After a successful career as a farmer, volunteer and advocate, John died on March 22, 2011 at his home in Pulaski Wisconsin. At 78, John was not ready to quit but his body couldn't keep up with his heart.
John felt that teaching others self-sustaining, co-op based farming practices in poor countries was a priority. His teaching led him to Nigeria, Macedonia, Siberia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Estonia, Armenia, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland and most recently, to Haiti.
It is in the mountainous Grand Boulage area of Haiti that John focused his last years, with over ten trips. He literally mobilized his hometown of Pulaski Wisconsin and especially Assumption Parish. He was relentless in raising funds and awareness of the work he passionately believed would help lead the people in Grand Boulage out of extreme poverty.
John worked with and through the Partners of the Americas' Farmer to Farmer projects. He also served on the Friends of Haiti Board of Directors. John never accepted 'no' for an answer or a request. Through his work in Haiti: crops flourished, trees grew, rabbits multiplied and water flowed. He touched lives globally with "small town" finesse. If you were a family member or a friend you gave your all to help achieve the goals he wished for in Haiti. There was no other option!
John's work will live on through his request to have his memorial dedicated to the work in Haiti. We salute you 'Big John' . And we will try our best to keep your work moving forward.
