John Calhoun, lost his battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease) Sun. evening, the 12th of Dec. 2004. This was truly a sad day for all who had the pleasure of knowing John and calling him a friend and/or brother. He is survived by his wife Susan, son Kyle 19 & daughter Katherine 11.
John did not have a funeral, instead his request was for a memorial service. It was held on 14 Dec 2004.
The following is an overview of the Memorial Service:
The service was just as John requested. Basic, no frills and a celebration/remembrance of his life rather than pity party over our mutual loss. There was a short church ceremony and a reception held in the fellowship hall afterwards.
Susan was happy to see the KD & Pi Kapp turn out [Mike & Brian Horst, Edward Craig, Craig Hawkins, Luke Nixon - just to name a few] were in attendance. Susan placed many reminders of the things John loved on a viewing table: pictures of him with the family & friends at the beach, river cabin, vacations, his Pi Kapp initiation sheep skin, an 8 point rack mount, fishing rod, ...
I know first hand John did not take life for granted he loved his wife, children, family, friends and Pi Kappa Phi with all his heart and it showed.
He was extremely proud of Susan, Kyle, Katherine and the life they had here. Their loss is unbelievable but they'll be fine. Susan is an amazing lady with heart & strength that are rarely seen. She loved her husband. Kyle is a natural, he has a full academic scholarship to Auburn & plans to be a physician. He loved his dad. Katherine is a 7th grader a UMS Wright. She's a very bright, articulate and beautiful young lady. She loved her dad. They served as John's strength during these past 2 years.
As everyone knows, we all must be born, live life and die. I can testify that John F. Calhoun Jr. LIVED LIFE. The world (our world) is a better place because of John.
He will be sorely missed but not forgotten.
If anyone has questions feel free to contact me via E-mail
Doug Gresham
