Ken Newman: On losing Jon
Jon, Losing you leaves a big hole – in me, in your friends, in our Company. You were always a sharp, smart technical professional – very capable, very responsive and very giving. We always counted on you and you always came through.
Sam: On daddy’s behind-the-camera impatience
In this (super low quality) video, you can hear daddy becoming just a tad impatient for Joelle to perform the “Barbie Girl” dance I choreographed for her.
Veal with Caramelized Onions & Horseradish Potatoes
One of daddy’s absolute favorite recipes? Veal with Caramelized Onions & Horseradish Potatoes from the Four Seasons Hotel Restaurant
Ingredients needed for 4-6 servings (according to number of chops)
- 6-7 ounce veal loin chops
- Olive oil
- Salt & pepper
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 3 medium~large onions, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chicken stock or canned broth
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 3 medium~large russet potatoes, peeled, thinly sliced
- 1-1/2 cups coarsely grated peeled, fresh horseradish (1 large or 2 small roots)
- Pinch of freshly ground nutmeg
- 1-1/2 cups whipping cream
Melt butter in heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add onions and sauté until golden brown (approximately 40-45 minutes). Add stock and sugar and simmer until almost all liquid is absorbed (approximately 10-15 minutes). Note: onions can be prepared one day ahead if refrigerated.
Preheat oven to 375°F. Place potatoes in 13x9x2-inch glass baking dish (grease dish first). Top with horseradish. Sprinkle with nutmeg. Season with salt and pepper. Pour cream over. Cover with foil and bake until potatoes are tender (approximately 45 minutes). Uncover and continue baking until golden brown (approximately 10 minutes). Set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare barbecue or preheat broiler. Brush veal chops with oil. Season with salt and pepper. Grill or broil veal to desired doneness (approximately 5 minutes per side for medium).
Cut potato casserole into six rectangles. Using metal spatula, transfer potatoes to plates. Top each potato rectangle with one veal chop. Bring onion mixture to simmer. Spoon over veal and serve.
Rick Phelps: On real estate mistakes
Great house, great price, whoops
We didn’t make much money in the beginning so I got a real estate license to make some extra money. Jon was willing to be my first client – we found a large townhouse at a great price. I figured out all the costs for him – almost. Amazingly, he was rather forgiving when he found out that I forgot to tell him about an FHA mortgage insurance premium that he had to pay at closing, which was a couple thousand dollars.
Morning Soundtrack: Besame Mucho
Rick Phelps: On notable, quotable Jon
Regarding the high ropes course at Creating the Future, Jon said, “My doctor said I can do any of the activities as long as I have at least one foot on the ground.”
Things Daddy Loved: Canfield’s Diet Chocolate Fudge Soda

Bobbi Moss: On Jon as a swim dad
I met your dad at the JCC when my daughter started swimming for the Dolphin Club winter swim team. Your dad loved swimming!
Your father knew a great deal about swimming. He loved watching Sam and Joelle swim. Dane, he told me he hoped you swam one day too.
The special thing about him was he watched all the kids swim and not for competitive reasons but because he knew the kids. He complimented their swims and was just so encouraging. Your dad was always quick to compliment a great swim stroke. He told me about UVA swim camp and how they made Sam do her backstroke start over and over until she got it right!
Jon absolutely adored his family. I always viewed him as the dad any kid would love to have. It was so evident in the way he talked about you guys. Dane, he described you as quite active and busy. He talked about vacations you guys went on together. He just loved you all!
I will leave you guys with my all time favorite memory of your father: We parents were sitting in the stands as we usually did chatting about life. On this particular day we were talking about who our kids looked like and he said, “they are beautiful like their mom….”
I think this pretty much sums up the love he your Dad had for his family and what kind of man he was.

