A high school friend passed away yesterday. Ive posted below what I posted on his page. His name is John Altamirano It was the beginning of the school year of 1968 when I first met John. I moved to San Juan and at that time SCHS was the only high school there was. I moved from Ontario where, pretty much every day, I got my ass kicked. Junior High was particularly bad as I would stay at school long after everyone left so I could walk home alone. Imagine my fear of being at a new school. I was small (even at graduation four years later I only weighed 125 pounds and close to 58). I just knew that a beating or humiliation was on its way for me at some point. I signed up for band and said I could play the drums. Which was a lie really...I played the clarinet but I liked hanging out with the drummers in the back of the band room...they were cool. John was my first friend. He was a year older than I was and instead of picking on me he looked out for me. We became good friends over the next high school years. My father had a private plane and John went with us to see my Grand Parents in Missouri as well as other family trips. We had a great time. Years later we reconnected on Classmates. We soon found another class mate named Kathy Cannon. All together we were like matches and gasoline. On one of these gatherings, John said a joke that I wish I had thought of. We laughed till the tears came at his delivery and content. We were at Kathys home waiting...of course...for her to get ready. When Kathy was finally ready and came down stairs to meet us, John and I were just talking about how much San Juan had changed. I think it was Kathy that said that it was a kind of sacrilege that Mervins had been built where the Drive In was. At this point...John put a serious face on and began to look gradually at the floor saying... I know....some times I just go into Mervins and stand about where the childrens shoes are....Im pretty sure thats where I liked to park. There were some good times at that drive in. John was very much loved. I can tell that by all that is written here from family and friends. I can tell you all though...hes still here. Love never ever dies. Its so true. See you soon my friend. I bet you and your Pops are moving some mud around right now.
Posted on: Thu, 07 Aug 2014 23:28:52 +0000
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