John's gravestone

[Randi]

A lot of you may rememeber John (Jonza), so thought I'd share this.

It's taken a while, but recently, John's gravestone has been put up. A good friend of ours made it. It's a little wider than I had expected, but I think it's nice. I chose the font Optima, as that's one John liked and used a lot in his work. The stone still needs the bronce cat on top, but it will get there. :)

John is right next to an old friend, Sean, who was a translater, we all used to have a lot of fun in the "old" days.

The churchyard is just across the road from where I live, so I often go for walks there.

I went to take a few pictures of it yesterday and surrounding area, so this is what it looks like:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/PC270064graveyard.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/PC270065graveyard.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/PC270063grave.jpg

[Barbara]

Randi I am very glad you sent these pictures.
John will have a place in my heart forever- I am so grateful that I was able to meet him in his last years and I will never forget him.
I think it is a very elegant and stylish gravestone and that fits John perfectly who knew a lot about elegance and style- and I don't talk about fashion but of a state of mind.

[Cataholic]

Randi,
What a beautiful marker! The bronze cat will be so perfect, and comforting to know John is being watched at all times. I cannot imagine your emotions, but, please know that I do think of Jonza, and you, fondly.

Johanna

[Karen]

It is lovely, and I can picture the bronze cat there already, watching over him. Thank you so much for sharing this with us.

[Corinna]

How lovely. Looks like a nice place to rest.The stone will be perfect after the kitty is added.

[ramanth]

What a lovely marker. And even more special that it was hand made by a friend.

*HUGS*

[lbaker]

Oh Randi, it's just so comforting to even see it - I can imagine it must be comforting to be near, just like John was. You are a beautiful woman and the love you two shared shows in everything you do. Thank you.

[Randi]

.... and that fits John perfectly who knew a lot about elegance and style - and I don't talk about fashion, but of a state of mind.
LOL! You've got that right, Barbara. ;) John couldn't care less what clothes he wore, as long as it was comfy. He hardly ever bought any clothes. However, he was proud to wear the sweat shirts he got from the New Danish Encyclodedia he worked for, and also the tie, and he would "dress up" a bit if we were going to a party - on my instructions. ;)

I remember a little story about when his sister got married, John was then a teenager. First of all, he showed up in front of the church in an old London Taxi he had bought, and he rufused to wear a tie!! What a commotion he made! :D

Johanna, your posts were one of the first John noticed, he loved what you had to say! ;)

I'm so glad that many of you liked him, he was truly a special person, and I miss him a lot!!

[Edwina's Secretary]

What a lovely place to rest! I imagine that in every season it has it owns special look. I can just "hear" John making jokes and talking with his mate Sean!

[caseysmom]

What a lovely gravestone and the cemetary is beautiful also.

[smokey the elder]

That's beautiful and a nice memorial to John.

[Killearn Kitties]

What a lovely place, Randi. Even in the depths of winter it looks beautiful, and how nice to know that there will be a lovely cat there watching over John. Fister must be pleased. ;)

Thank you for sharing your photos with us.

[jenluckenbach]

Lovely, and so nice that a friend was able to make it.

{{{{HUGS}}}} for you so you wont be lonely.

[lizbud]

It looks like a beautiful resting spot for John.I'm sure he
would like it very much.

[momoffuzzyfaces]

I'm sure John would like it. I too, can just picture the bronze cat watching over him.

During prayers, every morning, I tell God to tell John we miss him! He was one of my favorites.

[Miss Z]

That's beautiful what a lovely place to be laid to rest.

[moosmom]

What a beautiful tribute that is!! It must be a real comfort to know he's only a little ways away. That was the toughest on me when I lived in Michigan. My parents are in Rose Hill Park in Rocky Hill, CT. I missed not being able to go "visit" them anytime I wanted.

Now that I'm back in CT, I know I'll be there to say hi alot.

I only wish I could find someone to share the kind of love you and John had. That must've been real special! ;)

[anna_66]

That's a lovely marker Randi. Thank you for sharing it with us.

[catnapper]

Its just beautiful! To think his friend made it, and it'll be topped with a bronze cat.... what a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. (((hugs)))

[shais_mom]

That's beautiful.

{hugs}}

[K9karen]

Beautiful. I'm sure John is smiling down, giving the AOK. How wonderful you can visit so often.

[LoudLou]

What a beautiful stone. A loving tribute to such an awesome man.

[gini]

Oh Randi, I am so happy that you have shared these special pictures with all of us.

You and John are so very special to all of us here at Pet Talk..........and I feel honored that you could share this personal and private part of your life with us. It helps us to continue to honor John too - and never forget what a wonderful person he was.

I send you much love!!

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Thank you so much for sharing this with us all, Randi!! It is good that he resting place is close to where you live; he will always be part of your life.
RIP, dear John!!

((((((((( hugs))))))))) to you, Randi!!

[Rachel]

What a lovely setting. Thank you for sharing this very personal and meaningful part of your life.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Randi, Thanks for sharing this with us. It sure is a beautiful marker and resting place for John. :) (((HUGS)))

[tatsxxx11]

Oh Randi, how lovely. John would be so very pleased, I'm sure. I can just see the kitty sitting atop the stone, tirelessly watching over John. We love you Randi and we love and miss John dearly; such a precious soul. My love to you friend. I think of you and John with love, always.
Love, Sandra

[kimlovescats]

What a gorgeous tribute and resting place for your dear husband.

Hugs,
Kim

[Felicia's Mom]

That is a beautiful gravestone, thank you for sharing the pictures. :)

[Randi]

Thank you very much for your warm comments. :)

This is the last thing I can do - to make sure John's last resting place is kept nice. I forgot to tell you that my intention is to put a little tree on one side of the stone, and a dark red rose on the other - this will have to wait until the soil is soft enough.

I like that it's possibe to get a bronce cat, because it will almost be like Fister sitting there watching over him. :)

Rest in Peace, my dear John, you will always be in my heart! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Photoshop/Heart-lille.jpg

[furrykidsmother]

What a beautiful gravestone! Looks like such a comfortable resting place! I am sure that once the bronce cat is there to watch over him, it will be just perfect. It already is!

[Tubby & Peanut's Mom]

Oh my gosh, Randi, this is beautiful!! It's so lovely in winter, with the white snow and the green evergreens, that I can only imagine how lovely it is in the spring and summer with all the flowers blooming.
I like that it's possibe to get a bronce cat, because it will almost be like Fister sitting there watching over him.

Rest in Peace, my dear John, you will always be in my heart! Oh no, LES again.

Randi, I can only imagine how rough this past year has been on you. I'm so glad that John is still so near so you can visit often, and that he is resting amongst friends. :)

[catland]

Thank-you so much for sharing.

[NoahsMommy]

I agree with the others, Randi, it suits him perfectly. :)

I have goosebumps seeing these pictures. Thank you for sharing them.

Hugs,
Kelly

[K9soul]

Randi, thank you so much for sharing this beautiful memorial to a very special, intelligent and dear man. I can only imagine how much you must miss him. I am sure he is indeed smiling from above, and watching over you and Fister.

[Vio&Juni]

Very elegant gravestone, I can imagine the bronze cat on the top, it will look beautiful.

I am so glad I had the chance to meet John in person, hear his stories - he was one of the nicest persons I've ever seen.

[Randi]

This time of year is a sad time for me, it was two years ago yesterday, that John died. :( I miss him terribly!

I went to his grave of course, and thought I would post a few pictures here.

In the autumn, I went and planted a beautiful red rose, right on top of him. :) I covered it up with some spruce to prtect it from the frost, and I hope it will blossom this summer. Yesterday, I went and removed what I had put for Christmas, and then put a few tulips.

Recently, the guy who made the gravestone had managed to find a bronze cat, that has been put on, as you’ll notice. It didn’t go on top as planned, as it is laying flat and had to be screwed in. I just know John would have loved this. :)

So to the pictures.

The candle in the first one, his son and ex put there.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/P2080059.jpg

A little closer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/P2080054.jpg

And even closer
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/P2080055.jpg

And real close
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Catongravestone.jpg


John has a “neighbor” in the next row over, she must have loved cats too. Oh, and you may notice something else in the background.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Whitecatonstone1.jpg

In John's memory, I hope you'll all go and read a Jonza thread. He wrote some good ones. :)

[Karen]

How cool! The little bronze cat is just perfect! Love the neighbor kitty and frog, too!

[Cataholic]

I thought of you yesterday, as I knew his anniversary was the 8th. :( The site is beautiful.

[jazzcat]

The bronze cat is perfect. A very beautiful site.

[Prairie Purrs]

It's a lovely, peaceful place. And the little bronze cat looks so watchful and protective.

[RICHARD]

Thanks for the reminder!

[Cinder & Smoke]

:(

Hi John!

We sure do *miss* you!

The Kitty looks so comfortable guarding John.

{{{Hugs}}}

/s/ Phred

[ramanth]

You are missed John. :(

Randi, the bronze cat is such a beautiful touch. The flowers and candle are nice as well. I must say, that is one of the more nicer cemetaries I've seen with all the unique gravestones/memorials.

Around here they are primarily plaques that are set into the ground.

[wolflady]

What a beautiful site! I really like the touch the kitty adds to John's stone. How very special that someone made it for him. Thanks for sharing this with us.

**hugs**

[momoffuzzyfaces]

The bronze kitty is so sweet. Looks like he takes his job of watching over John very seriously.

We miss you John!!!
(((HUGS to you Randi)))

[Barbara]

I'm glad now John has a kitty with him.
I will miss this very special man always and I only can guess how much more you will miss him. :(

[Edwina's Secretary]

I am glad to see John has a kitty with him! One of my favorite stories he told was of a cat he had as a child - the cat that went in and out the window. And his mother named all the cats the same name! :D

Oh I do miss him....and know how much you do too Randi!

[gini]

Oh Randi, the bronze kitty brought tears to my eyes. What a perfect addition to a beautiful headstone. The kitty, the beautiful tulips and greens show how dearly loved John was - and still is. It must have been a difficult day for you, but all of us are happy that you shared these pictures with us.

[Maya & Inka's mommy]

Oh gosh, Randi, that little bronze cat is the most special gift you could give to John... . Of course you miss him a lot, especially on this second "anniversary" :( . You only knows best what a special person he was.

I did read a thread by Jonza; first I couldn't find it, but someone here on PT posted the link for me: http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=42305

[Dorothy39]

His grave site is so Beautiful and so Peaceful too!! The Bronze Cat is also a Remarkable Addition~

I know that I missed meeting a remarkable Pet Talk Member!!!


{{{HUGS}}} from Dorothy39

[Killearn Kitties]

The little bronze cat is beautiful, Randi. What a lovely addition, and so very fitting.

Anniversaries like this are so very difficult, I miss John around PT myself, and I can only imagine how hard it is for you. It is so nice to have the facility to go back and read John's threads.

[Randi]

KK, yes I'm also glad that John made some impact on PT, and that so many liked him. :) I often go back and read his posts myself.

As you know he is quite close to where I live, so go at least 2-3 times a week for a walk on the graveyard to "visit" him. This is what his grave looks like at the moment. I planted a dark red rose last autumn, I hope it will blossom beautifully this summer. On the other side of the stone, I put some Lavender down over Easter.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Grave1.jpg
It had just started raining.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Grave.jpg

[ramanth]

Gorgeous!! I wish our cemetaries were full of color and headstones like that.

[lbaker]

I was just thinking about him yesterday Randi. I was smiling to myself over the "Princess Feline Cruise" thread and it made me feel so happy and smiley, inside and out :)

[Cinder & Smoke]

HI, John!

We sure *miss* you! :(

PS: You're lookin good! ;)

/s/ Phred & the FurKids

[Randi]

I thought I'd post and say Happy Birthday dear John! http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Photoshop/Heart-lille.jpg I miss you very much!

The rose I planted last autumn, is blossoming right in time, isn't that nice. :)

I've been to take a few pictures over the last few weeks, and you see the progress here.

This is a view from a distance.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/View-to-grave.jpg

This was taken about 2 weeks ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Rose-springer-ud-2.jpg

And these next ones about a week ago.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Grav-20-juni-07-1.jpg

Here's a closer look
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Roses-almost-bloom.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Roses-close-up-1.jpg

Yesterday, in full bloom
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Roses-close-up.jpg

It's pouring down with rain and fits my sad mood, but I'll go over a little later to say Hi!

[Randi]

It's quite a big churchyard, and there are squirrels too. I got a few snaps of them.

This one is eating.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave%20yard/Squirrel.jpg

And this got scared and climbed a tree.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave%20yard/Squirrel-climbing-tree.jpg

Aren't they cute! :)

[lbaker]

Randi, this is sad and beautiful and heartfelt all at the same time. I do understand only too well :( Life and love go on ~ thankfully.

[gini]

Randi, what a beautiful rose. I cannot believe that it would bloom perfectly in time for John's birthday.

I think all of us miss John, but we have such wonderful memories here at PT of his "tails".

Thanks for sharing these photos with us. ♥♥♥

[slick]

I'm sure there is a big partee going on up there for such a "speshul" guy. Down here, you never walk alone for John is right beside you every minute of every day. Those flowers are absolutely beautiful and isn't is wonderful that the roses should wait until just this day to bloom?? Coincidence?? I think not!

Big {{{hugs}}} to you my dear friend on this bittersweet day. ♥♥

[Cataholic]

Truly bittersweet. I adored John, and miss him. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful place with us.

[moosmom]

Randi,

It's beautiful and I know that bronze kitty will be the icing on the cake, so to speak.

It must be such a relief to know that John is now only a walk away.

I often go to the cemetery to visit with my parents. It's peaceful, quiet and I often get lost in my childhood memories there.

((((HUGS))))

[sirrahbed]

That cemetery is such a beautiful place. John's grave is so well tended with love and I always smile at your pictures Randi. Bittersweet day I know. The roses are spendid!

I want you to know that I really appreciate the sharing that you do.

[Cinder & Smoke]

Hey John ~

Drop down and Smell the Roses!


http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v205/Fister/Grave/Roses-close-up.jpg

Other Views of John's Cemetary >>>
http://petoftheday.com/talk/showthread.php?t=125733



Happy Birthday, John!!

Gosh, we all **MISS** you down here on the Ole Durt Ball.

Guess we'll have to go find a good Johza Tail to re-read ... gosh!
You sure knew how to *spin* 'em!

Miss ya, Bud ... Take Care!!

/s/ :( Phred

BIG {{{Hugs}}} to Randi! ;)

[CathyBogart]

I didn't know John, but every time this thread comes up I love seeing how lovingly his resting place is tended to. That little bronze cat is perfect, and the rose is a beautiful tribute to him.

[Catty1]

I got to read two of his threads, and will seek out more.

What a beautiful and perfect resting place for Jonza...I wish I had known him, he seems a wonderful person who loved life.

As I said, Randi - Fister picks only the very best! ;)

Bless you.

[Lillycat]

Randi.......thinking of you.....

[phesina]

Randi, I haven't been here long enough to have known John, but clearly he was a wonderful person who loved and is loved deeply. On his birthday I want to say thank you for sharing him with me now. I feel privileged to have come to know him a bit just from these messages (and taking a look through [and bookmarking] the "Feline Princess" thread).

Pat

[Randi]

Thank you so much for your kind replies, it really warms my heart, and I'm glad some of you have gone to read a few of John's threads. Some of my personal favourites are the Pet Talk Confidential threads and the Feline Princess Cruise. :)

Today, I bought a little Jasmin tree to put on his grave, hope it will grow bigger and keep green.

[finn's mom]

What a beautiful headstone, so simple. And, such lovely flowers. So sweet of you to share these photos with everyone. And, I have to say, those squirrels are gorgeous, I can't remember seeing any that color before, not in person anyway. :)

[Randi]

I made a wreath the other day and went to put it... and some tulips, on John’s grave. Unfortunately it had been raining, so the stone doesn’t look it’s best.

Anyway, here’s a few pictures of what it looks like now.

http://petoftheday.com/online/Grave2.jpg

http://petoftheday.com/online/Grave1.jpg

[caseysmom]

That is so pretty, is the plant in the front of the headstone with the red flowers the juniper you planted.

[lizbud]

It looks beautiful Randi. :) I'm sure John would be pleased.

[gini]

Randi, what a loving tribute to a beautiful man. I have always loved that kitty by the headstone.

It looks so beautiful and also peaceful.

[moosmom]

What a beautiful spot John is in. I like the way there's a shrub around it. Makes it a little more personal.

I went to my parent's grave last week with a nice log that has pine trees in it and Christmas decorations. That gives me comfort, even though my parents would be livid I spent the $20. What're they gonna do, ground me? :p

May you have a wonderful Christmas Randi. I'll be thinking of you.

[kimlovescats]

What a beautiful marker! The flowers peeking through the ground are gorgeous as well!

[Cinder & Smoke]

:)
HEY, John ~

Your Place is really Lookin GOOD!


http://petoftheday.com/online/Grave2.jpg



Hope you get a minute to step out and Take a Peek every once in a while. ;)

I'll meet you up at The Bridge in a while - save me a spot.

{{{Hugs Always}}}

/s/ Phred

[joycenalex]

randi, every time i see johns' cat, i smile remembering him. you had quite a man there. (hugs)

[phesina]

That's absolutely beautiful, Randi. I never got to know John, but I'm sure he is smiling up by the Bridge seeing this.

God bless you both.

[krazyaboutkatz]

Randi, John's gravesite is beautiful.:) I'm sure he approves and is very pleased.:)

[Barbara]

:)
HEY, John ~

Your Place is really Lookin GOOD!



Hope you get a minute to step out and Take a Peek every once in a while. ;)

I'll meet you up at The Bridge in a while - save me a spot.

{{{Hugs Always}}}

/s/ Phred

Phred, as much as we can understand that you being at the Bridge with John sounds like fun- we can't let you go yet. John left us too early- he'll have to wait some time with the kitties.

[Randi]

Thank you all! :)

Casey’s mom, I don’t know what the flower is called. I looked Juniper up, but couldn’t find it.

Donna, yes it is comforting to have a place to go visit John, and I’m glad it’s so close by. I didn’t really know how I would feel about it to begin with, but it is comforting, and I’m sure he would like it the way it looks. I chose one of his favourite fonts for the stone, and the kitty is the icing on the cake. I’m so glad that one his good friends made it. :)

Phred, I know for sure, that although you would be the first on John’s list to meet at the RB, I really hope it’s gonna be a long time before you depart!!

[anna_66]

Randi it looks beautiful.
It's so nice you live close and are able to visit so often.

For some reason I missed this thread before. I'm glad I seen it this time:)

[Pawsitive Thinking]

Judging by these responses John must have been a wonderful man. What you have done for him is a beautiful tribute.

Hope he has bumped into my Dad at the Bridge - I get the feeling they would get along fine {{{hugs}}}

[caseysmom]

Thank you all! :)

Casey’s mom, I don’t know what the flower is called. I looked Juniper up, but couldn’t find it.

Donna, yes it is comforting to have a place to go visit John, and I’m glad it’s so close by. I didn’t really know how I would feel about it to begin with, but it is comforting, and I’m sure he would like it the way it looks. I chose one of his favourite fonts for the stone, and the kitty is the icing on the cake. I’m so glad that one his good friends made it. :)

Phred, I know for sure, that although you would be the first on John’s list to meet at the RB, I really hope it’s gonna be a long time before you depart!!
I looked back at your post last summer and I got the name wrong, you had said you planted Jasmin....I was wondering if that was the pretty plant in the front. His gravesite is really special.

[ChrisH]

Oh, Randi, it is so beautiful. Thank you for sharing the pictures with us. {{hugs}}

[lbaker]

and thank you for sharing John with us ;)

[Logan]

Randi, everything looks beautiful. I'm so glad you shared the picture.

[trayi52]

The gravesite is so beautiful, with all the flowers buds. I really love the little bronze cat.

Willie

[Edwina's Secretary]

Hello John, old friend. Nice place you have here! So festive and all. Is that boxwood? Does it remind you of England and walking along the Thames?

Ah...let's sit a while and share a pint, shall we!

[AmberLee]

{{{Randi}}}

You've made a beautiful place to remember your wonderful guy, John.