I met John in 1988, when I was a junior in college. Esther Lauser told John I was transferring to UNC-CH the same year he was pursuing his MBA at UNC-CH. I had completed my first two years at The University of Delaware while John had just graduated. He looked me up in the student directory at UNC and, a lifelong friendship began.... The following are quotes from a few, different letters I received from John: "Deni, I accept you as you are. You're my friend. I cherish ALL of my friendships. I have yet to balance honesty with sensitivity with each of my friends. I know why, though. It's because I treat everyone the way I want to be treated: give me the facts, straight, unvarnished. Thank you for being so very loyal, honest, forgiving, patient and kind to me. You truly are my best friend. You have earned it and no one has knocked you out of it. I love you so much. You never give up on me, Deni. I know I can always count on you in any situation. God really did bless me by putting you into my life. I smile whenever I think of you. I value you as the special person you are." Those kind words from John will live in me always! Countless memories went into those sentences by my BFF including riding his moped, sharing a ride during semester breaks, watching Tar Heel women and men's basketball games, telling me how much he despises cats, watching movies, going to UNC football games, meeting my daughter, visiting his athletic office at UNC and GA Southern, exercising at the gym, our mutual distain for NCSU and Duke, and MOST IMPORTANTLY talking about the love for our families and the central role God plays in our lives. His intelligence and ambition allowed John to receive three prestigious degrees. His passion for baseball, basketball and football are intense. His love for his mom, dad, sisters, and close relatives is unconditional and eternal. He mentioned all of you to me, even though I have not met you. His love of God and his faith are his rock, his foundation. God Bless you always John, Love Deni