Guest Book for

John Reagan Philips

Page 1 of 10

These comments are up to May 20, 2006  

Until Nov 4, 2006—Go to www.legacy.com and look up John Philips  

	March 24, 2006
	Dear John, We love you. We understand. Randa and Riyad

	March 11, 2006
	Hello Jane, Jean and Peter. I have been thinking of you all and hope that you are continuing to heal from your tremendous loss. I have John's picture on my fridge and continue to marvel at what a wonderful, sweet person he was. I know that Sarah misses him. I think of you and him as I hike through the red rocks of my new home. We keep him close to our hearts as we do you.
	Nancy Neff (Ivins, UT )

	March 6, 2006
	Dear Jane, Jean and Peter The tributes written here are so sad, and so affirming of the love and courage in your family. We grieve for your loss of John and his loss of life. Sincerely, Diane
	Diane Teichert (Lexington, MA )

	January 30, 2006
	"Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened." Every day I smile because John happened in my life.
	sarah rumbellow (boston, MA )

	January 3, 2006
	Beannacht (Blessings) On the day when the weight deadens on your shoulders and you stumble may the clay dance to balance you. And when your eyes freeze behind the grey window and the ghost of loss gets in to you, may a flock of colors, indigo, red, green, and azure blue, come to awaken in you a meadow of delight. When the canvas frays in the curach of thought and a stain of ocean blackens beneath you, May there come across the waters a path of yellow moonlight to bring you safely home. May the nourishment of the earth be yours may the clarity of light be yours may the fluency of the ocean be yours may the protection of the ancestors be yours And so may a slow wind work these words of love around you, an invisible cloak to mind your life. John O'Donohue Anam Chara (soul friend)
	Tami Derezotes (Salt Lake City, UT ) tami@mail2Yes.com

	December 15, 2005
	John was a hero for me and a guide. His death shocked me in ways so greatly. I volunteered with him at the library and had to stop after his passing cause it reminded me of him too much, even though I know he would not have wanted this. If you would like the pages written at his memorial typed up I will do it for you in very little time. If its already done, can I request a copy?
	Benjamin Moroney (Salt Lake City, UT ) bluemadhatter@hotmail.com

	December 13, 2005
	Dear Jean Jane and Peter... On Sunday, I lit a candle during the Worldwide Candle Lighting. Of course I lit it for Hillary and Rose, and many others, but this year I mostly thought about John. Actually, so much of my thought includes John. How precious this life is, how temporary. How powerful one lifetime can be, how much one person can do. You three are doing so much to enlighten us all; with your open hearts, your candor, your willingness to spread the information about the truth of drugs today. And John, in just one short life, did so much. He emulaated true integrity, absolute truth and love. WOW, such a blessing. He felt all human emotions completely. I was skiing down Will's Hill, and John was everywhere, and yet painfully, not here. I, like Paul, will miss him most when I realize he can't enjoy this perfect powder or that perfect sunset. Or, maybe he does and he is watching over all of us... Helping us all have a little more truth and integrity in each ezpression. And forget-me-nots, since I have known John, they have been my favorite mountain flower... Of course, he would choose forget-me-nots. He drew them on the letters he wrote to Liani Choles (my daughter) in grade school. May the flame of love in all of our hearts light you and keep you safe and help to heal the immense grief that you are working through. With loving support, John, Jane, Jean and Peter, I will forget you not. Tami Derezotes
	Tami Derezotes (Salt Lake City, UT ) tami@mail2Yes.com

	December 12, 2005
	Dear Jean and Peter and Jane, thank you so much for the note and memories of John. I can only imagine your pain, I was so hopeful that John had found another way. When I spoke with him in the days just preceding his tragic death he told me about his treatment and his intent to go to the University. He was always so supportive and proud of Amanda getting her life back together and starting at the University. I understand the heartache of a child on drugs and alcohol. How quickly the bar drops from wanting a Harvard graduation to wanting your child just to survive. If there is ever anything that I or Amanda can do for you just let us know. I really admire your honesty, so many parents have hidden their similar tragedies. They lose their ability to help other children in the same situation. You have been so lucky to have such supportive friends, many people shy away from the tragedy of parent's with addicted children, I guess from fear. I know that John did not really realize he might die, it is so final and someone so young has a hard time understanding the finality. Jean and Amanda
	Jean Boyack (Salt Lake City, UT )

	December 7, 2005
	Dear Jean and Peter, We received your lovely note today. Thank you. The bravery and candor you have shown - we're in awe. No one will ever know how many people you have helped. Bless you. Much love, Chris and Barb

	November 24, 2005
	Dear Jean and Peter, While I don't know you personally, I know of you from my brother Norman Waitzman. He speaks of you guys often and I know you made the transition into Salt Lake City smoother for him and his family. I hope their friendship brings some solace and helps in your current transition. I was very touched by what you wrote in the Tribune and know John was and is deeply loved by many. God and peace be with you.
	Debby Waitzman (Hoboken, NJ ) drwaitz@aol.com

	November 22, 2005
	Dear Jean, Peter and Jane, After more than two weeks, the words you spoke at John's gathering are still fresh in my thoughts. It seems impossible to make sense of what's happened to you and your family. Your commitment to be open and honest has removed a veil of complacency in many parents we have talked with over the past few weeks. Know that many are thinking of you and your family every day and wishing you peace. Our thoughts are with you. We only wish that they could bring you comfort.
	Susan and Dennis Corth/Glass (SLC, UT )

	November 19, 2005
	Dear Peter, Jean and Jane, My deepest sympathy goes out to all of you. I saw this young beautiful face in the paper and my heart just ached. John's smile is addicting. I couldn't take my eyes off his picture. You can tell that this wonderful young man had happiness in his life. I also am struggling with a son who also started using drugs at the young age of 13. He is now 21 and still is chained to this horrible way of life. I was so very impressed to see your strength Peter for being on the radio show Friday. You are truely a hero. My prayers go out to you and your family at this time of saddness and loss. May God bless you and your family and bring peace to make it through this sad time.
	Judy (Slc, UT ) Jetwhalen21@juno.com

	November 18, 2005
	Please, accept my most sincere sympathies on the loss of your precious son, John. I did not know him, but I know your pain well. I called into the talk show this morning to tell you about the loss of my own son, Robby Nunes, who also died of a herion overdose on 4/16/01, at the age of 19. I ask God to grant you peace and pray that, in time, your memories grow sweeter and your pain less. I also ask God to bless you for speaking out like this. Somewhere in Heaven, a very special angel now guides you.
	Sandi Daoust (Salt Lake City, UT ) Sandi@trophyhomes.com

	November 17, 2005
	I went to elementary school with John. He was a great person and a good friend. I was flabbergasted when I heard what happened, John had always been so athletic and healthy. My heart goes out to his family, I know they and many others will miss him.
	Lance Brown (Centerville, UT )

	November 17, 2005
	Dear Peter, Jean, and Jane, I was updating my scrapbook last week and I came across some old photographs that I took at Antelope Island. There were all these wonderful pictures of Andrew, Paul, and John and all the O.C kids playing in the water, starting little grass fires with the magnifying glass, and of course putting up the tent. That day is one of my best memories of the fun all the boys had together. I will miss John and his long blonde hair and quiet smile. John was a good friend to all and a sweet young man. He will be missed.
	Jacquie Kick (Raleigh, NC ) Jaxs8140@aol.com

	November 16, 2005
	"Tender Soul", how true. When I arrived home after a long day at the office, my son, a school mate of John's, ran up to me and said that his friend had died of an overdose. He was visibly shaken, saddened. I told him that I was so sad for him and for your family and that I wished him peace of mind, as do I wish you. After he walked away, I cried. I am very sorry for the change in your life, and wish you much peace and comfort at this time knowing that John is a good and tender soul.
	Suzanne Cunningham (Salt Lake City)

	November 15, 2005
	I too would like to add my appreciation for your honest and loving tribute to your son. Thank you for your courage.

	November 14, 2005
	I considered John my friend although I did not know him extremely well. John ran cross country with me our sophomore year in high school. John had an amazing aura around him all the time, and honestly I looked up to him. I loved running with him. I got to know him better while hanging out in the tetons with him, paul, and owen. For two summers we had a blast up there. I never could figure out exactly why, but i really did look up to John. Although we never became really close friends, we definitely had some awesome times together. Thanks John.
	Trevor Harper (Salt Lake City, UT )

	November 14, 2005
	Today was a great day in the northwest. Although the sun never got very high in the November sky, it was sunny. The air was clean and crisp. I rode my bike to the silent bay where the water reflected the calm blue of the late afternoon. I loved every moment of it. However, tonight I have found myself looking for something. I think that I have been looking for John. I know that John would have shared the day with me in quiet love, he would have stood there and watched the sun set in perfect understanding of the moment. Thank you John for all that you have given me and all those around you. With love your friend
	Paul Kimbrough (SLC/Bellingham, WA ) kimbrop@cc.wwu.edu

	November 14, 2005
	I do not know you, nor did I know your son, but your honesty has touched my family. My son-in-law was on a plane with his father on his way to The Betty Ford Center for his 5 year use of heroine. He is such a wonderful caring young man and my daughter loves him dearly. They have a 3yr old and a 1yr old. His dad was reading the paper on the plane trip, and J. noticed your son's obituary and said to his Dad, "Wow, that guy looks so young. What happened to him?" His Dad handed him the paper so he could read your wonderful tribute to your son. His Dad followed up with, "I hope we are not the next ones writing this story." We are praying that along with all the other stuff that has happened, John's obituary has an impact on our son-in-law, and anyone else with a loved one who is in the terrible grips of this drug. Thank you and God bless your family.
	name withheld

	November 14, 2005
	Dear Jean, Peter, and Jane, I don't know if you'll remember me, but we lived 2 doors down from you for a short time starting 3 years ago. When we had our little girl, Jean came by to see her, and Peter and Jean, you always had such joy in your faces when you would talk about her with us, and about raising your own two kids. We have often referred to Peter telling us "be sure to take her fishing and she'll turn out okay"...that is advice we will heed, yet it makes us so sad that while you did EVERYTHING RIGHT, it wasn't enough to conquer John's demons. Whenever I would walk by your house with Tia in her stroller, I knew, just knew, that you were all inside TALKING...not watching tv, but being together. Your very house itself gave off the vibes of the warm and wonderful family it housed. I would see John around the neighborhood a lot. He was always kind and friendly. Little did I know how much he was suffering. I learned of John's death on the news Friday night. My heart broke to listen to you talk about it. You are such kind and lovely people. I can't get you out of my mind. And I hold you in my heart. I've had a desire to just come by and hug you guys. I might do that sometime and I hope that is okay. Clark and I send you our thoughts. Peace.
	Kim Bloom (Cottonwood Heights, UT ) km_bloom@yahoo.com

	November 14, 2005
	I am also the mother of a child plauged with addiction. I want you to know that your hearfelt tribute to your son was beautiful and honest and touched my heart. I applaud you for your honesty, your willingness to share your thoughts, and I can tell you they helped me. I pray for your comfort and hope that maybe for a moment today I can help share your sorrow and lift you. May God bless you and comfort you at this time.
	Name Withheld (Cottonwood Heights, UT )

	November 12, 2005
	Peter, yesterday Norm Waitzman, upon my return to town, told of John’s death and of the loving reflections upon his life and your time with him. This morning I’ve had the emotional privilege of sharing the guest book responses to joys John brought to life and the support that you, Jean, and Jane provided—and gained from—him. Your review of his life gives us new commitment to share the best of times and to build understanding of life’s challenges. With sympathy and appreciation.
	Bob Huefner (Salt Lake City, UT )

	November 11, 2005
	I remember a honey-skinned, white- haired athlete in swimming trunks at my son's birthday party at Cherry Hill. And there he was again at the Liberty Park pool for his own birthday party. He had an easy smile and a friendly nature. I appreciate the wonderful story about John's life. John and his story have touched so many people. Bless you
	Leslie Lewis (Centerville, UT ) leslie.lewis@slc.k12.ut.us

November 11, 2005

I do not know you or your family. but this story touched my heart so much. You are such an honest family and you have a beautiful son. I am saving this article for my teenage son to show him what could happen to him or any one he knows if they choose to try drugs. I have so much respect for you and the truthfulness of your life. He is up above watching over you and your family. Don't ever think that you did wrong as parents because when we are young we know it all and parents don't know anything. He knew you were right about it all. He wants you to know that.

November 10, 2005

Sincere condolences from us and all your friends at CPWR. As you know, our son is only two years older and I can't begin to imagine your sorrow.

Jim & Donna Platner (Silver Spring, MD )

	November 10, 2005
	Dear Jean, Peter and Jane, I feel I am a much better person after having read these tributes to John. And this world is a much better place because John shared his caring, tender spirit so freely. Jean, your dad John Reagan and his wonderful wife Janice are life friends of our family here in Southern Pines, NC. The Reagans are the best...just ask anyone in town! (I met you here when you visited Brownson). Upon their return flight from Utah to NC, I had a chance to visit with John and Janice and take them some food. We talked of the glowing spirit that John was and is. For decades, my husband and I have enjoyed flyfishing and hiking. Camping in Yellowstone and the Tetons is our favorite thing. I will indeed think about and "talk about" your John when I look up into those glorious mountains. Our hope is that rereading these tributes to John will give your family comfort. May words help as much as is humanly possible to put a smile on your faces and a spring in your step. We Harpers send you much love.
	Kim and Walter Harper (West End, NC )

	November 9, 2005
	Dear Peter and Jean, Please know that I share your great sadness at the loss of your son. How tragic it is that this has occured. My thoughts and prayers and those of my wife are with you.
	Robert Christiansen (Salt Lake City, UT )

	November 9, 2005
	May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
	Terrance Cantrell (Roy, UT )

	November 9, 2005
	Dear Peter, Jean and Jane, My brother Norman wrote to me of your terrible loss. My heart goes out to all of you at this unspeakably sad time. I have read about John in this obituary and Norm's eulogy, and I'm sad for me, too, because I never got to meet such a special human being. I hope I get to meet you all when next I'm in Utah. With warmest wishes from London, UK. Mimi Waitzman
	Mimi Waitzman (London)

	November 9, 2005
	I have vivid memories of one of John's first days longboarding. John, myself, Paul kimbrough, and Shawn Komlos rode up to lambs canyon in Paul Kimbrough's car while listening to the Toots and the Maytals. John seemed to introduce a happy reggae-like spirit into all of our lives through his musical interests. He certainly did on that day; the blue skies, the fall leaves, and the rippling stream beside the road all seemed harmonic with John as he carved down the canyon like water would with his thick locks flowing behind him in the wind. I vividly remember that day every time i listen to the Toots and the Maytals. The day was peaceful and symbolic of the inner peace that John often portrayed. On that first day of longboarding John outrode all of us who had rode before. His athletic excellence and natural talent always amazed me, and he exhibited this excellence with great modesty. I, like many of my best friends (Paul kimbrough, Shawn Komlos, and Trevor Harper), always looked up to John. I will miss John.
	Tyler Bugden (Medford, MA )

	November 9, 2005
	Peter: I am very sorry to see this notice and my condolensces go out to you and your family; hang in there, Tim
	tim smeeding (syracuse, NY )

	November 9, 2005
	Dear Jean, Peter, and Jane, We are so sorry about your loss. There are few words to say other then our thoughts are with you and your family at this time. Mary and Stefano, Rome, Italy.
	Mary & Stefano Merva (Rome, Italy)

	November 8, 2005
	The tide recedes, But leaves behind Bright seashells on the sand. The sun goes down, But gentle warmth Still lingers on the land. The music stops, Yet echoes on In sweet refrains... For every joy that passes, Something beautiful remains. —Author Unknown From what I understand of John's affinity with nature and the out-doors, I am sure you will see plently of "John-Joy" for years to come. I pray you receive comfort from them. With deepest sympathy,
	Kathy (NF ) korky52@yahoo.com

	November 8, 2005
	Dear Jean, Peter and Jane, I was so sorry to hear about John. Although I have not seen him for a couple of years, my experience with him as his student teacher in sixth grade at the OC was one I will never forget. I instantly bonded with John as we shared a love of the outdoors especially fishing. He was so patient and willing to try anything new that I asked him to do. He will always be one of my favortite kids! Travis and Steven enjoyed skiing with him at Brighton and will miss him very much. John was a special person who will remain in my heart always. I will continue to talk about him.
	Pam Clark (Salt Lake City, UT ) eclark1662@msn.com

	November 8, 2005
	I went to the OC with John for a few years, and though we weren't close friends, he always seemed like a sweet guy. I remember thinking how cool he and Paul Kimbrough were. I just wanted to say that I'm so sorry for what happened.
	Ella White, University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA ) ecwhite@ups.edu

November 8, 2005