In passing

I came into my auxillary office just a few minutes ago to work on a project from this morning. The owner here is also the owner of “the land”. “The land” refers to a naturist retreat, and I am on the board of the land’s governing organization.

So is John Ritter. Not the actor, although John Ritter more closely resembles the old man from “Three’s Company” – but the resemblance in in stature only.

John is President of our organization – a bold thing because his name alone is public on our board roster. And that was okay with him. He was that kind of guy – someone not afraid of being recognized for something he believed in.

It also helped that he was retired, and was also well loved by everyone who met him.

John was always looking for things to do, things to make the place better. He volunteered to mow the retreat property all summer. With a large acreage, this is no small chore, neither in time nor frequency. But he comes out of his own, before being asked (as if anyone would) and before it was noticed, and trim the whole place. It was pretty much a full time job, and he was lovably grumbly about it.

John knew everyone who came out to the land, and if he didn’t, he quickly met them and never forgot them. He was firm when needed, sometimes contankerous, but always friendly and ready to smile.

The President position is a figurehead position on the board – the Chairman really leads the board, sets the vision – but John kept meetings on track, and through his seemingly tireless labors thoroughout the year he kept the whole organization and the land itself on track.

I came in this evening to my auxilliary offce, and the owner came out of his office and asked, “Have you checked your email?”

John Ritter passed away in the wee hours of this morning, after suffering a massive heart attack last Wednesday.