from John. As others have said, any conversation with John could always put a smile on your face. I will miss him a lot.
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John was one of the best people I have ever known. I was very lucky that he was indeed my good friend. He will always be missed and he will be in the hearts of everyone who knew him. He will never be forgotten and I believe he not only in a better place now, but he is looking down on all of us and flashing that great smile. God bless John!!

John has been a terrific friend for years. He is now experiencing what some of us continue to anticipate in faith. How comforting to know our God IS SEMPER Fi.

I will miss this man until the day I die. John had the biggest heart of anyone I have ever known. We used to call the big teddy bear. Whenever I was down a short visit with John would cure it. I will miss him,,I guess even heaven needs a little sunshine too and John will surely provide that...Take care my friend....