John and I are almost exactly 6 months apart in age. When we were younger we used to spend our summers together water skiing and crabbing. I'm the elder, but I learned to look up to John. If there was a competition of any sort, John beat me at it. He beat me in chess. He hit baseball's further than me. He ran faster. He drove me crazy. As a result he was better than me at being nice. I am even guilty of being envious of John's ability to be better than me at appreciating life. Eventually I learned that John was a special kind of teacher who led by example. He gave me some of my fondest memories and taught me to appreciate them. I can't imagine my life without John. I certainly would not be who I am today without you. Thank you John. I love you and think of you often.
In memory of John Whitney Rust, Jr.
