[Marcella]

Johnny loved his many friends at Free Republic. That is where I met him and our brains clicked together. Please, no comments whether that was good or bad. :o) I know so many of you followed his posts and you loved him, too. Marcella

[Kathy in Alaska]

TAPS

RIP

JRandomFreeper, Johnny, USAF

Air Force Hymn

Lord, guard and guide the men who fly
Through the great spaces of the sky;
Be with them traversing the air
In darkening storms or sunshine fair

Thou who dost keep with tender might
The balanced birds in all their flight
Thou of the tempered winds be near
That, having thee, they know no fear

Control their minds with instinct fit
What time, adventuring, they quit
The firm security of land;
Grant steadfast eye and skilful hand

Aloft in solitudes of space,
Uphold them with Thy saving grace.
O God, protect the men who fly
Thru lonely ways beneath the sky.

[stylecouncilor]

I’m so sorry to hear this.

[catnipman]

OMG, talk about the good dying young :(

[Natty Bumppo@frontier.net]

“A human being should be able to change a diaper, plan an invasion, butcher a hog, conn a ship, design a building, write a sonnet, balance accounts, build a wall, set a bone, comfort the dying, take orders, give orders, cooperate, act alone, solve equations, analyze a new problem, pitch manure, program a computer, cook a tasty meal, fight efficiently, die gallantly. Specialization is for insects.”

- Robert Heinlein, Time Enough for Love

Although he never met him, Robert Heinlein was describing Johnny.

A Patriot, an extremely Competent Man, a good, loyal, and true friend.

It might be a little hectic up there until Johnny improves a few things, but Heaven has a new saint.

[MWestMom]

We have lost a true Renaissance man and American. Heaven is a little more interesting today.

[SoConPubbie]

He was a good man!

God rest his soul!

[SW6906]

RIP. He will be missed.

[Riley]

I’m so sorry.

We traded a friendly repartee, playing off of one another’s quips from time to time- and he was one whose posts I looked for.

The world is a poorer place tonight.

[Scoutmaster]

RIP Johnny. You were and are a loved FReeper.

[Tax-chick]

I’m so sorry. Every time I read a post, I was happy to know he was still with us.

My sympathies to his family.

[DeoVindiceSicSemperTyrannis]

The FR flag is flying at half mast for JRandomFreeper

[hoosierham]

He is going to be missed...typing with teary eyes.
I liked his postings.

Johnny now joins the ranks of Silent Keys as have many fine hams Ive been privileged to know.

We original long-time Freepers are dwindling in number;hopefully we have inspired those younger.

[mumblypeg]

Oh no. He was one FReeper this noob had hoped to meet one day. A real Renaissance man. One of the main characters who made me want to join this motley crew. This is a huge loss.
Thank you, Marcella, for all you’ve done.

[Rusty0604]

RIP Johnny. I just asked another FReeper this AM if he was OK as he hadn’t posted in awhile. You will forever be greatly missed Johnny.

[xzins]

Wow. Wonderful tribute, Marcella.

RIP Johnny

Lord Jesus, May the God of all comfort give peace to Family, Friends, Loved Ones. Amen.

[Starstruck]

RIP Johnny. Glad I knew you.

[angelcindy]

RIP PRAYERS FOR THE FAMILY

[xrmusn]

RIP fellow Vet

High Flight

Oh! I have slipped the surly bonds of Earth
And danced the skies on laughter-silvered wings;
Sunward I’ve climbed, and joined the tumbling mirth
Of sun-split clouds, — and done a hundred things
You have not dreamed of — wheeled and soared and swung
High in the sunlit silence. Hov’ring there,
I’ve chased the shouting wind along, and flung
My eager craft through footless halls of air… .

Up, up the long, delirious burning blue
I’ve topped the wind-swept heights with easy grace
Where never lark, or ever eagle flew —
And, while with silent, lifting mind I’ve trod
The high untrespassed sanctity of space,
Put out my hand, and touched the face of God.

— John Gillespie Magee, Jr

[umgud]

I really didn’t want to hear this, even though I knew it would likely come. He will leave a big void.

RIP Johnny and prayers to those who mourn for you.

[Blood of Tyrants]

Goodbye, Johnny, and rest in peace.