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| We Remember John Schantz |
John Schantz, our club's founder and self-styled "Chief Curmudgeon," ended the final chapter of his life in December 2005. To the members of Sunrise Toastmasters, John was more than a shining example of the best our organization offers. He was a kind, caring, humorous and delightful friend and leader. Our members offer their words about John Schantz and what he meant to them:
"I will miss the twinkle in his eye, the warmth in his heart and the creative gems from his mouth. I thank God for John Schantz in our lifetime, but mourn the void he leaves behind." Rick Coleman
"As a seven year member of Sunrise Toastmasters, I simply can't imagine the club without John. As a speaker we are taught to have good eye contact. Well, every time I did a speech, I looked for John's eyes. Warmth and support always radiated from John's eyes. Even as his health was failing, John continued to come to meetings to support the club and each of us. His smile never dimmed. I wonder if he had any idea what he meant to us? My day was always a better one when I started it in John's company. God bless you John." John Walker
"As a fellow Toastmaster I will miss John. He inspired me to explore poetry and set the example for me as a Poetmaster. John's words of wisdom over the years will live on in my soul." Jeff Varkonyi
"Storyteller, coach, mentor, cheerleader, curmudgeon, may we grow as you would hope. May we be worthy to carry the load you shouldered without effort. May we find within us that which you gave us- so that collectively we might fill your shoes. You have left us, yet you are still in us and we in you. We will see you, hear you and feel you in each other, in life. May we add to the light that burned so brightly within you, that you passed on to so many of us. We can only hope that we will make you proud, our friend, until we can meet and laugh together again. May God’s peace be with you and yours." John Bell
"John was a perfect gentleman and an inspiration for me at the Sunrise Toastmasters Club. His sense of humor was a wonderful side of John. As a frequent Jokemaster, I often chose jokes with John in mind to find some that may be new to him and also to get a chuckle from him. John always had a kind word for me and a twinkle in his eye. The world is a better place because of him and we will all miss him greatly." Scott Kriner
"John's spirit is present in every aspect of what we do at Sunrise Toastmasters. In the front of our meeting room is a "lecturn." (John always corrected those of us referring to it as a podium.) The timer we use to insure that we don't get too long-winded was always referred to by John as the "traffic light" because of its green, yellow, and red lights. Most important to all of us was John's droll wit, kind counsel, and delightful stories. He exemplified everything we aspire to as public speakers and his absence from our midst will be terribly difficult." Kae Tienstra
"It was an honor to be John's friend and enjoy his many stories and his particular view of the world we inhabit. I admired him and his many gifts. I'm so sorry for the loss we all suffer with his departure from our midst - but one thing is sure - he was an unforgettable person to all of us, and that is something rare and special." Debbie Davis
"John was a role model for me in the Sunrise Toastmasters club (which he founded). I loved his perfect use of the English language, his dry wit and his smile. He also kept us on the straight and narrow in the club. I will miss him terribly." Martha Cichelli
"John, you have been a friend, a coach and a mentor to me. Words cannot express my appreciation for your kindness and thoughtfulness. Your ability to help me by providing constructive criticism, good humor and positive reinforcement are attributes I strive to incorporate in my own life. Our world is now short an excellent public speaker, storyteller and humorist - but all the better for your having graced it to begin with. Thank you John. May your friends and family find some element of peace and happiness in your passing on." Vince Green
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