I met John seven years ago this month. He was interviewing for the publisher job in Niagara Falls and Lockport and he had to meet each of the managers at both locations. We met in Lockport and connected immediately. He was convinced we had met previously at an industry conference. We talked for about an hour and then he was whisked away back to Niagara Falls. I didn't know then that he would return three months later and change my world and the trajectory of my two newspapers. He came in like gang busters. The energy he brought to the table was intense. The next few years would be a whirlwind of change. He faced challenges head on and without hesitation. John would always say how lucky we were to be in newspapers. He loved every minute of it. He began to advance in the company, taking on more papers and responsibilities but he still called and checked in every day. He always made time for everyone. He invested his time in everyone. He pushed me out of my comfort zone and spotlighted me and my work. He was generous of his time and shared all he knew and was selfless, never taking credit for anything. John lifted his people up. I'm proud to give him all the credit for making me publisher. He was a strong, passionate leader, mentor and dear, dear friend. I hope I can carry on his legacy. I'll miss his lame dad jokes, his goofy, quirky ways but overall I'll just miss HIM terribly.
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As he began to travel through the mountains to Plattsburgh, he discovered Lake George, NY. He said it was one of his favorite places to stay overnight. He loved waking up to the views and walking to the beach and sent me this picture. Seems fitting now.