The Passing Away of John Erickson, Fellow Lounger and Friend to Many.

[tonyb]

Sadly, it seems that John's life had hit a rough patch the past year or so as he had lost his job and was looking for work. I can't help but wonder if in some way the stress might have contributed to his untimely passing.

Perhaps we can take away from this that even living through a rough patch is still LIVING. The value of a person's existence is not diminished by his professional/financial setbacks. It can be hard to maintain sight of that when going through such a time.

 

[Tomasso]

Perhaps we can take away from this that even living through a rough patch is still LIVING. The value of a person's existence is not diminished by his professional/financial setbacks. It can be hard to maintain sight of that when going through such a time.

I have a friend who is a doctor and when he's feeling excessively stressed from his practice he visits the intensive care unit. It helps him to put things into perspective.

 

[tonyb]

It saddens me to think that John's last months were not as happy (if that's the right word) as they might have been. But then, he impressed me as one to find satisfaction in his daily existence, so I trust he enjoyed the life he had.

 

[in/y]

I too am saddened to hear of John's passing. He was (and still is) on my short list of Loungers I hope to meet in person someday.

 

[Tango Yankee]

Oh, man. I come back to the Lounge for a visit and this is the first thread I come across. I met John when some of us got together for a showing of "It's a Wonderful Life" at the Million Dollar Theater in Los Angeles, December 2009 if I recall correctly. I happened to be out there visiting family and friends and took advantage of the timing to go. He was as nice in person as he was here on the Lounge. As has been said many times already, he will be missed.

 

[Lincsong]

Oh wow. It's been months since I've been here and I see this. What a sad thing. He was always a gentleman here and a classy poster. Really sad.

 

[PADDY]

I 'wish' John could see the positive effect he's had on so many people. Most of us never truly realise just how the smallest of gestures we make towards others throughout out daily lives can have such a lasting profound effect that leave something much more long-term within us than mere foot prints on the sand.
Only a few minutes ago I was writing something with a pen that John had very kindly gifted me, and I just thought I'd come on here again to read so many of the lovely comments people have made about this very gentle and genuine Gentleman.
We are blessed on TFL to have such special individuals cross our paths when we visit these halls of friendship, sharing and education.

 

[jamespowers]

I 'wish' John could see the positive effect he's had on so many people. Most of us never truly realise just how the smallest of gestures we make towards others throughout out daily lives can have such a lasting profound effect that leave something much more long-term within us than mere foot prints on the sand.
Only a few minutes ago I was writing something with a pen that John had very kindly gifted me, and I just thought I'd come on here again to read so many of the lovely comments people have made about this very gentle and genuine Gentleman.
We are blessed on TFL to have such special individuals cross our paths when we visit these halls of friendship, sharing and education.

Definitely agreed.

 

[Widebrim]

Definitely agreed.

Quite so. Every person we get to know, on at least some level, leaves a lasting impression.

 

[hailey greenhat]

Come back and look what i find
John was one of the kindest and most friendly people i have ever had the pleasure of meeting. He is very missed.

 

[rue]

I've been gone for quite some time and sadly, I just heard of John's passing. I had the chance to meet him in person on the 2012 QM get together and he was one of the nicest men I've ever met. He even remembered how much I loved calligraphy and gave me a book on it that I use all the time. He will truly be missed.

 

[Rockapin-up]

My deepest condolences to his family and friends. Never had the pleasure of meeting John, but always enjoyed reading his posts.

 

[FedoraGent]

It has been many many years since I have posted on The Lounge. Sad that my first post back after eons of being away should be on the passing of a wonderful man. John Erickson was a one hell of a guy. It was my honor and pleasure to have kept in touch with him over the years. He also introduced me to a mutual friend of ours, Matthew. I hope that this gentle beautiful human being has found some peace. I have a photo of him from one of our 1st Church of Frank Sinatra gatherings. And of course, what is he doing? Showing us his pen collection. I for one will miss him greatly and wish we could have seen each other before he left us. My wife (to whom I met on the Lounge) and I were quite fond of him. RIP John. I will miss you.

 

[Tony in Tarzana]

I still catch myself thinking "I hope I can make the next John in Covina cookout"

 

[Classydame]

^Me, too, Tony! Hope you are doing well! It has been a long while.

 

[HeyMoe]

I just saw this thread. He was great when I first joined the lounge, answering questions and just making things around here so welcoming. I enjoyed his posts immensely. I am floored to say the least.

 

[CaramelSmoothie]

Sorry to hear this. I never met him but I do believe I remember seeing his avatar when he posted. From that picture posted in the first post of this thread you can tell that he was relatively young. I hope his life circumstances (job loss) didn't add any stress that led to his death. Again, I am so sorry to learn this and he looked like a very likeable man.

 

[sheeplady]

I am also very sorry to hear that John has passed. Godspeed John.

I hope his family and friends can find comfort and healing.

 

[Gin&Tonics]

How awful. I always enjoyed John's posts and he struck me, though I only knew him in passing through the Lounge, to be a classy gentleman. The world is all the less for his loss. Condolences to the family.

 

[tonyb]

Thoughts of the departed John crossed my mind a few minutes ago, so I figured I'd say just that.