John William Fotch

Happy Anniversary Honey!

When I looked out over the patio last night I noticed a single star,
With fog so dense you couldn't see the moon, I new it could only be you.

I stared at you for a while hoping for a reason,
Then realized at that very moment that you weren't gone at all,
In fact you are and always will be alive in my heart and memories,
Your love is strong John,
So strong in fact that it has burned a hole in the fog,
Just so

When I looked out over the patio last night I noticed a single star,
With fog so dense you couldn't see the moon, I new it could only be you.

I stared at you for a while hoping for a reason,
Then realized at that very moment that you weren't gone at all,
In fact you are and always will be alive in my heart and memories,
Your love is strong John,
So strong in fact that it has burned a hole in the fog,
Just so that the light of you can keep me warm and protected at night.

Though night shall fade and day shall come,
I know that you will not have abandoned me,
For you are now my shadow that guides and protects my day,
I know now that I shall never walk alone again,
For you will always be there holding my hand.

One would not think to ever hurt me,
For they will see my Husband at my side,
And know that a man of great stature and power protects me.

I will sleep easy tonight,
Knowing that you are there beside me,
When I feel that extra bit of warmth and security at night,
I know it is but your arms wrapped around me.

I am Never Alone, And You Are Never Forgotten.

God saw you getting tired and a cure was not to be. So He put his arms around you and whispered "come with me" With tearful eyes I watched and saw you pass away. Although I loved you dearly, I could not make you stay. A golden heart stopped beating, hard working hands at rest. God ......broke my heart to prove to me, he only takes the BEST.

You were not only my husband, but my best friend. Our marriage was filled with love and caring for each other. There are so many happy memories that we shared, whether it was the cabin in the Smokey Mountains, the cottage on Lake Chautauqua, or just spending time around the house, our love for each other radiated. You never left the house without a kiss goodbye and never an evening went by without a kiss goodnight. When we married your

You were not only my husband, but my best friend. Our marriage was filled with love and caring for each other. There are so many happy memories that we shared, whether it was the cabin in the Smokey Mountains, the cottage on Lake Chautauqua, or just spending time around the house, our love for each other radiated. You never left the house without a kiss goodbye and never an evening went by without a kiss goodnight. When we married your children and my children became our children. You were a loving Grandfather and doted on the little ones. You were the type of husband that every woman dreams about, you were kind, compassionate, loving, and thoughtful. Words can not express how much I miss you and long to hear your voice. I talk to you everyday and know you are in my heart guiding me. We had 18 wonderful years together, not quite long enough, but wonderful years and memories that I will never forget. My dear husband, I miss with all my heart! I'll play our song one more time for you......Love Ya Honey!

I can't remember when you weren't there
When I didn't care for anyone but you
I swear we've been through everything there is
Can't imagine anything we've missed
Can't imagine anything the two of us can't do
Though the years, you've never let me down
You turned my life around
The sweetest days I've found, I've found with you
Through the years I've never been afraid
I've loved the life we've made
And I'm so glad I've stayed
Right here with you, through the years
I can't remember what I used to do
Who I trusted whom, I listened to before
I swear you've taught me everything I know
Can't imagine needing someone so
But through the years it seems to me
I need you more and more
Through the years,
Through all the good and bad
I knew how much we had
I've always been so glad to be with you
Through the years
It's better everyday
You've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay
I'll stay with you, through the years
Through the years when everything went wrong
Together we were strong
I know that I belonged right here with you
Through the years, I never had a doubt
We'd always work things out
I've learned what life's about
By loving you, through the years
Through the years
You've never let me down
You've turned my life around
The sweetest days I've found, I've found with you
Through the years, it's better everyday
You've kissed my tears away
As long as it's okay
I'll stay with you, through the years

Dad...sorry it has taken me so long to post a memory...it has been so difficult without you in my life and I think about you everyday and wish so much you were still here with us! You were taken from your family too soon and I just can't believe you are gone!

I am so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy retirement...you worked so hard to provide a good life for us. I am so thankful you walked me

Dad...sorry it has taken me so long to post a memory...it has been so difficult without you in my life and I think about you everyday and wish so much you were still here with us! You were taken from your family too soon and I just can't believe you are gone!

I am so glad you had the opportunity to enjoy retirement...you worked so hard to provide a good life for us. I am so thankful you walked me down the aisle...I know you were a proud Father of the Bride. You picked the perfect Father / Daughter song...as you are the "Wind Beneath my Wings"...that will never change.

You were the best Pop Pops to Gavin and Finlee and that is what I am going to miss most...watching you play with my kids and watch them grow up. Gavin loved his Pop Pops and had so much fun playing with you when you came to visit.

It is just so hard and I struggle everyday without you in my life.!

I love you Dad and I will forever miss you so deeply.

Thank you for all you did for us...

Love you and miss you so much...
Your daughter...Nanci

to John's family and the Ilika family cousins:

Although i haven't seen John in years, I remember him from our family gatherings where all the cousins were together. They are wonderful memories, and of course John is a part of them. We each had to wait our turn to open Christmas presents (according to age, or course, so I know Exactly Which cousins are older and younger than I am :-) I had so much fun being with John and my

to John's family and the Ilika family cousins:

Although i haven't seen John in years, I remember him from our family gatherings where all the cousins were together. They are wonderful memories, and of course John is a part of them. We each had to wait our turn to open Christmas presents (according to age, or course, so I know Exactly Which cousins are older and younger than I am :-) I had so much fun being with John and my other Ilika cousins--sometimes Thanksgiving dinner in Crown Point or Beverly Shores. Hiking over the Indiana dunes together after a huge dinner. We had great times.

Reading everyone's memories of John, he must have become a wonderful man. I'm so sorry for your loss--may God bring you healing and may this Easter season bring you hope. PB

John was the greatest man I ever met. John was a real life Paul Bunyan. John always challenged me to be a better person. When others seemed to not care, John always told me the straight truth, whether good or bad. When I was in trouble at 22yrs, I told John I was going to move to Gainesville and go to UF. He gave me "the look", and I gave him my word I would succeed. 3 years later, John

John was the greatest man I ever met. John was a real life Paul Bunyan. John always challenged me to be a better person. When others seemed to not care, John always told me the straight truth, whether good or bad. When I was in trouble at 22yrs, I told John I was going to move to Gainesville and go to UF. He gave me "the look", and I gave him my word I would succeed. 3 years later, John came to my graduation and told me that I had done well......Now, when are you going to get a Job? This is why I love John so much. He always wanted me to do the best that I could. Because of his guidance, I have a good life. I will live the rest of my life thinking of the joyous memories of John, the man I call, "Dad". And, I will wait until we meet again to let him know all differences he has made to my life and the people that were so blessed to be touched by him.

John was one of a kind and one of the few people I've ever known who was really in touch with his own personal guidance system. He knew what he wanted and was content with what he choose to do with his life. He was so generous with his time and always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved to cookout at the drop of a hat for all holidays and special events and if you couldn't go, he

John was one of a kind and one of the few people I've ever known who was really in touch with his own personal guidance system. He knew what he wanted and was content with what he choose to do with his life. He was so generous with his time and always ready to lend a helping hand. He loved to cookout at the drop of a hat for all holidays and special events and if you couldn't go, he was sure to bring you your own personal ham later. He treated people like they were special. He liked himself and that made it easier to accept others unconditionally. He will be greatly missed and always loved. I hope there is a special 'ham smoker' position waiting for him in Heaven.

Bonnie,

I wish to extend my condolences at the loss of your husband. I will
always remember John' s laugh and that grin, the one that made you
wonder what he was up to.
My prayers to you and the family during this difficult time.

Neil and Nanci,

The loss of your father is one you really never recover from. There will
always be that empty spot in your life. Please know much love is being
sent your way.

Aunt Marilyn

Neil and Nanci I am so sorry to hear about Uncle John. I loved him very much and will miss him deeply. The last time I got to see him Mom and Dad had their new home in spring hills? (about 20 years ago) I wish we had kept in touch. I hope you both hold on to the good memories.