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Charitable Donations in Honor of John Francis Powers
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OBITUARY
Click Here to View and Download the Memorial held for John on July 30th, 2020
Millicent, JQ, and Emma -
I was so sorry to hear about JP's passing. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
I worked for him for several years at SMC, and learned how deeply he cared about people, that he chose ethics and integrity above... moreMillicent, JQ, and Emma -
I was so sorry to hear about JP's passing. I have nothing but respect and admiration for him.
I worked for him for several years at SMC, and learned how deeply he cared about people, that he chose ethics and integrity above everything else, and that he was very fair. He inspired confidence in himself AND in us. JP was one of the best bosses I ever had. And, more than that, he was a really good person.
Emma and JQ - he delighted in talking about the two of you and his face would light up when he did. You were a source of great pride and joy in his life. Millicent, I know JP valued you and family above all else.
I like to think that JP is now in that special place in heaven reserved for those with kind hearts, good humor, and who appreciate the perfect turn of phrase.
John was a sweet, funny, caring guy. I'd see him before work each morning at the Bay Club. We would talk sports, well, basketball. Not sure he cared about any other sports. When my friend and I started a business he was one of our first clients, despite... moreJohn was a sweet, funny, caring guy. I'd see him before work each morning at the Bay Club. We would talk sports, well, basketball. Not sure he cared about any other sports. When my friend and I started a business he was one of our first clients, despite not really needing our services. That sums him up to me - stalwart, deeply caring. John would make time for everybody. less
JP was a trusted mentor to me for many years to whom I owe a great deal (he was one of my first bosses out of college at HCP). Most importantly, JP was a terrific friend to me and my family whom we could always count on. I’ll... moreMillicent, JQ and Emma -
JP was a trusted mentor to me for many years to whom I owe a great deal (he was one of my first bosses out of college at HCP). Most importantly, JP was a terrific friend to me and my family whom we could always count on. I’ll never forget his support when a family member was dealing with a serious health issue. His understanding and advice were hugely important in helping me through that traumatic time and emblematic of JP's selfless, giving nature. He cared deeply and genuinely about others, and as many others have said, no one was more important or special to him than his family. When I reflect on our interactions in recent years, I'm struck at how they consistently reflected JP's selfless nature - even as he became sick, our conversations were always centered around proud updates on you all and sincere interest in me and my family. It was never about him.
In addition to being a hugely supportive friend, JP was a blast. Almost all of my memories with JP involve fun and laughter – JP was a consistently positive influence on me and someone whose presence simply made life more enjoyable. I will miss him and my family will miss him. Our thoughts and condolences are with you all.
Much love,
Bill Getty less
Millicent, Emma and JQ - I am so so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
JP was my first boss at first job out of college in 1999 when I was an analyst on his Research team. He was my boss for a year and my friend for 20 years after that. ... moreMillicent, Emma and JQ - I am so so sorry for your loss. We are thinking of you.
JP was my first boss at first job out of college in 1999 when I was an analyst on his Research team. He was my boss for a year and my friend for 20 years after that. Even though he was this big man of campus in the professional world, he was so down to earth and just liked to joke around and was so young at heart. He always went above and beyond to look out for me. He was incredibly generous with his time and energy... and his awesome Giants seats. I always thought I was undeserving.
JP was so proud of his family. When I lived in the city, he had me come to watch Emma and JQ's ballet performances every year from when JQ was just a little buffoon in Nutcracker. I got to see them grow from tiny little dancers to these amazing talents.
JP, thank you for your unconditional friendship and never forgetting a birthday. I will miss trying to match your humor in our text banter. Please keep checking in on me from time to time.
John and I were classmates and great friends at Cornell. He knew everything about every topic, and was the best storyteller! Everyone in our group saw a romanticized South though John’s eyes! We spent many nights closing the Royal Palms in... moreJohn and I were classmates and great friends at Cornell. He knew everything about every topic, and was the best storyteller! Everyone in our group saw a romanticized South though John’s eyes! We spent many nights closing the Royal Palms in Collegetown, after many pitchers of 99-cent warm beer. He was fun, funny, serious and sensitive. He was one-of-a-kind!
My thoughts are with Millicent, Emma and JQ. John loved his family so much. less
Such sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Powers family.
I worked with John @ RS & Co. for six years. John always wanted to be educated on the latest technologies and I was the Purchasing Director. The new Motorola Startac cell... moreSuch sad news. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Powers family.
I worked with John @ RS & Co. for six years. John always wanted to be educated on the latest technologies and I was the Purchasing Director. The new Motorola Startac cell phone launched and (of course) all the "Road Warrior" Research analysts had to have them and wanted them now. The release date was in a month and of course that was unacceptable. I somehow :>) had them delivered in a week. That was John and his cutting edge mindset with the latest technology.
I also used to run into him every year @ the Nutcracker ballet. We saw each other, smiled and nodded every time.
I was just so sad to hear of JP's passing. I wanted you all to know he had such a profound impact on me personally and professionally.
I met JP at Hall Capital Partners and worked for him for several years there and then for... moreMillicent, Emma and JQ-
I was just so sad to hear of JP's passing. I wanted you all to know he had such a profound impact on me personally and professionally.
I met JP at Hall Capital Partners and worked for him for several years there and then for a summer at the Stanford Endowment as well. He was absolutely brilliant and an exceptional leader. To this day I reference his leadership and speaking style (he was so thoughtful and articulate!) and think to myself "what would JP do" as I face challenges. I reference his leadership as a guide for how I make decisions and lead every day. He was a mentor, he helped me get into business school, and he was the officiant for my wedding as well (if I was home in SF I would dig up those photos to share but I will have to send later as I am on the east coast for the summer but I promise I will share those too).
He was so much fun - he never took himself too seriously and he loved to find humor in every day things! There are so many funny stories - he fell asleep one time in a meeting I was leading in London because he was jetlagged and I had to kick him under the table, he accidentally ran over a squirrel when I was in his car at Stanford and then was so upset he couldn't speak of it again, one time there was a fire drill at Hall Capital and he for some reason was wearing shorts with a suit top and was standing outside looking hilarious. He could pivot from being silly to walking into a room with 1000 people and giving a professional speech - it was unbelievable. He had that cackling laugh - and I can't count how many coffees we had at Blue Bottle over the years!
He was so proud of you all and loved his family so much. Sending all of my love and thoughts you all during this difficult time. I am always here to share memories of JP. He was one of a kind and I will miss him tremendously.
Millicent, JQ and Emma - As John's assistant at Credit Suisse, I saw how (despite all the pressure and deadlines) John was such a generous leader, and always took time to coach and mentor each team member. Calls also occasionally came in from associates... moreMillicent, JQ and Emma - As John's assistant at Credit Suisse, I saw how (despite all the pressure and deadlines) John was such a generous leader, and always took time to coach and mentor each team member. Calls also occasionally came in from associates who worked for John at prior firms. Somehow, sandwiched between all the meetings and business travel, John found time to offer them advice and encouragement, too.
For me, John’s guidance was critically helpful after we left CS and I was seeking a new job (twice!). The references John provided were vital to me in landing ultimately a far better position.
John was always ready with a jaunty greeting, or a funny quip. His warmth cemented our team together even closer by having us get together away from the office for lunch or drinks. Post-CS, we were still getting together for drinks. (These days by Skype.) John helped us all appreciate that friendships formed through work are as valuable as the work.
John was kind, gifted and giving. I am so happy to have known him, and to also have had the opportunity to meet all of you when you visited New York. JQ and Emma, please know that John talked about you both very frequently and swelled with pride both at your accomplishments and at the kind of thoughtful young adults you’ve become.
Thank you for generously sharing his memorial, it was a beautiful service. I'll never forget John. Wishing you Peace, Comfort and Love - Melissa Myers less
Dear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed John's kindness, intelligence and humor. It has been many years since I have seen you all, but I have such fond memories of all of you. What I remember most about... moreDear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of your loss. I always enjoyed John's kindness, intelligence and humor. It has been many years since I have seen you all, but I have such fond memories of all of you. What I remember most about John is how his face would light way up and he'd have the biggest, brightest smile whenever we were talking about you two, Emma and JQ. He loved you so much and had so much pride and joy in you! Sending love to you all. less
I consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for JP at RSCO in my first job after college. He was a fantastic mentor--he got me excited about our work--causing me to love the analytical joys of business and leave my plans for... moreI consider myself extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for JP at RSCO in my first job after college. He was a fantastic mentor--he got me excited about our work--causing me to love the analytical joys of business and leave my plans for academia behind. He also made work FUN--whether we were "hollerin" as a team to warm up for the 6 am sales meeting, watching him demo his roller blades in the long (otherwise stuffy) hallways at Robertson, or luring him out from under his desk with an espresso (double) when he made the (brief) mistake of trying to go caffeine-free. I also vividly recally finishing key business meetings in Silicon Valley only to detour through the Baylands in Palo Alto so that he could educate me on the bird life and then often stopping for a "real" taco in Redwood City.
Several years later, he encouraged me to go to the GSB, where he later gave me a hard time for "posting his job description for a position at Offit Hall on my refrigerator" when he hired my roommate Aliza to work for him. I will sincerely miss him and appreciate the amazing influence that he had on my life.
John and I became close friends within minutes of my arrival at Stanford Business School. Our quirky, trivia-obsessed senses of humor, love of snark, and addiction to outdoor hoops sealed instant bonds. He was a unique combination of sweet and funny,... moreJohn and I became close friends within minutes of my arrival at Stanford Business School. Our quirky, trivia-obsessed senses of humor, love of snark, and addiction to outdoor hoops sealed instant bonds. He was a unique combination of sweet and funny, atypical for a "dude".
I borrowed a small brown Andiamo duffel bag from him in early 1983 when I had to go to a wedding in Chicago. I STILL have it and still use it every trip.
These pics are from June 1983, when my mom "gave" me four steel belted radials, available in Klamath Falls, OR where my uncle lived. We drove up there to see my Aunt and Uncle and his (crazed) Great Uncle Ottis, and to bird watch.
I saw JP so many times over the years after B School. The last time I saw him was in Chapel Hill in August 2017, when he met me to watch a large scale puppet theatre performance at the amphitheater at UNC, which my daughter Sally was performing in. We spent the whole weekend goofing around together, and it was like we were still in grad school.
I will miss him. I sent him constant photos of birds from the golf course, and he always commented. What a wonderful person. less
I had the privilege of knowing JP during the fun years at Robertson Stephens. He was always so encouraging to the young people trying to make it out there! Thinking of his family during this tough time!
Dear Emma, JQ and Millicent,
My deepest condolences. I remember John as such a kind, kind person. He took the time to see you and hear you. A genuine soul. May you all find comfort in each other and in the many memories who have.
Dear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. I worked for John (aka "JP") early in my career at Robertson Stephens. Words cannot express just how much of a positive impact that he had on my... moreDear Millicent, Emma and JQ,
I am so saddened to hear of the loss of such a kind and gentle soul. I worked for John (aka "JP") early in my career at Robertson Stephens. Words cannot express just how much of a positive impact that he had on my life both professionally and personally, for which I will forever hold immense gratitude. One story that I would like to share reflects just how much generosity and kindness he had for others... While working for him, I became engaged. JP not only attended my wedding on Sept. 12, 2000 in Maui as our "witness," he also hosted our wedding dinner as well as ensured that two of my closest co-workers, "PRatt" and "CJ" were there to watch me "walk down the beach." My husband and I always think of JP when we visit this beach in Hawaii. The next time we are there I will lay a wreath in his memory. Here is a picture from that day.... less
I must admit I’ve been struggling to find the right words for this note. My eyes start to well up with tears when I consider his passing and I think to myself, “Did I thank him enough?” JP was a pivotal person in my life.
I remember meeting JP... moreI must admit I’ve been struggling to find the right words for this note. My eyes start to well up with tears when I consider his passing and I think to myself, “Did I thank him enough?” JP was a pivotal person in my life.
I remember meeting JP at Robertson Stephens 20 years ago. He happened to be walking across the open trading floor and stood out, because he seemed to be taller than just about everyone at the firm and wore the most stylish eyewear. He made it a point to come over and introduce himself to me that day. I was new to the organization and didn’t work with him directly, but he went made it a point to just come over, say hello, and spend a few minutes to get to know me a bit. It made a big impression on me. Every time we would see one another he would stop, say hello, and remember things about our last conversation that no other person would have remembered. He took the time to be present. We would just pick up the conversation where we left it last. He would give me thoughtful advice about the job and otherwise.
I was so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet him. Had we not met at Robbie, I likely wouldn't have had the opportunity to to join him at Hall Capital Partners, which was such a special time for me professionally and personally. Working with him at HCP was where we really got a chance to form a friendship. He was just fantastic. He was funny (oh my gosh he made coming to work fun!). He was kind. He was present.
JP knew that the connective tissue of relationships were the small moments shared between people. He went out of his way and made it a point to stop by my home and check-in with Bianca and me when our first daughter Emmi was born. He put in a call when our daughter Aubrey arrived. He would randomly call me up and check-in even when we moved to Boston, which was a really big transition for us. He did small things that meant a lot.
I am thankful to have worked with him. I am grateful to have known him. I am joyful to have had the privilege of calling him my friend.
I will miss him tremendously.
My deepest condolences go to Millicent, JQ and Emma. You should know that whenever JP and I spoke, he would proudly share pictures and stories of you and all the wonderful things you were doing. He was so proud and always beamed when he spoke of you.
John made an unexpected and wonderful first impression on me... one that I think says so much about who he was as a person.
Years ago, my mom called to tell me that I had a cousin living in San Francisco. She had just been on the phone with his mother -... moreJohn made an unexpected and wonderful first impression on me... one that I think says so much about who he was as a person.
Years ago, my mom called to tell me that I had a cousin living in San Francisco. She had just been on the phone with his mother - Betsey Powers (who I had heard of) - her own mother's first cousin, who was the young flower girl in my grandmother's wedding. My mom and Betsey wanted to connect their San Francisco offspring.
I agreed to call him, unsure of the level of enthusiasm I would receive, given that we were second cousins once removed. (Something we later worked out.) But I made that call, leaving a message on his voicemail.
Within 15 minutes I received a call back: "Karen! It's John Powers saying hello from London!" Within 30 minutes I had a photo of him in my in-box, cocktail in hand, taken at a birthday party in Hawaii. And within the week, I was meeting him in person in his office at Offit Hall, where he walked me into a roomful of cubicles and colleagues and announced, "Everyone! This is my cousin Karen!" Having grown up on the opposite coast from my relatives, he made my heart sing.
It turned out that I had worked in the same building as this lovely man for a few years, never knowing of our connection. And that my husband had actually worked with John on a deal in Boston -- before I knew either of them -- and looked up to him.
John and I would meet for the occasional lunch where he would tell me about the three of you, Millicent, JQ and Emma, and share with me life wisdom that I truly appreciated. Through John I later met Betsey and Anne, at a small family reunion in Richmond, VA, and Anne and I now share a sense of family connection as well. I am grateful to John for that.
I ultimately left SF for Seattle, Paris, LA and now, Newport Beach, but remained in touch with John, seeing him here or there. In the gaps, he would send photos of Emma and JQ along with proud (no, PROUD) updates. I have never met you, Emma and JQ, but through your dad, feel like I know you. I suspect that many feel the very same way.
You were each a beautiful gift to him, as he was to you.
Sending my love, sincerest condolences and warmest wishes...
Karen Kamel less
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
His laughter - in the Gale – is heard -
And sore must be the storm... moreEmily Dickinson and I wrote a short poem for JP:
“Hope” is the thing with feathers -
That perches in the soul -
And sings the tune without the words -
And never stops - at all -
His laughter - in the Gale – is heard -
And sore must be the storm -
That could abash that very large Bird
That kept so many warm -
He stood by me in the chillest times -
And on the strangest Seas -
Yet - never - in Extremity,
Did he asked a crumb - of me.
Since JP's departure I see him in every bird: the squawk of the crow, the glide of the hawk and the intense attention of the little bird who tends to her newborns in the nest under our eve. JP made us laugh, cry, try harder, expand our range.
RIP JP; every bird that glides, chirps, sings or squawks will remind me of you.
JP was the most selfless person I know. He loved to give, he loved a good party, he loved to make others happy and feel special, he love love loved his family , and he was the most amazing, thoughtful, courageous man, boss, friend I will ever know. Rest... moreJP was the most selfless person I know. He loved to give, he loved a good party, he loved to make others happy and feel special, he love love loved his family , and he was the most amazing, thoughtful, courageous man, boss, friend I will ever know. Rest In Peace sweet friend. less
I’m happy to be among the many who admired John and greatly valued his friendship. I’m remembering laughs and bars and ballgames and kindnesses from Brooklyn in 1978 to SF last year with many stops (Chapel Hill, Boston, Comers Rock, and lots in... moreI’m happy to be among the many who admired John and greatly valued his friendship. I’m remembering laughs and bars and ballgames and kindnesses from Brooklyn in 1978 to SF last year with many stops (Chapel Hill, Boston, Comers Rock, and lots in Manhattan) along the way. Was hoping to continue for many more years.
With love to Millicent, Emma, JQ, Anne, Tom, Julie, and Avery,
Scott Stroup less
It breaks my heart that JP was taken from you, his family, who he loved and adored with all his heart, so young. And it breaks my heart because I lost someone who I considered to be not just a professional mentor but one of... moreDear Millicent, JQ and Emma,
It breaks my heart that JP was taken from you, his family, who he loved and adored with all his heart, so young. And it breaks my heart because I lost someone who I considered to be not just a professional mentor but one of the most generous, kind-hearted and people-loving beings that I've had the privilege to know. I looked up to him about how I should be around people in all kinds of contexts and situations.
And he was funny to boot! In fact, some of my most treasured memories come from our travel travails in Europe during 2005-2007 while at Offit Hall. At the time, we were doing a lot of due diligence on companies in Europe, so we would do these break-neck city-to-city trips around the continent.
So we were always in cabs, airports, airplanes and random offices. One time JP arrived to Paris and while refreshing himself at the lounge at Charles De Gaulles, he used one of their disposable razors to shave and cut himself pretty badly right on the chin. I was already in Paris at the time and met him 20 min before our next meeting. He was bleeding pretty badly and holding a kleenex to his chin. We had to run around the streets to find a pharmacy and and do a combination of sign language and gesticulation to buy some bandaids and cotton balls (the French don't speak English on principle). I tried my best to affix the bandaid to his chin, which was challenging because it moved anytime JP spoke, threatening to fall off. Over the next few meetings, including a lunch meeting, was spent me watching anxiously whether the bandaid was going to hold anytime JP would talk. Thankfully it didn't fall off and land in his soup!
I have many more funny memories from working with JP, but what I remember the most is the care and attention that he paid to everyone on his team, especially the junior people. When my mom visited from Europe, JP took us out to lunch and he was very interested in her story. She remembers him to this day. He truly and deeply cared about everyone who worked with him, regardless of title or position.
JQ and Emma - I remember you guys as little ballerinas in the Nutcracker. I've seen you at least twice perform at Fort Mason. The best part was hearing JP's commentary on everything going on during the performance - he was so proud of you guys, I'll never forget his beaming face of pride. I've heard many more stories about you from your proud dad and I feel I know you guys like family.
The last time I caught up with JP, JQ had just returned from Russia. Being half-Russian, JP relished telling me all about his visits to Moscow and JQ's experiences in Russia. We had such a fun time talking about all things Russia vs. US and cracking up.
My heart is heavy today. I will always remember JP as one of the most important mentors and influential father figures in my life. I lost my own dad at 16 to a car accident when he was just 59, so I feel the pain of a sudden loss of a father. In a way, I feel like I lost a father too....
I will miss him dearly!
My deepest condolences to Millicent, JQ and Emma and all the friends and family that this wonderful human being left behind.
It’s difficult to convey what JP meant to me in just a few sentences. He was an incredibly important professional mentor to me, affording me autonomy and empowering me early in my career. We had many hilarious (and stressful) professional experiences... moreIt’s difficult to convey what JP meant to me in just a few sentences. He was an incredibly important professional mentor to me, affording me autonomy and empowering me early in my career. We had many hilarious (and stressful) professional experiences over the years. My favorite was a trip to London in which my 5’5” self raced across cobblestone streets in heels in order to keep up with JP who seemed to be sauntering from meeting to meeting. Fortunately, we stopped at many a pub – allowing me to catch my breath
Closer to my heart and for many years after our professional relationship ended, he was a dear friend. We shared quite a few inside jokes, usually at the expense of one or the other of us – including his incessant reminders about the time that I popped into his office with two different shoes on. I sat right outside his office and had a habit of taking my shoes off under my desk and when he called me in abruptly from time to time, I occasionally slipped on the wrong shoes. For some reason he found this hilarious and it became an inside joke between the two of us for more than a decade. In fact – the last thing I texted him was a twitter post about professional women with mismatched shoes and a picture of me in two different shoes.
JP was so important to me – and also to my husband, Abdul – that we asked him to officiate our wedding (yes – it did become “his thing”). JP prepared a beautiful, personal and meaningful speech and helped make it a truly special ceremony.
It breaks my heart that JP was taken from us so young and way too soon, but I feel tremendously fortunate to have had him in my life for such a long time.
My deepest condolences to Millicent, John Quincy and Emma.
Rest in peace John. You are well-loved and will live on in our hearts.
Dear Millicent, Emma, John Quincy, Anne and Tom,
Sending my condolences to you on the loss of your unforgettable husband, dad and brother John. Over the last 50 years, in contact and sometimes not, John was a great friend. So glad I had a chance to... moreDear Millicent, Emma, John Quincy, Anne and Tom,
Sending my condolences to you on the loss of your unforgettable husband, dad and brother John. Over the last 50 years, in contact and sometimes not, John was a great friend. So glad I had a chance to speak with him over the last few months, and to see the John I had always known - clever and funny and genially listening to my too long reminiscences of years and dive bars past. John was one of the few people who visited me when I lived in Minnesota, and he found an apartment for me so I could return to New York - more dive bars. I know he did as much for many others. His amazing work ethic and stamina beautifully matched his ability to fall asleep on any couch. I'll stop now, but I'll never get over that I won't be receiving emails from John that the smelt are running in Cayuga lake.
Love to you all,
Sean less
Millicent, Emma and JQ. I'm thinking of you all, and I'm heartbroken to hear of John's passing. His generous spirit and kindness shown through the way that he always made me feel seen, included, and part of your extended family. Please know that I am... moreMillicent, Emma and JQ. I'm thinking of you all, and I'm heartbroken to hear of John's passing. His generous spirit and kindness shown through the way that he always made me feel seen, included, and part of your extended family. Please know that I am with you in your grief and I am honored to in the virtual celebration of his amazing journey. less
Millicent, Emma, and JQ, I wanted to send you my sincere condolences. I loved working for JP at Offit Hall, he was my first boss and mentor. He truly had a deep impact on my life. I enjoyed keeping in touch and seeing him, when I eventually moved to NY.... moreMillicent, Emma, and JQ, I wanted to send you my sincere condolences. I loved working for JP at Offit Hall, he was my first boss and mentor. He truly had a deep impact on my life. I enjoyed keeping in touch and seeing him, when I eventually moved to NY. The one thing that always stuck out to me was his love of his family and how proud you made him. He always smiled and had a glimmer in his eye when he spoke about you. Please know that I am thinking of you during this difficult time. May JP's memory be a blessing to all who were lucky enough to know him.
With deep sympathy,
Kim (Smith) Sagor less
Dear Millicent, Emma, and JQ, I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I loved getting to know all of you at Town School and still remember an "early years" party hosted by the "Powers Family" as being so warm and welcoming. I remember seeing John riding... moreDear Millicent, Emma, and JQ, I was so sad to hear of John's passing. I loved getting to know all of you at Town School and still remember an "early years" party hosted by the "Powers Family" as being so warm and welcoming. I remember seeing John riding his bike (always with a helmet) around San Francisco and thinking "now there's an original guy", since neither was something done much then (biking to work/kids' soccer games and wearing a helmet). As you know I am a short person, and as such, am often intimidated by tall people. I have to say one of my best memories of John is just how kind and friendly he was to me...he put me right at ease even though I might get a neck-crink looking up at him 😀. Despite his height and vast intelligence, he never lorded anything over me. I loved the way he spread calm energy to us all at Town events and soccer games. Thinking of your family has always brought a smile to my face. I wish you all the best and know that John has you in his heart where ever he may be. less
I had the good fortune of working for John for a number of years at Stanford Management Company very early in my career. No matter how busy he was, John was always incredibly generous with his time and really took the time to be a mentor and a friend to... moreI had the good fortune of working for John for a number of years at Stanford Management Company very early in my career. No matter how busy he was, John was always incredibly generous with his time and really took the time to be a mentor and a friend to so many of us. It is no exaggeration to say he was one of the most important mentors I've had in my professional life, most importantly because he was always an encourager, and believed in my abilities even when I wasn't sure I believed in myself. He played this role for so many others as well, and was loved, admired, and respected by so many people.
What I admired most about John was that, despite having such a high powered career, his family remained the most important thing in his life. I remember so many conversations in which he would proudly share all about what his children were doing and the adventures he and his wife were having as they traveled the world with Emma and JQ. John just glowed with pride and happiness whenever he talked about his family.
Millicent, Emma and JQ - my heart hurts for you. I can only imagine the grief you are going through having lost such a wonderful man you were blessed to call your husband/dad. My heart is with you all and I'm praying for you to find peace through your grief. less
John and I were friends in college and after. For many years, we had not been much in touch--different coasts and the usual demands of daily life. But John always did manage to keep in touch and he loved a surprise. One early morning several years ago... moreJohn and I were friends in college and after. For many years, we had not been much in touch--different coasts and the usual demands of daily life. But John always did manage to keep in touch and he loved a surprise. One early morning several years ago my phone rang and it was John. "Guess where I am," he said, and not waiting for me to make a guess he told me that he was in a cab being driven into Moscow to see his kids dance with the Bolshoi. He was, of course, intensely proud of that--though he affected some nonchallence, as if having accomplished dancers in one's blood lines was common. He was also feeling the pleasant effects of some wine he had drunk on the flight, intensified by jet lag. I was very glad that he thought to share that moment with me. I am very glad to have him as a friend. I miss him. less
John and I worked together at Yankelovich, Skelly and White long ago, and then we were classmates at Stanford GSB. He was a very good friend in those years, basketball teammates, with all the attendant socializing, and "section mates" as well.... moreJohn and I worked together at Yankelovich, Skelly and White long ago, and then we were classmates at Stanford GSB. He was a very good friend in those years, basketball teammates, with all the attendant socializing, and "section mates" as well. He was such a great guy, such a calm presence, a ready smile, lots of laughs and fun, full of energy. He was a big part of my grad school experience. After GSB, Wendy (also a business school classmate) and I went back East and, regrettably, over the years John and I lost touch. As it happens, John's brother Tom and I went to the same college , and he now works at our alma mater. When I was back on campus a few years ago, I met with Tom and he put me in touch with John again. We had a great chat and I now treasure the chance that I had to reconnect with him, albeit after too many years gone by. The world has lost a wonderful man, and way too soon. Wendy and I offer our heartfelt sympathy to Millicent and the family. Best, Tom Gardner less
JP meant the world to me and to so many. I’ll miss him greatly. We met in San Francisco during the early 2000s when he became my boss at (what was then known as) Offit Hall Capital. We didn’t exactly hit it off but soon through grit and... moreJP meant the world to me and to so many. I’ll miss him greatly. We met in San Francisco during the early 2000s when he became my boss at (what was then known as) Offit Hall Capital. We didn’t exactly hit it off but soon through grit and determination, we realized we had a lot in common professionally and personally.
Always an extraordinary storyteller, my husband and I were thrilled to have his presence at our wedding in Yosemite not only as a guest but as our officiant, a role he came to play in several ceremonies over the coming years. I have the vows he read framed hanging in my Boulder, Colorado home. I’m so happy to have those words as a reminder of the role he played in my life and the lives of so many others.
Rest In Peace, John Francis.
All my love and strength to you, Millicent, JQ, and Emma.
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