Thread: Lost an old friend today, really one of the last of his kind

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John Booker R.I.P.
John was a Marine Biologist, who helped thousands learn more about the ocean. He was a mentor, and a serious boss who'd let you know when you screwed up. He had a musical talent that he often shared with friends, most played Buffet tunes on the guitar. He could party and play with the best of them, yet be one of the most respected and feared bosses when needed.He taught me to Captain a vessel safely, reinforced common sense over book sense. John was a living legend in southern Florida at New Found Harbour Marine Institute/Sea Camp. He was the kind of guy who never got bored doing his job, never let a good opportunity to pass, like a tropical storm for high speed wind surfing. He was a sailor, a teacher, lover of nature and women. And I'll miss him dearly.

Sorry for your loss,but oh what memories and life lessons.you are much richer for knowing him.

Sounds like you had a really good friend, it's sad when the good ones go. It also sounds like he enjoyed life and helping people be all they could be.

I had a neighbor when I was a kid he didn't set records, discover anything although he was always making things to make the job at hand easier. To me he was a great man and not a day goes by without me thinking of him and what he taught me. I was lucky to have a good neighbor and you were lucky to have your friend, boss, mentor and all around good guy.

Richard

Consider yourself fortunate to have had someone so inspirational in your life. We hate to see them go, but go they must.........as will we someday. I'd say it sounds like he made the most of each day alloted him...............just as it should be.

Sorry to hear of his passing, Steve. We all just pass through this life for a very brief time, some more brief than others. When a man leaves the impression that he did he lived his life well and full. I know you feel a loss, but it should be tempered somewhat by the gifts of his that still remain here.

RIP.

Don

sorry to hear of your loss

So sorry to hear ......... out thoughts and prayers are with you and his entire family

Sorry to hear you lost your friend, Steve! Sounds like he dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him! A teacher's work lasts many generations....

Steve,I can only echo the sentiments of those before me..Sorry for your loss..

Thanks Guys and Barb. I posted this, because it seems that few people of strong integrity still remain in my life. John was one of those.
I feel lucky to have known him, and know he truely lived his life. Makes me re-evaluate life in times like these, and maybe get an attitude adjustment.

One favorite story I encountered while working with John, was during Jewish Kids week at Sea Camp. For one week a year, all Jewish schools would attend the Environmental Education program(marine biology school) we held. It wasn't a pregidous thing, just a way to meet religious beliefs, such as kosher foods, and prayers between classes, and separate boat trips for girls and boys(not allowed to bare themselves in front of each other).
I was in charge of Dormitory policing during this week, when one night a rambunctious group thought it would be fun to throw stuff into the ceiling fans. Well after several warnings, and a talk with one of the parent chaparones, the kids escalated instead of going to sleep. Next thing we heard glass breaking. So I go down to see what has happened. The kids are playing dumb, and the parent chaparone(who hasn't done a thing but drink with his buddies gets involved). So I start explaining that they are going to have to pay for the window, and that they need to clean the glass up before they go to bed. Drunken chaparone guy(we'll call him Marvin) starts saying that I'm picking on the kids. Next thing you know he's accusing me of being a "Jew Hater". At this point my roomate who was trying to sleep thru all this, comes out to see whats going on. The guy starts to showve me, then Tom gets between us, an a sort of belly bucking gets started. Luckily John was near by so we get him involved. Marvin starts going off on how the kids are just having fun(it's after midnight! and they are 6th graders). He starts accusing me of stuff I'd didn't do or say, then goes off on Tom my roomate, and before you know it we hear how he owns three house of Pancakes in Miami, makes more in a day then we do in a year.
Well John sends us to the office(for which the chaparone Marvin is now droning on about if we aren't fired that he's going to sue the camp.

After about thirty minutes John shows up at his office. He tells Tom and I that whatever we did this guy is pissed. "Steve he really doesn't like you, and Tom he wants to kill you! He says you guys were stiring up the trouble and the kids weren't doing anything, and the glass just fell out of the window...JESUS!" I thought o.k. here it comes, but John just breaks into a smile, tosses us a set of keys to his house, and says, well you guys take the next two days off till this assH@%$ leaves, we'll bill the school for the damage and blacklist them from coming back. In the meantime hang low at my place, there is beer in the fridge!"
And that was John. He saw through the crud of life and moved on to more important or fun things.
Another favorite John Booker quote, "Don't you know,never call a REDNECK a redneck!"

that was a great story. he seemed to be a fantastic guy. what great memories you have of him. you are very fortunate to have known him.

Some people just have that ability to see the big picture and reject the rest of the BS. I had a mentor in business years ago who was older than me and who was the Vice President of our company. I would go into his office complaining that I needed such and such to be able to do my job, and his favorite saying was "Don, if you are being attacked by an elephant and you only have a bb gun, what are you going to do?" I told him I'd probably get killed, and his reply was "Nope, you shoot him as many times as you can and then start hitting him over the head with the gun." Point was, you have to do the best with what you have available or fail.

Everybody should have a teacher like your friend and mine. They teach us stuff you never learn from books.

Don

Steve, my wife has a little plaque hanging in a hallway, "When someone you love becomes a memory, the memories become treasures". Sounds to me like you've already got some treasures from your times with John Booker, and I predict that your treasure chest is going to grow over time as you recall more and more memories of your times with him through the years. Deepest sympathies on the loss of your friend.

Thanks again for the kind words.

Sorry for your loss.