It is hard to believe he is gone now, since he was just at our high school reunion in August.  Every time I saw him he told me how I was the first girl he gave a ride to when he got his first car.   He was a sweet guy and he will be missed.

Dian, I'm so sorry for your loss. Keep your memories of him in your heart.

Our Johnny Angel

Chuck and Nancy


John was our neighbor 15 years ago when we moved in next door.  His house and yard were filled with a lot of stuff.   As we got to know each other, he would pull items from his collection and bring them over for show and tell: a newspaper clipping of an old car, old photos, a jacket or hat he found, a Jones soda bottle with a picture of a horse on it, an old stool for the musicians to sit on,… everything with a story or memory, or something he thought would be of value to us.  John transformed stuff into treasure.
 
John treasured so much: memories, birthdays, his friends, his family, fellow veterans,  a home cooked meal, old cars, music, astrology, psychics and seers, romance, and most of all humanity.

He saw humanity in everyone! He wore his heart on his sleeve.  More in touch with his feelings than most of us, he knew how he felt and felt a deep compassion for others.  He had an uncanny ability to connect with individuals regardless of whether it was a big wig CEO or a homeless person on the streets.  He asked the most personal questions in a non-threatening, non-judgmental way and empathized with everyone.

He was a historian.  He knew stories about so many people and places in Ann Arbor.  I loved driving around the AA back roads, with him as a tour guide, getting the inside scoop on so many people and places. 

He was a good buddy. He spent many hours keeping me company while I worked in the garden and did chores around the house.  He helped me on the farm: cleaning stalls, filling water buckets, and his favorite thing (talking to all the women who had horses there). He helped me put an alternator in my truck; and when the truck needed to be replaced, he found me a one in Jackson.  Chuck invited john to most of his gigs as a special guest and he often helped out by passing the tip jar and selling CDs. He loved to be helpful and was full of advice.  One of his favorite topics was romance.

He was a through and through romantic. He gave everyone advice about their best romantic matches and paid close attention to how well couples got along. He often reminded Chuck and I to break from our busy routines, spend time at the lake, have a hot chocolate by the wood stove, or stroll through his woods and marvel at the blanket of trillium.  

Celebrating birthdays was very important to John, who kept alive the excitement most of us felt as children.  John was Chuck's first choice always for celebrating his birthday; and we celebrated our birthdays and holidays together for many years.  We have so many thoughtful and funny treasures from him.

He called himself John when we met him, then Johnny D, then J.D.Crist, then Johnny Angel, then in honor of his good friend Jose, Johnny Juan. There was a void this past Saturday morning.  John always called on the weekends at 9 o'clock sharp, and then often came over for breakfast or coffee.   

We'll really miss our Johnny Angel.

I was sorry to hear of John's passing too.  We have far too many people residing in Forest Hill these days!

Dian, I am so sorry to hear of the death of your brother.  I haven't seen you since I followed you to Adrian College only to find out you went to State.  You were so sweet back in our old MYF days.  It is so sad to have the loss of your little brother.  Carol Smith (Naigus)

I hadn't seen John since he was very young, but I remember when he was born and later playing on the floor with my brother Denny in the house near Harry's garage.  My condolences to all of you on the loss of your beloved brother John.   --Bev Snyder Parker

John was always a friendly person.   I appreciated his enthusiasm for telling me about the durability of his GM vehicles.  He always wanted me know how high the mileage was, since I worked at GM.
- Pam Lewis (Linda's sister)

I am sorry to hear of John's passing.  I had the pleasure of interviewing John at the Crouch Center one afternoon for an English assignment.  He was such a delight to talk to.  His concern for others and his contagious smile warmed the hearts of many around him.  I am thankful to have had the opportunity to get to know John.  Blessings to you and your family.

I met John when I was doing BP clinics at The Crossing with student nurses.  We always enjoyed our visits with him.  He was a pleasant and happy guy.  May the angels guide him on his way.

Dian ,Doug, Annette and James :

I was so sad to hear about John. I have such fond memories of John. John was a good friend to me when I was a boy and started working for your father. We had great times working together, and lots of fun outside of work. I remember John letting me drive his truck when I needed an adult in the car during the time I was on the driving permit. I lost tuch with John when I moved on with my job at the U, and he moved to Jackson. John called me two years ago on my birthday and also again last year. It was so good to talk to him and get an update on him and his life. John was a good man. I know he is in a better place. May God bless you all. 
Gordon Peters

May your memories of the wonderful times you shared with your loved one comfort you and your family, today and always.

OBITUARIO

John David Crist

5 enero, 1948 – 1 noviembre, 2011

Muehlig Funeral Chapel

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