Few things render me speechless, even at the passing of my oldest and dearest friend I was somehow able to get myself together to write. But the news that not only our friend but the man who headed up a large division of Glenn’s company drowned yesterday while snorkeling in the Virgin Islands has left me in a state where I am truly unable to express myself with any clarity.
BEYOND TRAGIC
Few things render me speechless, even at the passing of my oldest and dearest friend I was somehow able to get myself together to write. But the news that John McWhinnie who was not only our dear friend but the man who headed up a large division of Glenn’s company drowned yesterday while snorkeling in the Virgin Islands has left me in a state where I am truly unable to express myself with any clarity.
Hundreds of people are rocked to their cores by this extraordinary man’s sudden death. John would have turned 44 in three weeks. He was on vacation with his wife Maria when the accident occurred.
I am in no shape to even eulogize him properly at this moment. I am taking the week off from the blog to tend to the needs of my husband, my children, details and friends. As I said yesterday and our friend Jessie Butterbaugh said today, for Glenn short of losing myself or the girls nothing could be more devastating than the death of John.
I send love and prayers to his wife Maria. Friends have galvanized forces and our friend Nick Weber flew down there immediately to be with her.
I can’t put into words the cyclone of sadness that has enveloped our world. So please excuse me while I go to mourn John, be there for my husband, help Maria in whatever way I can, and be a sounding board or a shoulder for anyone who needs me. I will be back.
Live every day my friends. Love those you are close to. Don’t waste time on petty things that don’t count. It can end faster than most of us are aware.
In Loving Memory John McWhinnie January 29th , 1968 – January 6th , 2012
Dear Tracy, I’m so sad for the loss of John. It’s unbelievable!
If there is anything I can do to help please let me know.
My number is 917-392-1384
My love to all Claudja.
As always Tracy – you say it better and smarter than anyone. We’re all numb around here. John was a wonderful man and our hearts hurt for Maria. Lizanne
Shocking..Im very sad for Maria.Its truly is unbelievable.
Love to you and Glenn .Terrible tragic loss..
He truly was a gifted human.
Love,
linda
dear tracy…my heart and prayers wrap around you, glenn, your family, and john’s family during this most challenging time…elisabeth and fred
Tracey, I’m so so so sorry. There are no adequate words when something like this happens. Go be there for your family and for John’s family. Sending you love and prayers.
Bless the hearts and souls of John and all who loved him. What a horrific loss. My deepest condolences.
So very sorry for this huge loss in everyone’s lives and for your friend’s life not to be fully realized. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Oh Tracy, I am so sorry. It is true that in a second life can change so drastically. What a tragedy.
I can say only this; they are lucky to have your friendship and loyalty and support. That is the only thing that can help.
Our dear friends lost their son to an accident 30 years ago; and having their friends surround them with help and love and support are the only reason they survived.
A terrible , terrible tragedy. They said the same thing you did; “hold your loved ones close, tell them how much you love them, and don’t let any small stuff get in the way.”
Horrible. My heart is with you!
I found a really good summing up of dealing with the loss of someone who is irreplaceable— it’s from Chicken Soup for the Dysfunctional Family—
“When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure…”
Tracey, I am so sorry for your loss. I didn’t know John, but thought what a blessing it must have been for Glenn to work daily with someone he grew to love like family. Many people endure co-workers, some like them, and then others become family. Paul and I are so, so sorry for your loss.
Mariana Williams
Tracey,
My sincere condolensces to you and Glenn. I met John only last summer during the Hurrican sale with Sofia. Sofia adores books – art, design, fashion—you name it! John was so kind and personally took her downstairs to see his ‘secret stash’ and gifted her with a few photography books he thought would interest her. It was a full house and I distinctly remember the time and interest he took in answering her questions. You could tell he had such a kind soul and genuine interest in others. I will keep him in my thoughts and prayers in this time marked by such immense tragedy. Please send my best to Glenn as I know he must be so devastated.
Warm regards,
Christina Juarez
Dear Tracy, I’m so sad to read of this man’s passing. I can only imagine the shock waves it must be sending through his and your family. Reading the comments below I wanted to “Like” everyone of them but it didn’t seem appropriate. I will take their advice and yours to heart and put aside all petty stuff and just love the people in my life while I can. So true, we don’t know what’s around the corner for any of us.
I’m so sorry for your families loss
Dear Tracey and Gleen
I am so very sorry for your loss, You are in my thoughts and prayers.
I can related to you it seems everyone I love has come to an end and lost suddenly.
May the comfort of God and love of those around you help you during this difficult time.
Regards,
Silvana Lopes (Brazil)
Thank you Vicki! As you know better than anyone no one said it would always be easy.
Oh my dear Tracey, I am in great sorrow about John, and I know what a loss this has been for you, for Glenn, for Maria, and for all your friends and family. I knew him as the most charming, intelligent, sensitive man, and one of the smartest people I have ever met. His brilliance and his kindness won me over at once, it is such a rare, extraordinary combination. Terrible loss, a hurdle that will be with us all, you and Glenn and his family –and his sister!! what a blow to her–and I am so so sorry. God Bless, love you, and know I am sending prayers and condolance to all–Judy Collins