Jon: I have spent the last week, day-in & day-out with Lisa……, first at your bedside urging you on, then after your passing preparing for this Celebration. I have had the opportunity to speak with so many of your friends and extended family, and in so doing have seen & felt the wonderful mosaic of your life.

• You have reminded us of how important family is
• You have confirmed the essential role of humor in coping with life’s roller coaster
• You have shown us what true courage is
• You have lived with integrity and have been selfless in the service of others
• You have taught us just how precious and rare the connection of love is, whether between husband and wife, parents and children, or with friends

I was thinking a lot about what Jon would want to say to all of us if he could:

• First of all, he’d find something in this situation that would have us all laughing
• I know he’d want to say that he had been blessed with the love of his wife, his children, his parents, brothers, and family, and such an extended family of friends
• I know he would encourage each of us to take advantage of every moment we have here on this earth to appreciate, nurture and enjoy all of our relationships, to learn from each other, to support each other, and to laugh and, most of all, to have a great time
• And I know he’d remind us to savor every hug, every smile, every friendly word, and every opportunity to help someone
• And I know he’d ask us to stay connected with him in our thoughts and in our hearts, by remembering all the love and the laughter we’ve shared, for there is no greater tribute.

Delivered Dec. 6, 2002