I lived across the street from John in Homewood, IL from 1953-1964. We always talked about our birthdays in December, mine on the 2nd and his today. John was part of a large and wonderful loving family. I have so many memories of us on the same Little League team (he a pitcher and me a catcher), as well as our neighborhood pick-up games, and too many basketball games in our respective garage courts that our dad's built for us. We attended different high schools and colleges. I entered the Army in early 1964 and in 1969 re-connected with John in Evanston, Il when I was assigned to Ft. Sheridan, IL and lived in Evanston. I knew that John attended IIT but was not aware that he was in the Air Force. We kept contact via Xmas cards and then years later when I finished my military career, I again connected with John when he located to Tigard, OR. In recent years, thru visits to my wife's cousin in Welches, OR, I tried to connect with John, but we seemed to miss each others calls. Ironically, this evening my wife and I were talking about our time in Evanston with John and the good times we had with him. I've known for some years that he was exceptionally gifted at Bridge and Cribbage, and quite frankly, not surprised because that was how I remember John being so focused in our sports activities as kids....oh yes....especially when we spent many bad weather days in very long ping pong matches. I also cannot forget the times we took accordion lessons from Ray Gerlach and were in his accordion band. So many, many fond memories of my times with John Furler. I will miss him and I extend my deepest condolences to his family. The next time I am in Portland, I will be sure to visit his gravesite and pay my farewells to another veteran.
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