John came here (Vancleave) in September because of severe stomach pain.
We had doctors lined up for him and he went through a battery of tests. He was
here a week, and then went back to the islands. About 10 days later he got the results
and his phone call to me put me in a very sad state for a few days. When I was able to handle
it, I called him back and by that time he had decided what he was going to do.
He was going to stay on his boat and die in the islands. He didn't want to tell anyone,
including his sisters and it was very hard for me, but I obeyed his wishes.

One part of me could understand not wanting to talk about it. He had accepted his
fate and was dealing with it. Talking about it with others meant you had to defend
your position or regret your position as everyone wanted to go deeper and offer
all types of help, suggestions and/or demands. Also, I think, John was just dealing with it 
his way. Your way and my way would probably have been different. But, he didn't want to
discuss it and I was to tell no one including his sisters.

So we went months, talking almost everyday about everything except his condition.
In January he let me know he was starting to hurt more and that he couldn't get
the medical help he desired. Also, getting around and handling the boat was
too much for him. He was trapped by the wild.

I suggested that I come get him and for the first time, he thought that was the thing
to do. I made arrangements and left for Puerto Rico within just a few days. I got to PR
and then took the ferry to Culebra and he met me at the dock. Over the next three days,
we packed lots of stuff and mailed the items home.

We got back to my home in Vancleave, Mississippi, on January 17th. During this time,
he notified his sisters. When we got settled in Vancleave, we were able to get some
medical help. But the cancer had spread so fast and complete in his body, there was
not much time for anything except helping him be as comfortable as possible.
Gradually, we started contacting people as he took care of his affairs ... but within
two weeks of getting home ... even simply moving around was too much.

Here, at our home, his sisters were able to visit and with the help of some of his close
friends we stayed vigilantly by his side.

John died early Thursday morning, Feb. 19th in our home.

So, when people ask why he didn't tell everyone?, I really can't answer other than to say
that he was dealing with it "his way." When we left his boat, I could only imagine how he felt
about leaving his home for the last time. I didn't say much to him that day. I just did what
needed to be done. It had been his home and we were leaving it to go somewhere else
without a bright future. I didn't think about it because I just didn't want to contemplate the
concept of dealing with that myself.

I had known John for over 45 years. He was my closest and dearest friend. Through
him I got to go to wonderful parts of the world and have adventures that were the biggest 
thrills of my life. It was always a pleasure to work with him on projects and a joy to play
music with him. There is a void in my heart now and I am missing his presence.
But in spirit, I know he lives on.

                   - Daniel Westphal