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The others above have said it all....John now leaves a hole in my heart....Paul, Jane and Scott and all of John's other family meant the world to John and he spoke so highly of each and everyone of them. We were known to each other as 'Breakfast Buddies' as we shared Fruit loops for breakfast at Jill's Mars Meet.... I can be proud to say "John has slept in my bed' (in the other guest room of course)....as he stayed here for during our Nanaimo meet. WE stayed in contact throughout the next years and met again in Moncton and Mazeppa..... He was always consistently happy, willing to share his wealth of knowledge, and a joy to be around.....he always had a strong, powerful hug to greet you. You could ask John anything....and of course after receiving a smart-ass answer to it. he would then share the truth with passion in every breath. A passionate prankster...how could you not love him? His talent is indescribable. Perfection.
The 'GoldFather' will have a place in our hearts forever.....condolences to Paul, Jane, Scott and all of John's family and freinds....Remember he cherished you, was so proud of you. Watch for gilded clouds....it will be John doing what he does best.
-------------------- Susan Banasky Source Signs Nanaimo, British Columbia sourcesigns@shaw.ca
When in need....go directly to the "Source"!
Proud Supporter of this "Knowledge Network"! Posts: 1323 | From: Nanaimo, B.C. Canada | Registered: Oct 1999
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This is a shock ... our prayers go out to the Jordan family...We've met John at several meets and he give me the nicname of Molly Duker...We were looking forward to trading Assie slang with him this comming summer at Moose Jaw...Truely sad He will be missed.
-------------------- Pat Welter Masterhand Signs and Designs Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada Posts: 1304 | From: Unity, Saskatchewan.Canada | Registered: May 1999
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We met John in Boise, 2000. Shared a few pints,lunches and laughs together. When we considered headin' down under to the meet a few years ago, John, in his great sense of humor, suggested Danine can stay at his place, I can find a cheap room of my own. John was a pleasure to be around, wealth of knowledge, and one who could take a good joke as well as give... We'll miss you, mate.
-------------------- Tony Segale Segale Fine Art & Gold Leaf Sign Co Lodi, CA www.tonysegale.com
""and he took that golden hair and made a sweater for baby bear" Posts: 216 | From: Lodi,CA,USA | Registered: Feb 2000
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What a great human being this man was. He touched so many people. He sure lived life to the fullest. Paul, Scottie & Mom...we're thinking of you.
Tim, Dawn & Brooke Meyer
-------------------- Tim Meyer
950 W 2nd St. Zumbrota, MN 55992 tmpondy@yahoo.com
Mike Meyer's older bro Posts: 62 | From: Zumbrota, MN, USA | Registered: Aug 1999
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WOW! thats terrible news. I have so many great memories of "big John" as do many others from all over the globe. He was a fun and very tallented guy, i'll miss him too. My sincere condolences to Paul, Scott and all of his family and friends.
I took some time just now to cruise through some meet pics including mazeppa, just to relive some of the great times we had slinging paint and sturing up the yanks heheh (and anyone else for that matter) its a aussie thing i guess.
Sad sad news.
Regards Rod and family.
-------------------- Rod from, EAST COAST AIRBRUSHING "Airbrush Art & Graphics" Nambour; Sunshine Coast, Queensland. Australia E.mail: rod@rodticklesigns.com Web: www.rodticklesigns.com Posts: 635 | From: Nambour, Sunshine Coast, Queensland | Registered: Dec 1998
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It seems like only yesterday I was lucky enough to have met John at the letterheads meet in Scotland. I only managed to speak with him a few times over the couple of days I was there, but came across as the perfect gentleman and a bit of a character too… Having only learned of his passing less than 30 minutes ago I am still in a bit of disbelief...
my thoughts and Condolences go out to his family.
-------------------- Robert Lambie Glasgow Scotland UK
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The smile,the nod,the wink,the sparkle could have only belonged to one man.John Jordan. What this man contributed to our Maritime meet 2 years ago will never be replaced. This man had so much love for the craft & all those involved he became one of the greatest figures at any meet.I would walk over to where he was talking to a group in hopes that some of his knowledge would drift my way.He would wink & give me the thumbs up sign.He slighted none.Talked to all & hugged a few chosen ladies.(some more than others I might add). To his family,be proud of what he meant to all he touched. God bless you John Jordan,my friend.
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We were blessed to meet John at Jacksonville this summer. What a beautiful person. He surely left this world a better place with all his work and for all the lives he touched. Bernie and I are deeply saddened by his passing. To the family we extend our deepest sympathies and pray for your comfort. I expect to see some gild in the clouds and that will be my comfort. Velma and Bernie Lohmeyer
-------------------- Judy Pate Signs By Judy Albany, Georgia USA 229-435-6824
Live simply...Love generously...Care deeply...Speak kindly...Leave the rest to God. Posts: 2621 | From: Albany,GA,USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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The message just caught up to Judi and me ... what a shock. I am so glad that we all could see John in Cincinnati both at the zoo and the museum as well. I don't remember when we first met but we had so much in common I knew right away we were brothers. He was at so many meets after that first one that I was more surprised when he was not at one. He was doing what he wanted, sharing that vast knowledge and enthusiasm. Especially the enthusiasm.
To Paul and the rest of the family, please know we who knew him are all better humans in the grand sense. John was not just teaching sign making, he was a humanist, philosopher, mentor, friend, and an international treasure. We will miss him selfishly but we will keep great memories in our hearts.
-------------------- Kent Smith Smith Sign Studio P.O.Box 2385, Estes Park, CO 80517-2385 kent@smithsignstudio.com Posts: 1025 | From: Estes Park, CO | Registered: Nov 1998
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Wow. I stopped at Jill's on the way home from Pittsburgh today, & she told me the sad news.
I am so glad I got to meet him at the Zoo this summer. Funny, I wasn't sure who he was at first, & he saw me blending my colors on my panel & asked if I had any boiled linseed oil, then he grabbed my brush out of my hand & started to blend! I will never get rid of that panel, & he signed my box, yes, like others, & I am so blessed, & he never grumbled when I asked him either!
I got to have breakfast with him & some others too, & I am so glad. There I was, a "nobody" to many, but he made me feel like everybody else.
What a neat little guy! Yes, & so frisky too! I feel so awful that I will not get to see him again at another meet. He was such an interesting little fella, that's for sure.
To John's family, you all must see how much he was loved & admired, & appreciated. I pray you are comforted through this time, I am sure you will miss him so very much. Bless you.
-------------------- The Word in Signs Bobbie Rochow Jamestown, PA 16134
724-927-6471
thewordinsigns@alltel.net Posts: 3485 | From: Jamestown, PA 16134 | Registered: Oct 2002
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I was saddened by this news the other day & while not knowing the man, I've heard so much here in Letterville, that I know I missed out having never had the pleasure to meet Aussie John.
It was clear he was well loved all around the planet long before this discussion, & it is clear now.
I'd like to also extend my sympathy to John's family.
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So sorry to hear of this news. Thank you, Steve, for letting us know. My husband, Torance, and I extend our sympathies to Paul, Scott, Brian and families.
Met John at the '99 Mazeppa meet. Last year Torance and I visited him and spent a whole week-end at his home in Sydney. Yes, he certainly was proud of his country...drove us all over the city.
(I'm sure the cockatoos and cockateils that he fed out his back door will be missing him, also.)
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I always liked the phrase "pay it forward". I had a long talk with John in Detroit and talked with him again at the Zoo this summer. The best tribute we can pay him is to nurture and spread his love of life - his generosity and enthusiasm - as widely as he did.
-------------------- Sarah King - Angel Gilding Supplies 708-383-3340 sarahk@angelgilding.com Posts: 27 | From: Oak Park IL USA | Registered: Sep 2003
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Wow...things do happen in threes- we're in Adelaide having just buried my great friend here, and my brother-in-law last Friday...
the world can be a queer place with its timing. It is all the harder when it is so unexpected, but we can be thankful if he at least went with no pain.
Our prayers and thoughts are with you Paul, Jane, Katie and Scott, and Vicki, and John's siblings (how many?) and Wally (Dean)...
JOhn will be enjoying himslef in heaven, and watching over the lot of us, so we'd better be on our toes!
Next year's letterheads won't quite be the same...
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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I'm deeply saddened by this news. John touched us all with his engaging personna, his talents and his sincere willingness to share his knowledge with fellow letterheads. I guess all who met him were touched by how easy he was to visit with on matters concerning our trade and matters of life.
I will remember him for the twinkle in his eye and his gentle teasing. I enjoyed his glass guilding seminar. He told me how my last name should be pronounced and described what it was like to be a sign writer in the land down under.
Like Pat King, John will be talked about for years to come, because he made you feel very comfortable and at ease in his presence. Life would be more glorious with more like him. Bless his heart.
-------------------- Bill Diaz Diaz Sign Art Pontiac IL www.diazsignart.com Posts: 2107 | From: Pontiac, IL | Registered: Dec 2001
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I don't know many of you personally; however I was fortunate and honored to meet Aussie "Chick Magnet" John at the Nanaimo BC meet. He did an incredible job with his gold creations and from what I could see everyone in the class did beautiful work because of his teaching. At dinner, John was the center of attention at our table and he just took it all in stride as if it were a daily occurrence - and it was!
Through the years I have been amazed to hear about his globetrotting adventures and this forum shows just how special a person he really was. To say he was a goodwill ambassador for Australia and all sign people is an understatement, he truly was a legend and if there is a step above that then he is that too!
My sympathies go out to the family and to everyone that he touched in his teachings. He will be missed by all.
-------------------- Brian Diver PDQ Signs Everett, Wa
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I've just returned from 2 weeks in Alaska and this is the saddest of news to arrive home to. There are few people in this world that have made such an impact on me, and John was one of them. I only had the opportunity to meet face to face in Nanaimo, and that short time will be remembered dearly, as will John's dedication to sharing the craft he loved so much. Also being able to pick up the phone with a question, calling a friend halfway around the world and have him walk me through what I had forgotten regarding a gold project is priceless.
I had never seen any gold work being done in my local area, but now with the greatest of thanks to John, there is. Hopefully before my time is up, I will have the opportunity to pass on the knowledge John gave me and continue the cycle in the same selfless fashion as he did.
Rest well John, and my sincerest condolences to your family and the many friends you've made worldwide.
-------------------- Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC Posts: 736 | From: Halfmoon Bay, BC, Canada | Registered: Sep 2000
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I was fortunate enough to spend a few magic moments with John myself. Last summer at Jacksonville I sat across the table from him at the big dinner and I was talking about the Tim Tams that Mr. Tickle had sent up to me...when John joined in and said.... "ya know the proper way ta eat em don't cha?"
John you will be greatly missed...my heart goes with you....
posted
Thank you to everyone who has posted so far. For those who would like to attend Dad's funeral service, it will be held in the South Chapel, Woronora Crematorium, Linden Street, Sutherland on the 21st of November 2006 at 10.00am. After, we will meet at Cronulla Golf Club, to recall all the great times we had with him. We have requested no flowers, if anyone wants to do something in Dad's memory please email me at paul@jordansigns.com.au and I will give you the details. As shown by all the postings here and all the emails and phone calls we have had, it confirms my thoughts that Dad was a very special person.
-------------------- Paul Jordan Jordan Signs http://jordansigns.com.au paul@jordansigns.com.au Australia "We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw, I think. Posts: 166 | From: Caringbah, N.S.W., Australia | Registered: Nov 1999
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Hellow all In a time of loss such as this with John I am upset that him and I wont be able to take the **** out of people together again.I don't think the sign world relises what they have lost! The most travelled letterhead on the planet,a bank of old school and a prffit of new . My teacher red wine throwing brother in arms. I will miss you dearly my true friend Elvis
-------------------- Elvis jbfx 1 empire rd. bridegend christchurch new zealand Posts: 9 | From: new zealand | Registered: Oct 2006
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Sorry to hear paul, I met John at Renmark at the letterheads(he brought that bloke Mr Meyer with him) and he came over for a panel jam as well. He was like yoda of the sign game - the master.
-------------------- Mark Stokes Mark Stokes Signs Mount Barker South Australia Posts: 388 | From: Mount Barker | Registered: Jan 2005
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Stewart broke the news to Peggy and I last night. We were lucky enough to be with Letterhead friends sharing memories of a truly gifted man who gave it all back, with his vast talent or a great joke. We raised our glasses to his wit and wisdom, knowing we'll miss him terribly, but glad to have experienced that ever-present twinkle in his eye.
Here's a panel I started in Cincinnati, but as usual, never quite finished..........
-------------------- www.signcreations.net Sonny Franks Lilburn, GA 770-923-9933 Posts: 4115 | From: Lilburn, GA USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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Only just heard the sad news, I have many fond memories of John. He has saved my bacon at almost every UK meet by dancing with my wife (I'm not a dancer) Goodbye old friend.
-------------------- Paul Priestley Signworx South Yorkshire England paulpriestley@blueyonder.co.uk
never too old to learn Posts: 66 | From: uk | Registered: Nov 2003
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"There wasn't much of Jordo, but he had a heart of gold..."
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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Thank you for all your thoughts and prayers. Dad's funeral was held yesterday, the service was well attended by his friends in the signwriting industry, from his golf club and his family. There was even a guard of honour by the New South Wales Fire Brigade. Thanks to all who shared this time with us. A old friend and signwriter wrote this poem for Dad 'A few lines for you, John Jordan, “JJ”- my old brother of the brush, and as I write, I can just hear you say I shouldn’t write, sentimentally, “mush”.
We could have debated just one more time a particular alphabet’s worth, or whether the shading be bold or sublime or why, of good gilders, there is such a dearth.
We could have recalled old brushmen of note- the hand lettering artists of yore of clients who’d try to beat down your quote, and how you would show them the door.
Or of jobs requiring ladder irons and plank, and signcutters- away, way up high. they were good times to be perfectly frank, with no Workcover Inspectors to pry.
Just enjoy this break now, Brush-brother John- relax and take a back seat, we’ll all catch up with you, sometime later on at St Peter’s Letterheads meet.'
Ron “Biddy” Bidwell
19th Nov. 2006
After the funeral we adjorned to Cronulla Golf Club, which Dad had been a member of for over 40 years, to talk of the various ways in which Dad touched our lives, also some of his achievements and escapades. it was a fitting send of for a man who 'lived life well'.
-------------------- Paul Jordan Jordan Signs http://jordansigns.com.au paul@jordansigns.com.au Australia "We don't stop playing because we get old, we get old because we stop playing" George Bernard Shaw, I think. Posts: 166 | From: Caringbah, N.S.W., Australia | Registered: Nov 1999
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Wade and I and all the SIGSN OF THE TIMES staff were honored to have had John at the Letterhead meet in June. I personally didn't get to spend much time with him due to all the runing around inherent in being a meet host. Now I wish I had just stopped and taken time out. The measure of someone's life is how many people they've touched and from the myriad of warm messages expressed here, and all the stories, and all the wonderful thoughts left unexpressed, John's was certainly as big as life could ever be.
-------------------- Tod Swormstedt American Sign Museum 407 Gilbert Avenue Cincinnati, OH 45202 ph 800-925-1110, ext 336 fx 513-421-5144 Posts: 35 | From: Cincinnati, OH USA | Registered: Mar 2001
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Paul, I was saddened to hear about your dad. I was lucky enough to get to spend some time with him at several meets & he's always been one of my favorite Letterheads with his irrepressable smile & infectious good humor. I especially enjoyed the round of night golf we shared at the French Kiss meet and, along with everyone else here, will really miss him.
-------------------- Chris Elliott 1longshot@classicnet.net cell 62084two2232 Posts: 686 | From: Scottsdale, AZ & Anthony, KS, USA | Registered: Dec 1999
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We're still in the process of unpacking. There are all sorts of things we picked up during our week long stay with John. When we look at our photos, there is Jordo. He's usually out in front urging me to get by butt in gear. So many great memories.
The greatest gift John gave us was not something you can hold. He taught me the value of Family, the importance of attending Letterhead meets, passing on knowledge, and daring others to follow their dreams. He was, and still remains, a brillant example of everything the word Letterhead stands for.
On a personal note, I was touched by the discussions we shared about Family. I couldn't help but feel just a bit jealous of the relationship John had with each member of his Family. I know there are many of us who wish we had a Dad like John Jordan.
There should be various spots around the World where we can see John's work. It's an inspiration in itself. In my heart, the greatest memorial we can pay to John Jordan is to remember the Man, and use his example to teach others. Make certain, all those who attend meets, leave with the confidence that they too can do it.
Jordo lives on. Take some time to meet Paul and you will soon discover what I am talking about.
[ November 22, 2006, 05:17 PM: Message edited by: Steve Shortreed ]
-------------------- Steve Shortreed 144 Hill St., E. Fergus, Ontario Canada N1M 1G9 519-787-2673
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Thanks for posting that poem, Paul- it's a goodie! Peter Tierney filled me in on the funeral details, so there was at least a Qld contingent there. All the best!
-------------------- "Stewey" on chat
"...there are no limits when you aim for perfection..." Jonathan Livingston Seagull Posts: 7014 | From: Highgrove via Toowoomba, Queensland, Australia | Registered: Dec 2002
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jill butterfield asked that i pass this along...
my heart goes out to john's family and our letterhead family...there is definitely a hole in our hearts...i can't help but feel so privileged to have known him...there was no doubt that he loved this craft, loved sharing at meets (- you could just tell)- taught us all so much-, loved his kids-( in cinn. at lunch with bill riedel, he told us that he considered his kids his best friends...) ... loved to laugh...he was a fantastic signwriter, a man's man, a ladies man and he just lived the hell out of life- out straight... his positive energy was contagious...quite a force...he will truly be missed...
jill
-------------------- Karyn Bush Simply Not Ordinary, LLC Bartlett, NH 603-383-9955 www.snosigns.com info@snosigns.com Posts: 3516 | From: Bartlett, NH USA | Registered: Jan 2001
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