I was a newcomer in the early 70's at Karme Choling, faced with the insider mentality of the sangha. John accompanied the Vidyadhara during his frequent visits and I gave him a ride to St. Johnsbury so he could shop for the Boss. He accepted me as a friend and fellow devotee and gave me confidence, as well as told amusing stories. He loved joking, as I did and we had the comfortable wordplay of those who practice this, a clever repartee with no winners. I served the Kalapa Camp at 1978 Seminary under his direction. Here is a poem I wrote of what he taught me: "Who but the vajra dustman can clean up the detritus of the mandala's unending play? With the twinkling of his eye, he reveals the essential emptiness of the garbage can." The last time I saw him was in Ireland, he had a small house in the north-east of the country and I rode a bus all day to arrive to his welcome and a glass of stout looking over valley with more sheep than humans. I stayed a few days, we had a wonderful time. His entourage at the time was mostly former IRA veterans who had moved west from Northern Ireland. They were tough, but warm and devoted to him. He told me I was giving a talk half an hour before Sunday sitting. We had another laugh about that while he drove me to the bus back to Cork. We have had few emails since, but his kindness and humor are enduring gifts. He was never uppity, despite being closer to the Boss than anyone else those years. He inspired my service of many years with his example of not pestering the boss for advice, just being there in his presence and helping the play of the mandala. I hope to see him in the next life.