A senior at Rose Hulman University in Indiana, John was on his way to tutor students the morning he was killed in a car and train accident at an unguarded crossing with malfunctioning crossing lights. He was only 21.

It was the day before he was to come home for Christmas break. Five months later, we accepted his two summa cum laude degrees, one in mathematics and the other in physics, both awarded to him posthumously.

John carried a 4.0 grade point average each year he attended Rose Hulman, was the top-ranked student all four years and won numerous awards, plaques and trophies for outstanding achievements of merit. John presented five different papers at six mathematical conferences held at various universities throughout the United States during his college career. His most outstanding work was featured at a special session of the MAA held in San Francisco the fall before his death.

Although John possessed amazing brilliance, his intelligence wasn't his greatest characterictic. His humour, goodness, and constant willingness to help others are what people who knew John remember most about him.

John's indomitable spirit urged me on and wouldn't let me rest until I had this book published. His enthusiasm, love of life and consistent example of completing every task he ever attempted were the forces that drove me after his death.

This book is a tribute to his happiness, his zest for living and the enjoyment he experienced in everything he did, including playing old-fashioned childrens games when he was a child. I hope these games will bring smiles to kids' faces---like hi unforgettable smile, etched in my heart forever.

..........God's Garden must be beautiful, he only takes the best!

G O O D B Y E

Do not stand at my grave and weep.

I am not there. I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.

I am the diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain.

I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circling flight.

I am the soft star that shines at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry.

I am not there. I did not die.

Gwydion Pendderwen

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