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John Polk is in hospice

 
author and steward
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John has been a member of permies for nearly six years.   John has been the very best at keeping our site free of spam.   He would watch carefully for all new signups and he seems to have a nose for which ones would be spammers.  

John helped thousands of people with their questions about homesteading and permaculture.

I'll be talking with John on the phone later today.   Any notes I should pass on?

 
pollinator
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Sad to read this.  My best wishes to him.
 
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I noticed he wasn't around but never dreamed he was ill....I loved working with him behind the scenes, his top notch way of explaining things......John, you're enthusiasm to catch spam was infectious!  and you had so much patience with all of us and told such wonderful colorful stories of your life.....I'm just so very sorry.....
 
gardener
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So sorry to hear this news. He has been such a great contributor to this site and such a help to many, indeed, including myself. He and his family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Utterly sad.
 
pollinator
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Just Best wishes from here in France

David
 
steward
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Really sorry to hear that. John has been there since I became staff and has always been keen to help, very respectful and willing to do the dirty work that spam hunting is. We are missing you John!
 
pollinator
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I am so sorry to hear about John's health. Thanks John for doing so much work that we never knew to appreciate here and in the world at large! I wish you all the peace and comfort you deserve.
 
steward
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John,

I keep writing and then deleting. Writing and deleting... Looking for appropriate words... The only thing that is constant is that I'm grateful to you for clearing the way for so many of us to learn in peace and for patiently teaching along the way.  
Thank You John

Best wishes
 
steward
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John, we so appreciate you and how you made this little /big corner of the world a better place. Your patient, wise, and tenacious care of permies.com will be sorely missed.

Wishing you light, much love, and gentle comfort.
 
Jocelyn Campbell
steward
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John woke up in the wee hours this morning and was able to read (or have read to him?) all our wishes and care for him.

He has two lovely daughters and grand kids who are making sure he is never left alone.

It was an amazing surprise that they were able to have John alert and here for Christmas.

(Where's the emoticon for a teary-eyed tender smile?)
 
gardener
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Another great man on his way out of the community.  Sigh.  And at this time of the year...  especially difficult for all who are close.  Best wishes to John in these last days, and to his family at this difficult transition time.  May it be as smooth and pain free as possible.  Blessings.  
 
steward
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A heart felt sadness that I can no longer contibute to the cause.

See you all on the other side...
 
Roberto pokachinni
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Your contributions will be remembered, emulated, and will live on, John.  With gratitude.  
 
out to pasture
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John, you've already contributed so much.  I know how much you did here behind the scenes, always our rock, our protector, our guardian.  And my right-hand man for any decisions I had to make.  It's been an honour and a privilege to work with you, albeit always from behind a screen thousands of miles away.  I never got to see you in this life - I'll catch up with you on the other side, no doubt with plenty of tales to tell.  

Go well, my friend.
 
Judith Browning
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John Polk wrote:A heart felt sadness that I can no longer contibute to the cause.

See you all on the other side...



We'll hold you to that...so proud to have known you through this site...peace and love.....
 
steward & author
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There aren't words good enough.

You're brilliant.  Thank you for all you've done.
 
steward
Posts: 1387
Location: Northwest Montana from Zone 3a to 4b (multiple properties)
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Thanks for showing the path, John.
 
pollinator
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Rest well John, I am sure you will have a nice garden on the other side.
I knew that shooting star I saw tonight meant something.
 
gardener
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Oh John, you seem to devote your time so readily to the cause, and are always kind and patient, for someone who had to sift through so much nonsense. Thank you for being such a human asset to this virtual space, and do let this community know if there is anything you need - I'm confident everyone would love a chance to give back to you.
 
paul wheaton
author and steward
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On Christmas day, we got a message from one of John's daughters that sounded like a poetic way to say that john has died.  Apparently, it was a poetic way to say something else!

That means that NOW is the time to write something that john might read.

My message to john is ...



walk it off and get back to work!  




Oh and when you said:

A heart felt sadness that I can no longer contibute to the cause.

See you all on the other side...  



That was some first class wordsmithing.  What excellent parting words.  




 
gardener
Posts: 6814
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Haw Kola John, Atanikili ! Soe ksh kay  oun hey? Cante waste nape ciy uzapo, key kta yea! Lay he hun nee key wash tay. Lila waste chi lake, tan yahee ya.

Soksa ake waunkte.

Redhawk
 
Karen Donnachaidh
gardener
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I don't know exactly what that means Paul, but...
"John, I wish you the strength of 100 men. And a quiet, reverent peace that God is with you during the good and the bad.
If you can no longer be with us here...You will be missed. Bless you."
 
paul wheaton
author and steward
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Karen Donnachaidh wrote:I don't know exactly what that means Paul,



We got word this morning that John is still alive and is still reading this thread.  

The news that John had died was a misinterpretation of something sent to us.

(and john is not going to walk it off and get back to work - that was a feeble attempt at humor)
 
Karen Donnachaidh
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I understand. I, too, use humor as a way to cope. Thanks Paul. And thanks for keeping us informed.
 
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John your help in our quest to grow better food has been much appreciated.
 
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John has carved his name on our hearts ... Kindest of Love ... Tauni Whitley
 
steward
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John,

Thank you for modeling kindness, wisdom and mentoring.
May you know peace like the soft cool grass between your toes, warm sunbeams on your cheeks and the soft chittering of sparrows.
Bill and Toby have saved a lawn chair for you, when you are ready they will want your help upgrading the permaculture design for paradise.
Myriad blessings unto you and your family today.

AT
 
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May your future be as bright as your heart
 
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Thanks, John, see you on the other side!
 
pollinator
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Thanks John, I will be praying for you.
 
Burra Maluca
out to pasture
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I've been given permission to share this photo of John in his younger days on a Scientific Research Ship in The Antarctic, complete with icebergs in the background



I'm pretty much out of words now, but you know how much I think of you.  Sending you all the peace and love and joy I can muster for you.  
 
Burra Maluca
out to pasture
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And I've just heard this from Johns daughter which I simply have to share with you all as soon as possible.

My dad is on the uphill rise. He's coming back home with me sometime this week with hospice. Way better news than what was given to us earlier this week.



Keep up with the love and prayers and well-wishes everyone, they seem to be having some effect!
 
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So sorry to hear about John. I know he is a valuable part of Permies and my good wishes go out to him and his family and the permies family too!
 
Nina Ennaji
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So pleased to hear that John is going home! Sending healing energy and Blessings to him and all his family!
 
gardener
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Hey John,
I'm still hoping we can be the voices of permaculture help in the Pacific Northwest with the best first names.

I'll be doing some sailing here for you. If you can make it out this way, I'll take you out on my boat.

I have been truly impressed by your depth of knowledge in helping people and you have inspired us to emulate you.
John S
PDX OR
 
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Thank you for your contributions to Permaculture and this site!
Glad you can be home and with family.
Peace to you and your family,
Jeff
 
Judith Browning
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.
Image-(3)a.jpg
[Thumbnail for Image-(3)a.jpg]
 
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John,

I am humbled by the work you have put in to creating, to building and to teaching. Having read the forum at Permies.com for the last few years, there are so many pieces of advice you have given that have helped shape even just an anonymous onlooker. I love that it has been a safe place for people to ask their most uninformed questions, and given constructive and supportive answers.

You did that. And you have taught us how to teach others in turn, how to communicate and help each other, bringing permaculture out as a positive force.

Tonight, I will hold light for you and your family. I send love and peace and courage to you, and hope that it lands with the same purpose that you have held light for us over the last six years.


Humbly, gratefully, thank you.

Kate
 
Bryant RedHawk
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Burra Maluca wrote:And I've just heard this from Johns daughter which I simply have to share with you all as soon as possible.

My dad is on the uphill rise. He's coming back home with me sometime this week with hospice. Way better news than what was given to us earlier this week.



Keep up with the love and prayers and well-wishes everyone, they seem to be having some effect!



whopla, not Kola John's time !  Many prayers I am sending up.

Redhawk
 
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So glad to hear that you might be feeling a little better!!  Sending big hugs from Tasmania and heartfelt thanks for all of your help and inspiration.
 
Willie Smits increased rainfall 25% in three years by planting trees. Tiny ad:
turnkey permaculture paradise for zero monies
https://permies.com/t/267198/turnkey-permaculture-paradise-monies
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