          ____Telephones in Heaven____
Why can't there be telephones in heaven?  
     Why can't there be an angel line?
   Oh, how I would love to call you up
and tell you how much we love and miss you
     and tell you we are all fine.

Why can't there be telephones in heaven?
  I would love to hear the phone ring and
on the other line I would love to hear you say
"Hello, Mom, what's going on? As for me I'm doing fine.
      I'm sitting by God's throne."
  Why can't there be telephones in heaven?
  So I could tell you about the vision I saw one night. I saw a long white tunnel and at the end of it was a bright, bright light. A young man was walking toward the bright light.

  Why can't there be telephones in heaven?
  So we could keep in touch. I know that by now, you have found all of our loved ones who went before you did to sit beside God's throne. I know
you are so happy, my son, and God sure
picked a wonderful Angel because you are finally home?

  Why can't there be telephones in heaven?
 So I could tell you about the very black cloud that would cover up the light, then disappear but the young man kept on walking toward the bright.
 I know now, my son, you are in heaven
because I called your name, you stopped, and then you continued to walk through the bright light frame.

     I wish there were telephones in heaven?
   I wish there was an angel line.
I know God puts us here for a very short time,so, my son, just please
wait for us as we approach the
 golden gate and greet us with your bright blue eyes and your winning smile as we walk that long last mile.



 heaven because I called your name.

Dear Jacob –

I feel very fortunate to have befriended your Dad.  We were like “peas and carrots” from the moment we met.  Your Dad was a good listener – ever the wisdom-seeking philosopher, he was always there ready to offer me a kind word when I needed to hear something positive.  And he was always willing to lend a helping hand for whatever.  I can still hear him saying over the phone “we’ll work something out” – and he did.  Your Dad liked to horse around and took special pleasure in his mischievousness.  And he was also the most genuine and kind-hearted spirit of anyone I have ever known.   John was the handsome, good-looking (tall) one who everyone seemed to fall in love with – including my grandmother.  Something that I miss the most about your Dad is his sense of adventure.  John was the outdoorsy-type who loved the majesty of nature.  He wasn’t afraid to explore new things wherever his imagination led him and always, always took the path less traveled.   Your Dad was my dear friend, my brother, to whom I am eternally grateful for sharing his life and his friendship.  But best of all, your Dad was a awesome father.  He was so proud of you; I remember him always loving on you.  Your Dad will live in our hearts and minds forever.  I look forward to the day when I can tell you in-person what a truly, honest-to-goodness great guy he was and the good times we shared together.
 
With love, Uncle Rich

I didn't have much opportunity to share time with John during his adult life, but I knew him as a child who had a lust for life and a never ending desire to explore, share and understand his world. From what I know of his adult life I do not think his spirit of wonder and enjoyment changed. He was wonderful in every role he played in this thing we call life. I am confident he is still playing a very important role even yet.

John, I'm very sorry I never knew you, but as your cousin I knew the love of your father towards you.  May you now rest forever in peace out of all pain and suffering.  I pray your family will carry on in your absence but never let go of your memories.

Last year, John told me he had never been happier than he had been in the last two years of his life. Even though during these years he was given a poor diagnosis along with continuous  treatments. He had an opportunity to be a husband, and a most of all, a father along with his precious and beloved role as a son. He shined as Jacob's dad and my husband. I feel his presence, and I know he is looking out for us and always will. You have inspired me John. I love you and Jacob loves you.

"Johnny, We Hardly Knew Ye"
That was an old Irish song that Kenneth P. O'Donnell used as a book title to write about John F. Kennedy's memoirs.  That sentiment could just as easily have been directed towards you.
Even though I only knew you less than ten years, I felt like I had known you for a much longer time.
You first came into my life as a young man who was dating my daughter.  I was immediately taken with the kindness and gentleness that you showed Mandy.  At first, I didn't know where your and Mandy's relationship was going, but I knew that it was a good thing.  I was thrilled the day that you asked Joyce and me to join you for lunch so that you could officially ask "for her hand" in marriage. 
You proved my instincts to be correct by being a loving and caring husband.
When Jake came along you then included him in your world of kindness and love and strove to be the best father that you could be.  It was wonderful to observe the three of you interact as a family.
Shortly after your marriage, we received the news of the recurrence of your illness.  The way you handled the news and your three year fight with such tenacity and courage will be something I'll never forget.  Besides the day to day fight you had with cancer, your focus was always on the future of Mandy and Jake, in case you lost the battle.  Your legacy will surely live on.  
Johnny, I love you like a son.  I was proud to call you a member of our family and a friend.
Until we meet again,
Bill

What a blessing it was to have John in our lives, if for only a few years.  Words cannot express the loss we feel at his passing.
John was an inspiration to all of us whose lives he touched.  He knew what was important, and he knew how to make each minute of life count.
John loved his wife, son, parents, family, and friends.  He gave unselfishly of himself and never expected anything in return.  
Father Constantine was right when he said that "John got it".  John knew how precious his life was here on earth, but he made sure he prepared himself for everlasting life. 
We pray for John's soul every day as we know he is praying unceasingly for us and our salvation.
May his memory be eternal.
With Love,
Joyce

John,
God must have had a higher purpose and calling for you to have taken you away from us so young. 
In a short time, you both experienced and accomplished more than most could hope for in a lifetime.  
You have made a lasting impact on the lives of your family, friends and even strangers through the way you conducted yourself and lived your life.
I learned so much from  you and will cherish our long talk on the porch outside your new home.
I will take away from you how to live my life, be more compassionate, look for the best in others and attempt to 'pay it forward' every day.  
I thank God that we were all blessed enough to have you in our lives (and am proud and honored to call you my brother-in-law). 
I'm amazed by the legacy that you have left behind and am confident that Mandy & Jacob will continue to make you proud.
May your memory be eternal!
Love you,
Nicky

There are a handful of memories that I will never forget. John was an amazing role model in every way. He had a positive energy and spirit that I was drawn to and compelled me think of ways that I could improve myself. I am grateful to have known him.

Dearest John, 

You have touched my heart like I never thought was possible. I thank you for giving me the chance to truly love you and be loved by you. You died in my arms, but I feel that you are living through every inch of me and our incredible son. I will always love you.  

Your Wife, 

Mandy

Johnny
Uncle Ken and I were so blessed to have you for our nephew, you will always be in hearts and memories..Your sweet spirit made an impact on everyone who met you.  Through all your pain,your thoughts were always about the other person.. Your days here on earth were so very short. Someone once said..In the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It is the life in your years...What a  legacy you have given to Jacob..
"ALWAYS IN OUR HEARTS! Love Uncle Ken and Aunt Fay

Hal and I had the pleasure of meeting John when you two were first dating and engaged. We knew then he was a good and loving man. We send you, prayers, thoughts and strength. Stsy strong for your little man.
Sincerely, Nicole Valdes

Dear Mandy,
Our hearts go out to you. We did not have a chance to get to know John well, but his love for you and Jacob was apparent every time we saw you together. The love of his friends and family and your's for him is a testament to what a wonderful person he was. I know he lives in many hearts and always will. He will always be a part of you no matter where life takes you; the people we love are always with us. Love, Sandra and Robert

I remember:
I remember the morning John was born, I had to drive to the hospital because there was a lot of ice on the roadway.
I remember that I was waiting for John to be born, and I fell asleep on the sofa. When John was born, and they called my name, I fell off the sofa.
I remember when John was growing up:
I remember when we were walking to where the car was parked after eating a meal in Dublin, Ireland, we passed a gift shop with a stuffed monkey in the window . John just had to have that monkey. We purchased that monkey
,and completed our journey to the parked car, with John holding one arm of the monkey,and myself or Phyllis holding the other arm.
 
I remember:

when I was assigned for duty to Northern Ireland in the Mid Seventies,we had to go through checkpoints, set up by the British Army, or other local police, and it became normal for John, so every time
we came to a checkpoint John would hold up his arms, so he could be searched.
 I remember:

John always had  a lot of friends.
I remember that there were many hungry teenagers at our house for supper.
I remember John jumping off the roof
into the swimming pool.
I remember:

I remember when John was a teenager he
didn't always obey the traffic laws' and we would worry about him.

I remember:

when John was in Law School in San Diego, California, we would visit him
during his school breaks,and travel to the National Parks in Ca. and Ar.
We enjoyed that so much. 
I remember John taking the Fl. Bar Exam , and passing the test the first time.We were really proud of him  then.
I remember all the good and bad times
with John.Why can't we start all over.

WE just don't realize how short life
is . Try to enjoy every hour and day of it.

We miss you so much John. Sweet dreams.

Eagerly he walked to experience all
Strongly he ran and did not fall
John met each life experience;gave it his best
Diligent in all life's varied requests.
                                                                                   
                                                                                                                                John Soared!


Looking back at John’s life, we realize what enthusiasm he had for everything he did. He was a very handsome (and good) Shakespearean character in an elementary school play.  John soared! If he was playing with friends his energy was abundant, nonstop from morning till night. As a teenager he would do anything from jumping off the roof into the backyard pool to trying to glide across the pool on a surfboard. John soared!  John teased cousins, taxed parents and made grandparents proud. When his grandmother was under hospice care, John thought nothing of coming over on any given night, roll out blankets on the floor and spend an evening with them. Later – John would cook for his grandfather to make sure he ate. John soared! John did actually think about flying lessons once; he went up with a pilot inviting his grandfather to go along. He was really soaring that time! Nothing in John’s life was ever half done.  If you need a helper to move, a ride to the store, a meal to cook, a legal matter attended to (and you might never see a bill) John was always glad to give his energy to any of this. Again John soared! Isaiah 40:30-31 says:  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.  John truly soars now on wings like eagles.  
We love and miss you,
Aunt Barb, Uncle Ray and Matt

My condolences to John's family for their loss. I went to law school with John and I just found recently that he had passed. Again, my thoughts and prayers go out to John and his family.

I found this little poem I feel in some ways it captures John's personally 
"SOME PEOPLE COME INTO OUR LIVES AND QUICKLY GO...SOME STAY FOR AWHILE AND LEAVE FOOTPRINTS ON OUR HEARTS, AND WE ARE NEVER EVER THE SAME...'

John you are our heart and soul we miss you so very much that there will never be enough words to tell anyone how much.  We remember all the tears and laughs that we had together and how you let us share your amazing and wonderful life, thank you for bringing some much joy and wonder to my and your dads life. We have so  many things about your life to share with Jacob, we will take the rest of our lives telling Jacob about what kind of wonderful man his dad was and is, cause to us you are still here in our hearts. We will make sure Jacob knows what a courageous battle you fought to the very end trying to battle this cancer, we will also make sure he knows what a wonderful thing you did at the end by sending your body to the medical school to see if they could learn something so someone else may not have to go thought what you did with cancer. We know that you are in heaven with people that love you and that you are no longer in pain. John we miss you so very much and we always will.

"No, I love you more"

Daddy and my favorite argument.

"No,I love YOU more."

(Daddy and Jake's favorite argument)

I was blessed to meet John at a very low time in my life when I had lost a lot of faith in my profession.  Immediately we clicked and I knew he was an amazing soul that I could trust with my life.  Over our five years as partners John taught me most of what I know about the law and how to be a good HONEST lawyer.  He was great at what he did and just wanted to help as many people as he could, even at his own detriment sometimes.  More than that, John became my friend and brother.  He had a kindness and patience about him that was infectious (as well as an incredible family who I love dearly).  I consider it an honor to have had him in my life, even if only for a short time.  He will live on in my heart and I will strive every day to become as amazing, kind, confident and courageous as John.  I miss you brother!!!

John was a great person to know and work with.  I will dearly miss him.  God places people in our lives who can make you smile.  John made everyone smile.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

                 Ron & Karen Wade
                 (Lake Mary)

My life was enriched when I met you.  You have a beautiful heart and soul.

Thinking of you & your family at this difficult time, NOT FORGOTTEN! will live on in our hearts for ever

He showed all of us how to live well, but especially in his last year he showed us how to live life to the fullest, no matter what the circumstances...

I miss you, brother.

Mandy, I know what a difficult time this is but you are being so strong and we are all so proud of you.
Love
Barbara

John Daw Memorial Service

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.” 
 God exists in all of us. 
 There is no where that God is not and in this truth we realize that we are never alone.  
The soul continues from spiritual to physical and back again, over and over through all time.  
 Life itself is an endless loop and the energy of life is everywhere present, individuating as you and me and everything that is.  
The purpose of this journey is to create an eternal opportunity and an infinite context within which we may experience and express, become and fulfill, know and recreate who we are.
What do you desire?  Do you desire compassion, forgiveness, love and understanding?  You are compassion, forgiveness, understanding and love.  
The fastest way for you to experience yourself being these things is to give these things away.  For it is in the giving, that you realize and multiply the having, and it is in the having that you experience and expand the being, and it is the being that you express the knowing  of who you are and who God is.

I am thankful for you John Daw. You left an indelible impression on me and my family in Arkansas just by being yourself, and for being such a dear friend to others -- my cousin Rich and wife Madeleine and family, and to Dax. 
I am inspired not just by your accomplishments in this life, but by the courage in taking on this fight. You are a champion in my book! 

I am so thankful to God for having known you. 

We will see you in the morning!

To John, A man who succeeded 
To laugh often and much; 
to win the respect of intelligent people 
and the affection of children; 
to earn the appreciation of honest critics 
...and endure the betrayal of false friends; 
to appreciate beauty, 
to find the best in others; 
to leave the world a bit better, 
whether by a healthy child, 
a garden patch, 
or a redeemed social condition; 
to know even one life has breathed easier 
because you have lived. 
This is to have succeeded.

I only had the honor of meeting John once-at his wedding to Mandy.  But after working side by side with his mother in law for the past 10 years, I feel like I know him well through her stories.  I know that he was an amazing man and that he faced this illness with strength and courage. I know that he loved his wife and precious son more than anything.  I know that he cared deeply for his family and withstood tremedous pain to get to stay here with them as long as he could.  I know he is at peace now.  And I know that he is still with those who are grieving.  He lives on in their hearts and will help them survive this difficult walk. My thoughts, prayers and love are with his dear family.

Mandy, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart is breaking for you at this difficult time. I know John was a great man and loved by many. You, your precious son, and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

John was someone I will always remember.  Never have I seen such dedication as John demonstrated to those he loved while courageously battling a dreadful illness.  He selflessly withstood  his own personal pain in order to have quality time with Mandy, Jacob, and others he dearly loved.  How very special it must be to have been loved by him, and he will live in the hearts of many forever.  He is with the good Lord way too early, and his time on this earth changed us all.  My prayers and love continue with Mandy, Jacob, Peni, Phyllis, Duglis, and all.

I loved Johnny for the way he showed so much compassion for others, even though he had cancer himself,he showed so much love for me and my husband during my husband's battle with lung cancer. At thier wedding, Johhny came up and put his arm around me and whispered, "you know Virgil is here with us". Whenever I came down to FL, he alsways made time to come to where ever I happened to be, but that is the way he dealt with both family and Friends. Just think he is walking around, smiling and happy now.  Mandy, Jake, you now have a special guardian angel. Love and Prayers, your cousin

Some people come into our lives and leave footprints on our hearts and we are never ever the same . Thank you for walking all over me with your kindness . Until we meet again, I offer these to you : a sunbeam to warm you, a moonbeam to charm you, and a sheltering angel so nothing can harm you.

Mandy, my heart is heavy for you and your son, when I saw your facebook request with you and John (the picture), I immediately thought wow, you guys have a son!! Its been a while since I've seen you but I remember when you found out that he was sick and offering words of encouragement. I feel a loss of words as you are going through this very tough time. My thoughts and prayers are certainly with you and the family.

What to say, John was a wonderful man.  I was able to  watch him grow from a boy to a man.  You see he is my cousin!! He drove me nuts sometimes as cousins will.  He and I were more like brother and sister!  I admired his tenacity, playfulness and his way of viewing the  world.  He always looked on the bright side of things no matter what was going on in his life.  When he was diagnosed with cancer, he did not let the cancer contol his life.  He had cancer but the cancer did not have him!  He lived his life on his terms. He married his soulmate who was  able to help balance him out.  I love you John, Mandy and Jake!

We are so blessed that John was with us. He was inspiring and incredibly considerate in every way. Let's keep him in our memories and prayers.

My heart goes out to all of John's family. You are all in my prayers.

Dear Mandy, Phyllis and Woody,
My heart goes out to you all. I'm typing this with tears in my eyes over your loss..I remember Johnny as a little boy, and in reading about him I know he was a good man who made a difference in so many peoples lives.. That is the measure of a man.You could not ask for more.I hope when it is my time I will meet it with such dignity. My love and prayers are with you.

John is truly one of the kindest gentleman I have ever met.  He was always polite to everyone and presented himself as confident, practical, and professional.  I have always admired John as both a friend and a philosopher.

GOD BLESS YOU & YOURS AT THIS DIFFICULT TIME

I did not know your husband Mandy , I can just tell by the pictures & the way he looked at you , he was inspiring man, I know he will be missed by so many,  I will continue to pray for you & your family at this difficult time, Its hard to believe I have known you since Middle school, I thank GOD that he brought you back into my life even tho its on Facebook, I like the fact that we can keep up w/our loved ones & friends from the past. I would have loved to have met your dear husband, again I am here for you if you eve need to talk. May we see him again one day ? God Bless you & Your family ? you Julie

Mandy, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Please know that I am here for you in your time of need and always. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. Love, Dawn

John was a wonderful person with a truly kind heart.  He will be missed so much!  Our thoughts and prayers are with the family, and especially Mandy.  We pray that God grants you the peace and comfort of knowing that John is in very good company!!  God Bless.
Jenny and Robert Demetree

John has left this world far too early and because of his devotion and service to all around him, he left us a better world.

John you are a good person and I know God is giving you an special place to be happy with him and thinking in all your family. Now is the time you can see how good you are because for me you still here but not close. I will say to Jacob when he is a teenager

John was one of the strongest and bravest young men we have ever known.  He fought cancer with dignity, and a will to live not found in many humans.  Through his strength and courage, John took time to help and inspire others, even when he was ill.  His smile never dimmed, and he never stopped asking about the welfare of others even in his final days.  He never asked “Why Me” or acted like a victim, but instead continued his life as he always had, with energy and a love of life that we can only admire.  We feel like the blessed ones to have been allowed to be a part of his life, he touched ours in a way we will never forget, and we will never forget John.  Rest in Peace, Your fight is over.

John was a man who practiced justice, kindness and compassion.  And who could forget his wonderful smile! John made the world a better place.  We will all miss him terribly.

John was a great attorney to work with and a nice person to boot!  He will be missed dearly by many.  May you find comfort in his peace and enjoy the happy memories of John you have been fortunate enough to share.

OBITUARY

John D. Daw

31 January, 1971 – 13 March, 2011

Deltona Memorial Funeral Home & Gardens

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