Thank you, Jayne, David, and Susan. It is, indeed, uplifting to hear about these homages.

I want to add my condolences to this forum since it was here that I first met John. My experiences were much like Michael's and Chris's - he also worked his underground cash railroad routine for me a few times before I figured out transferring from my friendly neighborhood bank to the big evil transnational one allowed the checks to go through without the fees. He was a polar opposite in politics but the exemplar that proves the rule that humor and consummate skill bridge many a divide. I'm very glad that I met him, and each time I was able to carry away several copies of his books to distribute among people who also loved his work. I'll miss him.

Frank Osen

Adding my condolences. I met John at West Chester (in 2016?), enjoyed speaking with him briefly, have loved reading his poems, and plan to read more. What a wonderful depth of intellect and humor he shared with us.

Claudia

I'm just finding this out now. It's very sad that we've lost John, our beloved Spherean. My condolences to all his friends and family.

John's obituary was in The Daily Telegraph today.

Thanks, David. The first few paragraphs may be read by non-subscribers here, or they can read the whole thing (as their one free article per month) if they register upon arriving there:

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituari...poet-obituary/

It's been a long time since I visited here - but, oddly enough, I tuned in precisely because I recently reread John's book Writing Poetry and had a hunch I'd better find out if he was still alive. I appreciated reading all the fine tributes here.

For the record, I'm still here (at 84) but not writing much.

I saw this was bumped up, and the update in the subject line. Was he buried somewhere else? Sure, just messing around. But liked John quite a bit and admired much of his work, so one more tip of the glass.