posted
This is truly a shock. Bless you John, as you have given so many of us inspiration and friendship, whether we met you or not, in person, it's been in spirit and always will be. So saddened, may your family have peace; Paul, Scott and family. Thanks to Kelly we will always have you, and miss you too, John.
-------------------- Deb Fowler
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible - Walt Disney (1901-1966) Posts: 5373 | From: Loves Park, Illinois | Registered: Aug 1999
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I got the call at work today to tell me of Johns passing. I'm not ashamed to say that i blubbed for over an hour. I shall miss him dreadfully. He was my biggest inspiration and a wonderful friend. The world has lost a true craftsman and genuine nice guy. I shall have a glass of red and think of you John. Rest in Peace
-------------------- Anne McDonald 17 Karnak Crescent Russley Christchurch 8042 New Zealand
"I used to be indecisive, now I'm not so sure" Posts: 877 | From: Christchurch | Registered: Sep 2006
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I'm just speechless,,,,,John was also one of my very favorite Letterheads. Just the other day I stopped to admire his signature on my sign kit...and for some reason I stopped and looked at his signature on my t-shirt from Boise too...I was thinking about how special he is... I will treasure the time he took me aside and encouraged me to apply myself to my craft, that he really believed in me and that I could do really well. Yeah, and in Nanaimo, at the restaurant, that pic of him and me with the moose hat!He really was a gem! Wow...I am just floored......very sad day
A:(
[ November 14, 2006, 12:42 AM: Message edited by: Adrienne Morgan ]
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This is extremely tragic. Just reading here how many people had met this "Keeper of the Craft" makes one realize what a real legend John was. To Paul and family may I on behalf of Liddy and myself extend our deepest sympathies. A very sad day indeed. I also will remember his incredible humour.
-------------------- Drane Signs Sunshine Coast Nambour, Qld. dranesigns@bigpond.com Downunder "To err is human, but to really foul things up requires a computer" Posts: 965 | From: Nambour, Qld. Australia | Registered: Nov 1998
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I met John at two meets, one in 2003 and this year in Jacksonville. a fun filled sometimes grumpy full of sharing knowledge twinkled eye man who stood much taller than his height.
He be missed and remembered.
My condolences to you Paul and your family.
-------------------- Miles Cullinane, Cork, Ireland.
From the sometimes sunny south of Ireland, Posts: 913 | From: Cork, Ireland | Registered: Jul 1999
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Sad news, we'll miss him, I had the pleasure of sharing many a beer with John . Of the nine meets I have been to he was at 7 of them I don't think anyone has travelled as much as Jonny to letterhead meets, there can't be that many letterheads who didn't know him. One of the best
-------------------- Terry Colley The VintageSign Co 42 barrack hill Romiley Stockport Cheshire, England sk6 3az tel 0161 494 5089 terry@bullandbrush.fsnet.co.uk Posts: 210 | From: England | Registered: Dec 1999
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I met John once at Ashley Bishops meet, I can only describe him as a loveable rascal, what a great bloke and talent he'll be missed and I'll raise a glass to him later.
-------------------- Steve Broughton Alpha Grafix Signs Lowfields Road Benington, Boston Lincolnshire, England Posts: 315 | From: Boston, Lincolnshire, England | Registered: Aug 2001
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Thanks to everyone for their kind words and the sharing of some memories.
Gail and Dave, you're right he will never be replaced, but he will be remembered.
Dan, I will try to post that photo.
Raymond, everything you said was spot on, your last statement begs repeating "for those that you love, let them know now before it's too late. Let the flowers be for the living." Please always remember this and put it into practice
Steve, thank you for the photo and thank you for coming to Australia and spending time with Dad. He loved to be a good host and was proud to be an Australian. Showing people around our city and countryside was one of his delights.
Dave, I'll miss the old bugger as well.
Kelly, thank you again for that wonderful painting of my Dad, it is hanging in the foyer of our office. Dad was very proud of that painting.
Brian, thank you, to answer your question "What the hell are we going to do without him?" Dad would say something like "I have given you the lessons, now go out and share them"
Dad loved to inspire others to stretch themselves and believe in their abilities, some of us need to be pushed to acheive this. He was a great coach, sometimes hard on us, but that was because he cared so much.
-------------------- Paul Jordan Jordan Signs http://jordansigns.com.au paul@jordansigns.com.au Australia "We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw, I think. Posts: 166 | From: Caringbah, N.S.W., Australia | Registered: Nov 1999
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How sad to have lost him, but what great joy it was to have met him at the Zoo! Certainly the most delightful of men, and of Letterheads. My prayers for you all. Cat
-------------------- Catharine C. Kennedy CCK Graphics 1511 Route 28 Chatham Center, NY 12184 cck1620@taconic.net "Look at me, Look at me, Look at me now! I't's fun to have fun, But you have to know how!" Posts: 2173 | From: downtown Chatham Center, NY | Registered: Feb 2004
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There is not much more I can say that everyone has expressed already just to let you know that I am so sorry for your loss. I was glad to meet you both this year, and have a good old chat with your Dad. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
-------------------- Clinton Cooper General Manager ASGI Posts: 43 | From: St Marys NSW Australia | Registered: Sep 2006
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I just met John this summer in Cincinnati and really enjoyed a conversation on glass gilding we had. I must have been staring too hard at a piece he did because he walked up and asked if I wanted any of it explained to me. We sat at a picnic table and he explained each step in the process.
He had just presented the information in a seminar a few minutes earlier, but offered to sit down and go over it again. Several other people joined us and it was a great moment I will always remember.
A wealth of knowledge and a wonderful guy both. What a great loss.
Pam
-------------------- Pam Eddy Niles, MI ple@qtm.net Posts: 460 | From: Michigan | Registered: Dec 2000
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i meet JJ @ the French- Kiss- a -Brush, and really enjoyed his humor,skill's and letterhead spirit . Just went to my father in law's funeral, so this is sad issue, sorry to the J Family. Pastor Hutch said once ,we are all working on our dash's......we know the beginning date,but the dash is all we can "change". Mr. J seemed like he made the best of his "dash". good for him.
-------------------- mark zilliox mark z signs 8425 pushaw station rd. owings md. 20736 301-855-5407 thezs@earthlink.net http://www.markzsigns.com Posts: 348 | From: maryland | Registered: May 2003
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My Condolence for all your Family Paul, John Jordan was a Hmmble Friend , sharing his Knowlege to everybody. We ve' had talk with John in Cincinnari at the Zoo That was the last time we enjoy his companie. He will be allway in our heart.
-------------------- Sal Cabrera Signs By Sal New Freedom , PA
The goal of Yesterday will be the Stating Point of Tomorrow! Posts: 686 | From: New Freedom , PA US | Registered: Nov 1999
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One of the Indian traditions that I was taught while growing up was our obligation to those we know who have passed on.
IT is our responsibility to keep that person alive by telling stories of his life and deeds. It helps usd carry his spirit with us and helps share thier lifw and work with others who where not fortunate to have met him.
I believe if we all live up to this obligation the hundreds of people will come to love and respect my friend John as much as we all did.
I don't think any of us will be able to pass along the things he has taught us about sign craft and life without hearing his voice in our words.
Walk tall up there John and save us a spot beside you on the panel eisel.
sandy
-------------------- Sandy "Monk" Baird Windwalker Sign Studio Port Colborne, Ontario L3K 4H9 Posts: 442 | From: Port Colborne, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Jun 2004
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My sincere condolences to the Jordan family, which apparently includes quite a few letterheads worldwide. It's always hard to deal with someone passing so suddenly...I pray the Lord will give strength to his family during this difficult time.
-------------------- Jeff Ogden 8727 NE 68 Terr. Gainesville FL, 32609 Posts: 2138 | From: 8827 NE 68 Terr Gainesville Fl 32609 | Registered: Aug 2002
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Wow. Leave it to John to be driving himself to the hospital. Well we do know he'll be up there showing the rest how to gild their halo. And you are right Sarge, there will be a lot of angel wings brightened by Mr. Jordan's touch. Oh yeah, in his own words, he's not Mr. Jordan, that's his son Paul. (I was in trouble for that at every meet I met him at.) My condolences to the Jordan family. We are all better for having known him. He is one letterhead that will not be forgotten. I am so glad I have the portrait Kelly did of him. We shall toast his legacy at her meet. Deri
-------------------- Deri Russell Wildwood Signs Hanover, Ontario
You're just jealous 'cause the little voices only talk to me. Posts: 1904 | From: Hanover, Ontario, Canada | Registered: Dec 1998
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It is always sad to loose a good friend. We had met in many different places at Letterhead meets and the very first time we met he invited me to his home down under. Now he is gone and being there was no sign of illness, I beleive John was just on his way to another Letterhead meet to do what he always did. God bless you John, heaven will be a better place with you there.
-------------------- Bill Riedel Riedel Sign Co., Inc. 15 Warren Street Little Ferry, N.J. 07643 billsr@riedelsignco.com Posts: 2953 | From: Little Ferry, New Jersey, USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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I had the pleasure of meeting him at Pierre's meet in Quebec. He was the true meaning of the letterhead spirit and a pleasure to be around. My sympathies to all his family and friends.
posted
I met John in Mazeppa last year and have so many funny memories from that weekend. He was a real joker to be around. He signed my kit and that will always be a cherished item.
Another craftsman is gone. Goodbye Aussie John. Condolences to you, Paul and family.
posted
I'm sorry to hear this sad news. John will be missed by many of us in the Letterhead movement. I'm not sure how many meeting he attended each year, but his energy certainly exceeded mine. His presence will be missed. His enthusiasm will remain with all who knew him.
posted
I'm so sorry to hear this, He certainly seemed like a one of a kind Individual from reading everyones Tribute to him. I feel like I lost a mentor who I've never met. My heart felt condolences to the entire family, his personal as well as the letterhead family.
-------------------- "Keep Positive"
SIGNS1st. Neil Butler Paradise, NF Posts: 6277 | From: St. John's NF Canada | Registered: Mar 1999
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I never got to meet Jon, but after being on here for seven years, you feel like you know somebody pretty good. Just by the posts before me, I can tell what a wonderful person he truly was. One that will be missed. God bless him and his family.
-------------------- Maker of fine signs and other creative stuff. Located at 109 N. Cumberland ave. Harlan, Ky. 40831 606-837-0242 Posts: 4172 | From: Ages-Brookside, Ky. Up the Holler... | Registered: Jul 1999
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I feel so blessed to have known him too. I met John at the International meet in Detroit in 2004. I didn't know him to be loud but you always seem to know where John was in the room. If you heard a group of people laughing you'd look and there would be John in the middle. If you saw a group a people that were bent over and quiet, it would be because John was sharing them some of his great wealth of knowledge of glass.
In Detroit, I didn't want to drive 2 hours to go home everynight and so was trying to find a room to stay in. John offered his room. Of course he was going to stay in it too but he informed me that I was totally safe with him. Needless to say, I had to decline.
We had the meet at the Masonic Temple, that at one time was a classy neighborhood. When the meet took place, the area was very unsafe outside of the fenced in parking lot at the Temple. John was sstaying at the Rensen Hotel down by the water...maybe1-2 miles...winding thru all the city blocks. (I would walk down there on the main streets during the day but certainly not a night). I caught him when he was ready to go back to the hotel and offered to give him a ride but he wouldn't hear of it. He was walking all that way. I was afraid that I wouldn't see him ever again. But not so.
John, you will be greatly missed. Paul, my heart goes out to you and your family.
[ November 14, 2006, 10:09 AM: Message edited by: Laura Butler ]
-------------------- Laura Butler Vision Graphics & Sign 4479 Welch Rd Attica, Mi 48412 Posts: 2855 | From: Attica, Mi, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Did Someone mention John The Sheik and John with beautiful women? I'm so glad I got this picture of John with Brooke Meyer at Mazeppa.
I'm so happy I had the opportunity to meet John and tap into his wealth of knowledge. I've never met anyone with more of a passion for the craft, especially gold leaf. There must be a line of harps a hundred miles long, waiting to be gilded, and he'll do every one with a smile on his face.
A possible little known fact about John. He was on my "team" at the Mazeppa Golf Scramble. Man could that guy read a green. I talking pro caddy quality here.
I will truly miss John. My heartfelt prayers go out to his family in their time of sorrow.
Edited to make pic bigger
[ November 14, 2006, 10:43 AM: Message edited by: Dave Sherby ]
-------------------- Dave Sherby "Sandman" SherWood Sign & Graphic Design Crystal Falls, MI 49920 906-875-6201 sherwoodsign@sbcglobal.net Posts: 5400 | From: Crystal Falls, MI USA | Registered: Apr 1999
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Can't remember when we first met John...it just seems like he has been a Letterhead fixture forever. It always made us feel good when we'd hear that he would be attending the same meet as us and we always had a good time with him. Took this picture of him in Greece...
-------------------- david butler butler signs syracuse,indiana david@davidbutler.com Posts: 188 | From: syracuse,indiana,usa | Registered: Feb 1999
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Paul Jordan and family: Take a look at the names of the people who post their condolences. Read the words and memories that each of those people has of John.
A life well lived is nothing to be sad about. It is to be remembered - and celebrated - and emulated. Take what good John showed those of us lucky enough to have met such a plucky little soul - and weave it into your own lives. You'll likely be remembered just as fondly as him.
And how could you not like a man as cute and charming as John? That closeup photo above of him is just great.
How great also that Steve and Barb could go 'down under' on their trip of a lifetime - and keep such precious memories of John. It was this site that allowed us to meet him. Thanks Steve and Barb - and sorry for your loss of a good friend also.
-------------------- Jay Allen ShawCraft Sign Co. Machesney Park, IL jallen222@aol.com http://www.shawcraft.com/
"The object of the superior man is truth." -Confucius Posts: 1285 | From: Machesney Park, IL, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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OMG, that is sad news. John was such a nice guy. I'll miss seeing him.
-------------------- Ricky Jackson Signs Now 614 Russell Parkway Warner Robins, GA (478) 923-7722 signpimp50@hotmail.com
"If I have seen further it is by standing on the shoulders of giants." Sir Issac Newton Posts: 3528 | From: Warner Robins, GA | Registered: Oct 2004
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I'm sorry to hear about John's passing, he was a great man and so full of life. I said that I've never met a man who LIVED life, he has such passion for his craft and travelled the world sharing his knowlege. when we whee down under John opened his home to us and took us on a mini tour of his city. he was one of the great ones and will me missed.
-------------------- Work like you don't need the money, Love like you've never been hurt, And Dance like no one's watching. :) Mike Lavallee Mike Lavallee's Pinstriping & Airbrush Art Everett, WA Posts: 449 | From: Everett, WA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Well I know I've had my say....but now that I've had the chance to reflect on it there is so much more.
Good things come in small packages....it’s true.
John loved to “take the mickey” out of me, and reveled in my vulnerability, yet not once did he ever leave me feeling stupid, hurt or embarrassed by his tricks. He captured the hearts of female letterheads everywhere he went, and he went!
I suspect John was hands down the most traveled Letterhead. The number of meets he has attended and the Letterheads he met must be boggling. His enthusiasm and eagerness to share his wealth of knowledge and bag of tricks was precious. He was an incredible mentor to so many and I suspect there will never be anyone to fill the enormous space he inhabited. He was kind, intelligent, generous, mischievous, talented…..everything a Letterhead, mentor and friend should be, and then some.
This past week we were discussing the upcoming Moose Jaw meet during which he was to give a class in gilding…. ” I have a mental picture of a square of glass at the moment with a large circle background with filigree scrolls across the top and down part of the right hand side, this would be prismatised using black japan toning. Across the lower section there could a blended ribbon also with gold lettering.............. in a 20's / 30's style all in my minds eye ! Maybe a couple of photos of the best old buildings to work with also….” Even in email form his enthusiasm shone through and conjured up visions of those sparkling eyes.
He had planned to fly in early and spend the week before the Moose Jaw meet with me and we were going to work on a 4' x 6' glass sign for my shop. After the meet we were going to do some travelling together, visiting Letterheads as we wended our way East towards Moncton. As sad as I am at the lost opportunity to learn from such a talented man, I'm sadder still at the lost opportunity for laughter and fellowship. A part of him will be in Moose Jaw in many hearts and minds.
There was gold in his kit, gold in his fingers and gold in his heart, I teased him about being an Aussie leprechaun, but the truth is, never once did I ever see him hoard his “Pot of Gold’. It’s been an honour to share his friendship, and I think that there are a great many who share that sentiment.
Even in their grief, his family must feel very proud of everything he was, the sheer magnitude of all he saw, learned, created, touched and shared. He was a Giant!
[ November 15, 2006, 09:28 AM: Message edited by: Kelly Thorson ]
-------------------- “Did you ever stop to think, and forget to start again?” -Winnie the Pooh & A.A. Milne
Kelly Thorson Kel-T-Grafix 801 Main St. Holdfast, SK S0G 2H0 ktg@sasktel.net Posts: 5496 | From: Penzance, Saskatchewan | Registered: May 2002
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Finding this out makes going to the meet in Cincinnati much more worth the trip. I got to meet John there. He was a pleasure to hang out with. He came over and talked to my wife and girls as if he had known them for years. When he left my youngest girl said "He talks like the Crocodile Hunter." They happen to be here now and I printed out John's picture to show them and tell them about what happened.
Paul, your father was a great man and a pleasure to be around. I will count it as one of my highest honors getting to know him.
posted
I met John at the Zoo, but since I arrived late, did not get to spend any real time with him. My loss. I got to know his helpful way here rather than in person. As Raymond said, "Send the flowers to the living". Let people know you appreciate them while they are around, they may not be here for the next meet.
-------------------- David Harding A Sign of Excellence Carrollton, TX Posts: 5092 | From: Carrollton, TX, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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My deepest sorrows go out to Paul and the rest of John's family and friends. It was an honor to have met him in Mazeppa and in Jacksonville this summer. A master of the arts and a true letterhead....
Will Miss You John!
-------------------- Beth Bryant Amp Studio 613 Peoria St Lincoln, IL 62656 217-735-9939 or (cell) 217-828-0021 beth@ampstudio.net
There is meaning to my madness! Posts: 37 | From: Lincoln, Illinois | Registered: Jul 2005
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I first met John at Mars....we kept passing each other at the meet and never got a chance to talk. We met again in Quebec and got to know each other. Saw him again in Mocton and again this summer at the Zoo. He had made a small glass piece for me and he was like a kid when he gave it to me. What a joy! My favorite John Jordan moment was when he was interviewed at FKAB by Canadian National Television. The handsom young reporter asked him if after all these years in signwriting, if he still had the passion for it...(as John was working on a panel at the time) DAHHHHHHHHHHHH!!
That was the only time I saw John speachless.
Paul, I have the tape of the interview.....would you like it? email me
To Johns family and many close friends....my condolances.
Joe,
Makin Chips
-------------------- Joe Cieslowski Connecticut Woodcarvers Gallery P.O.Box 368 East Canaan CT 06024 jcieslowski@snet.net 860-824-0883 Posts: 2345 | From: East Canaan CT 06024 | Registered: Nov 2001
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""Good judgment comes from experience; and a lot of that comes from bad judgment" - Will Rogers Posts: 3488 | From: Beautiful Newaygo, Michigan | Registered: Mar 2003
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John You raised a beautiful family, You spread the word, You did a great job mate, I wll miss you so much, rest in peace my friend Love Mark, Wendy , Liddy, Brydie, Verity & Kellogs
-------------------- Mark Curbishey Signfx UK Ltd 2 Aldford Place Alderley Edge Cheshire SK( 7RQ Posts: 2 | From: Alderley Edge ENGLAND | Registered: Nov 2006
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