About John
John Standal, 1962-2008Read John's obituary here.
It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing of John Standal. John died on Tuesday, June 24th after suffering a stroke on Thursday, June 19. John was a beloved friend and colleague who will be greatly missed by all who knew him. He was the Information Technology Specialist for the Language Learning Center at the University of Hawai'i from 2002-2008. He provided technical support services to enhance language teaching and learning and facilitated research and development projects and the implementation of innovative language teaching methods and approaches. His invaluable technical expertise contributed to the reputation of the center as a national leader in the field of language and technology.
A celebration of John's life is being planned at the University of Hawai'i in August at the outset of the fall semester. An announcement will be forthcoming.
Please share your condolences or memories of John by posting a comment on this site. Cards may be sent to:
The Standal Family
440 Hao Street
Honolulu, HI 96821
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100 comments:
John didn't usually like to leave his air-conditioned office and come over to the building where I'm located to help me untangle some technical problem, but we had a special understanding by which he would cheerfully do so if I would give him a pack of gum. Now I have a cache of it here, still waiting for his next visit.
Oh, John, you left us too soon, but I trust you are happy where you are now. Aloha.
All of us who worked with John will miss him terribly. He was not only a knowledgeable colleague but a good friend. No question was too trivial; no request was too unreasonable. He brought the Language Learning Center to another level and unfailingly supported the initiatives of our National Language Center, giving us an international reputation in the field of language and technology. He would often drop by my office late in the afternoon when he came up for a cup of coffee. More than once I saw him sneak an extra doughnut when he thought no one was looking. He would stick his head in the doorway and ask how everything was going or talk for a minute about the latest news on Obama. He was so happy about how the election was turning...
John was quietly competent, someone you could always count on for professional expertise of the highest order ... he was also the kind of person who explains why most people believe in angels.
I was just chatting with John Thursday afternoon about youtube and adding video on WAU. So his sudden passing is quite a shock! I got to know John when I started to use WAU in my language classes. He was such a good person and helpful especially for the technophobic people.
You will be missed a whole lot, John!
John was my next-door neighbor at work. A neighbor that everyone whishes for. Helping each other with that famous cup of sugar. Which was in our case sharing experiences, discussing solutions to problems, raving new products, or ranting about Windows Vista. Having John next door, ready to share his expertise and thoughts was of great comfort. Like-minded he as well found simple solutions to complex problems work the best. Still in disbelieve, grasping for words to express, simply put: I miss you John!
A gentle soul, who knew everything there was to know about his field, and shared it generously with those of us who needed his help. Aloha.
I came to know John when he was first hired in 2002. I'm shocked to hear of his passing; it especially makes me think how suddenly things can change and of my own mortality, as he was only four years older than I am.
As a co-owner of the FANYI-L discussion list (for CHN<->ENG translation), the homepage for which is sheltered on the NFLRC servers, I had many opportunities to interact with John both physically when my office was in Moore Hall (on the third floor almost directly above his) and virtually as I continued my list-owner responsibilities from the mainland.
I'll always remember his steady-as-a-rock demeanor and willingness to accommodate our technical requests. I, too, am in disbelief. John's spirit will linger on for quite some time. We wish his family strength in their grief.
I was part of the committee that hired John for his job with us. That was a great decision! John was extremely generous with his time and knowledge, always implementing technical improvements that would make our lives as teachers easier. He always resolved any issues we would through at him with speed and friendliness. Always so proud of his work, but so modest and accommodating.
I don’t know what is going to be of us without him! But I am sure wherever he is, he is programming something good for us.
John's passing is just devastating; I can't believe he's gone. He was only 46 - far too young. John was a friendly, helpful, hard-working, and gentle soul who quietly helped transform the Language Learning Center in Moore Hall and helped the NFLRC with so many of our tech needs (conferences, workshops, online courses, equipment, etc.). In fact, this happened during our NFLRC Summer Institute, and many of us were just talking and joking and sharing snacks with him on that Thursday. It's just heartbreaking. John, you are sorely missed and wherever you are now, may you be surrounded by lots of good food, good coffee, ample beer, and cool tech gadgets (all of which I know you love). Aloha . . .
John dropped everything and delivered an old monitor to my office when mine died all of a sudden a couple of month ago. We laughed about the sad state this old monitor was in, with a cloudy screen and all, but it's still letting me do my work until I get a new one. He was so excited when I told him we were posting our video clips on YouTube for our students to see, and we talked about different possibilities for a while. He was always so accommodating and I could see that he enjoyed what he did, which was to offer his expertise to those of us who are less talented. I will miss him deeply.
I am speechless. I just can't believe! He was just helping me with my online course last week. He is gone? How can it be possible? I will totally miss him. I enjoyed chatting with him, this and that, about Gregorian music, Obama, Chocolate, the future of our world... I will miss your smile, John.
On that fateful Thursday afternoon, I was talking to John and teasing him about how I couldn't ever attend his workshops because he likes to schedule them during my class time...and now I truly never will.
You left us too soon, John, but you will be remembered with much fondness and gratitude. Be happy wherever you are.
John truly enabled our unit to achieve greater heights. In our staff mtgs, we would constantly come up with new ideas on how to make our unit run more efficiently, more online-based. It would run the gamut from classroom reservations/scheduling to computer lab headcount sheets. Everything that we threw at John, he took and made it into reality. John, the co-worker and person, will be truly missed.
P.S - I’m expecting John to poke his head into my office looking for snacks.
We are devastated - this is indeed a terrible loss. John was the most kind and helpful person to work with and the success of our UHawaii Vietnamese online program could never have taken place without his generous
assistance over the year. How he will be missed. Steve O'Harrow
John, I'm glad Jim (Yoshioka) set the precedent in talking to you directly, because for some reason that's what I feel compelled to do. This is something I can't believe. I just saw you last Thursday. How can this be? When we saw each other, you were as usual calm, friendly, somehow so genuine; and as usual we veered over to Jim's refreshment table to see what treats we could sample.
I've been sitting here thinking of how expertly you always helped me. But even more than your efficiency and professional skill, your real interest in the language aspect of what I wanted out of WAU or Audacity or another tool. I think this is what made working with you so enjoyable--your honest interest.
I'll miss hearing you speak German as we test a recording program, our small conversations in passing, and our complicity in sneaking bites of brie and crackers.
Aloha John. Godspeed.
John's passing comes as a shock even to those of us no longer on the sunny shores that he loved. John was a wonderful guy to work with, and always had an answer when somebody had a question, busy schedule or no. He'll be sorely missed.
I first met John at CALICO 2006 at UH and being the tech coordinator for CALICO, we had an instant "techie" friendship. He was a wonderful person to talk to and he had a gifted soul for understanding and responding to the needs of his workers and colleagues. The news of his passing was a sudden and hard shock to my system, and I am still a bit shaken that I won't be able to email or talk to him in person again. Being at Miami University in Oxford, OH, I wish that I could be there in Hawaii with everyone to partake in his memorial. His life will be remembered for a long time to come. Aloha, John. I will miss you greatly!
John was a very helpful person, always there to assist us regarding WAU or BRIX. I first met John in 2004. I always relied on his expertise on how to maximize the use of WAU in my language courses. The last time that I talked to him was last semester, when I borrowed a fire wire from him. John, you will be missed and mahalo.
John, it is plain that everyone posting here feels the same as I do: that each of us, with you, shared a connection that was unique to us. You had a way of listening and empathizing that just "tuned you in" to other people's wavelength so naturally. That is rare -- very rare. I hope that having me around was as soul-supporting to you as you were to me. And I trust that you are still listening, there in my heart. Now I will never hear the words "Mary Had a Little Lamb" without tears springing to my eyes.
John I am truly going to miss YOU and your great humor. Your gentle soul and your calling to ask "what's for dinner". You had the best facial expressions of anyone I know. I can see many of them in my head as I think of you. I am so glad that you are my brother in law and I hope we meet again. Aloha.
My Dear Brother John:
I remember you as a baby. You were sweet and gentle even then, as you followed your big brother, Greg, around with those wide eyes and that quizzical expression, you showed the interest and curiosity that would characterize the quality of your mind. As you grew older and we parted ways---me to distant lands, and you to your destiny as a man, I kept you in my heart---and I always will. Farewell, dear brother. May we meet again.
John, though we hardly knew each other, when I asked if you could install ebrary on the PC Lab computer I was using so that I could download and print the book for class, you just did it there and then for me. You even asked where I was from, you'd said I'd a unique accent - remember? You are only 46? Ok ok, Jim told on you! I think Prof. Schmidt hit the nail on the head when he said you are a reason why people believe angels exist. How you must be watching over us now the better side of heaven! Thank you, John. You are dearly remembered and painfully missed...:~( Till we meet again, keep smiling, John!
It's a big shock for me to hear about John's passing. John was like a technology angel of LLC who worked hard to fulfill a user's technology wishlist- adding features here and there on WAU, sharing neat technology tips etc. John's effort made using technology in language teaching/learning painless and enjoyable.
John, you will be greatly missed.
John gave me a lot of help in setting up the computer in the RFL office. His talents in computer technology always amazed me. Above all, he was so nice, kind, helpful, and thoughtful. Whenever he met me, he'd ask me about how the computer was working. I feel so sad for our losing such a wonderful talent and friend. He'll live in our hearts forever.
It is such a great loss knowing that our beloved friend has passed away. John was such a nice man who liked to share his expertise helping me fix some problems. I miss you, John.
It's always hard to say goodbye, but it seems unbelievable to have to say a final goodbye to John. I was just on the verge of writing to him to request WAU status for my Fall classes -- and weren't those M+Ms he kept stashed in the drawer in his inner sanctum?
John was one of the most generous and helpful people I have ever met. He was an inspiration to me both professionally and personally, especially because I know he was equally generous to everyone, not just to me. You meet a lot of people who leave indelible marks on your life, for better or for worse, but John is one such person whom I am lucky to have met.
Oh John. People may not know how much you helped people beyond Manoa's campus -- the French students at IUT, the KCC students, colleagues at other campuses... I felt bad asking once for a data query; you sent it back the same day with a line that went something like: "I love database stuff. Ask any time." To the queries of yesteryear, John, to you.
Thanks, John for all your help to a very technically-challenged individual! I appreciate your dropping whatever you were doing to help me with some (probably obvious, easy) question about WAU or Powerpoint or Rich text editor. Also, I'm glad you always came by when we were having a French club cooking demonstration. We were glad to share our crepes with an appreciative gourmet. We will miss you very much!
For those coming to our celebration on Sunday at 1:00 pm, please bring lawn chairs for your comfort. Our apologies for the late notice.
Enormously helpful, unfailingly positive...the go-to guy for facilitating any/all technology issues, from the highest stakes (conferences, summer institutes, web sites) to the most trivial (figuring out which printer was best for camera-ready copy)--he helped me on all of these and then some. Mahalo John.
John was a great colleague and an endless help whenever I had multi-media issues. I will miss him. My cndolences go out to all his family and friends.
Eric
Mahalo John for all of your work here. It has has helped us as teachers and so many students as well. The fruits of your work will live on. You will never be forgotten. Thank you so much. We will miss you.
John was one of the kindest, most likable, and most generous people I ever had the pleasure of knowing. He went out of his way on many occasions to help the LLEA Department with emergency computer problems, especially during the transition from System 9 to 10. My sympathy goes to his entire family and to all his friends in the Language Learning Center and beyond.
It's clear from the tributes of friends and colleagues that John's death is both a personal and professional loss. In my dealings with John I remember a kind, modest, even shy person who brought tremendous skills to his work at the language learning center. He was utterly reliable and competent and nice. The world's supply of good people is diminished by his death.
I became acquainted with John about four years ago when he installed CourseForum for me on the LLL server. I can't count how many times that program went down and John had to start it up again. He never complained about it though and it seemed as if I were the only person that he worked for: he was always available and quick to get things done. John would talk to me whenever he saw me in the hall and was always ready to answer technical questions when I barged in on him. He sent me notices when power outages were scheduled. He was genuinely interested in the plans we have for remodeling and updating the Russian room. I promised to give him our old couch when we got new furniture. John will be sorely missed as a technician, as a fellow worker, as the kind of person you wish you yourself could be.
John: You had such a dead-pan face you always spooked me a little, but every time I had to ask you for help you helped me unfailingly, and to my surprise. I'm sorry I didn't get to know you better. If I ever see you again, I'll be sure to have gum, and donuts, and brie and crackers, and beer, and coffee, and M&Ms (I think from these posts that you enjoyed munching on ANYTHING) on hand. Are you in tech heaven, or just heaven? Fond alohas to all you left behind; we're the ones hurting. Cyndy - Center for Chinese Studies
John, we were joking about food on Thursday, being excited what Jim will be feeding us the next day! Remember you were going to play ukulele and sing local songs with me that week? I feel you are still around with us, watching us with your gentle smile and kind eyes. I miss you...
John was so helpful to faculty and staff members in our department that some of them thought that helping us was his full-time job; they were quite surprised to hear that this was actually just a small part of what he did! And it’s obvious that he was just as helpful, just as kind with everybody else that he worked with, and that there were a lot of them.
I’m not sure that I’ve ever worked with anybody who was as willing to go so far above and beyond the call to help people as John was. No problem was too small, or too large, he always gave it (and you) his full attention, and kept at it until it was solved, even when he easily could have (and perhaps should have) said “that’s not my kuleana.”
Despite all the aggravations that his work entailed I never saw him get grouchy or lose his temper. Maintaining that cheerful outlook of his was as much of an achievement as acquiring and applying all that technological expertise.
One of the things I’ll remember about John is how much he looked forward to our annual department Christmas parties, and how much he enjoyed the food. the music, the people, and the general fooling around. He always seemed worried that we might forget to invite him, but considering how much he did for us it’s a small comfort at this dark moment to recall that we were able to do something that he obviously took so much pleasure in. I hope that wherever he is now, he’s getting to enjoy some more of the same. Heaven knows he deserves it.
John, although I didn't know you that well, my impression was that you were a "can-do" person, always ready and willing to help. I know you provided tremendous expertise and support to everyone at NFLRC and LLC, which of course trickled down to projects I collaborated on. Your gentle smile will be deeply missed, and I wish you well in your current journey. My warmest mahalo and aloha.
John, I felt so sad when I learned that you are gone. You were always there whenever I needed help with technology. I called you, emailed you, and visited your office so many times in recent years. It seems I visited your office only when I had a problem. But you always welcomed me with a smile. You were very competent, kind, and patient. Last semester, you were so helpful for resolving the problems with an evaluation form. The form wasn’t right for processing the data, but managed to fix the problem. You were also very helpful for my practicum students in teaching how to use the Web Audio Utility (WAU) system. All of my students were so thankful for your help. I was looking forward to learning more about the use of technology for teaching and assessment from you. I’m going to miss you.
Aloha John,
I met you when you gave a WAU workshop, which was so efficient that it made the use of technology easy. It is the highest compliment one can give to a technology specialist. Without your knowledge and your help we would not have been able to maintain the 11th LLL Conference website last year. You agreed to volunteer your time so gracefully, even before Elise brought you cookies...
Thank you John for being such a kind person, in your quiet way.
Dominique
I’m shocked and very saddened to hear of John’s passing. The shock and sadness is multiplied by the fact that I have been on vacation on the mainland and little did I know that when I said goodbye to him the Friday before I left that that would be the last time I would see him. John and I were the last ones to leave work on a daily basis and we would always enjoy a chat before I would go home and he would be the last one I’d say goodbye to. I will miss those little late afternoon chats. Because of the nature of our jobs we worked very closely together in coordinating and providing services to the language faculty and students. John was always thinking of ways to make our jobs easier and more efficient. He was very generous with his time and expertise and perhaps even a little too generous to his own detriment. However, he was a very giving person and genuinely enjoyed helping others. The comments by others on this page are a testament to his caring and generosity. His expertise in computer technology and his suggestions for improving our services will be greatly missed. His sudden and unexpected leaving has left a huge void that will be hard to fill. John enjoyed parties, receptions and snacking as others have fondly recalled. Workshop refreshment breaks were ideally suited for this, especially the many ACTFL workshops that we had. I used his office as a staging area so he had a good idea of what was going to be served and he could always be counted on to eat up the leftovers. I remember the fun we had when the workshop leaders took us out to dinner and how much he enjoyed that. Even John’s somewhat irritating idiosyncrasies will be fondly remembered such as his constant changing of his mind on what model equipment should be ordered right after you had just placed the order or his rattling of all the door knobs on the first floor multiple times to make sure they were locked before putting on the alarm. That is all part of the personality we knew as John. You are already greatly missed and the LLC will not be the same without you. It will be very odd for me when I return from my vacation to not see you there. We must continue on to make the LLC the best that it can be and may your spirit of caring and giving inspire us to live up to your level of support and service. Aloha and Mahalo for everything you did for us and for what you meant to us.
My names Rich.
John was a relative of mine. I have many fond memories of John, Greg and Aunt Bluebell coming to Canada to visit us in the winter months which was quite an experience for them. I also had the opportunities to travel to Hawaii with my family to visit and live with them. I remember John as always being a laid back and friendly guy. It was a shock to hear of his passing so early in his life.
It has been over twenty years since I'd last visited and I had hoped to see him again with my new family.
To Aunt Bluebell,Greg and everyone closest to him I offer my deepest condolences.
Rich Trevor
I was extremely shocked and saddened when I opened my UH mail just a few minutes ago. I just chatted with John on the first floor of Moore Hall a few days ago. It is hard to believe that we cannot chat again.
Like other people stated here, John was a really kind person with an interesting sense of humor. He was extremely helpful and dependable. I enjoyed attending his workshops, and chatting with him in the late afternoon/early evening. Whenever I had suggestions for online courses, he was always willing to listen. He used to tell me "oh, yeah, that would be helpful for students," "that would make things easier for instructors," and voila, he made modifications in a short period of time. Even though he was not teaching language courses, he really understood the needs of langauge teachers and students, and he made language learning and teaching easier for students and instructors at UHM.
We all miss you, John! Aloha!!
Dear John,
As my Japanese online course is still going on without you, I can't help but feel your loss. The online course was your baby and grew over the last six years. The course was getting better and better, and richer than ever, letting alone how easy it got to teach compared with the very first version in 2002. I was just telling you that finally the world caught up with us and that I can pull a lot of materials from outside, in particular from Youtube nowadays. Students love it, making much more culturally rich and entertaining. As I search for another youtube video for JPN332 this morning, I found this Mt.Fuji and cherry blossom video. I know you would love this. This is for you, John. Thank you for creating the Brix and improving it so much. We were so lucky. I totally miss you. I am still having difficult time accepting your loss. Take care! Aloha, Claire
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HrDbmmEZtiY&feature=related
I'm so saddened and devastated to hear the news. John was my boss when I worked at Language Learning Center. Last week I happened to read some of manuals he wrote when I tried to follow one demo he showed me. While reading them, I thought about his professionalism and their precision. It was a few years ago when I left LLC. But still he finds time to email me about his simple solutions to some issues. In my deepest heart, I regret not having had a chance to pay him a visit and chat with him. John, you'll be missed a lot in my heart.
John always invited everyone to enjoy the time we had together. Volleyball, beach, bonfire, whatever was going on. Kind, gentle, generous, humble, caring, quiet. He enjoyed people and helped anyone, even strangers. He always seemed health conscious and his passing was very unexpected. John will be in our hearts, as he has touched our lives. "Come on, let's play!"
We miss you, John,
David, Sabra, & Michael Nakamoto
To John, Thanks for hanging out with me when I stayed with your Mom. You didn't know me at all other than I was your sister-in-law's brother. We simply had fun together as though we had known each other for a long time. We swam and played music. You showed me some of your music gadgetry and yet it never felt uncomfortable as sometimes meeting new people can be. I sincerely enjoyed your company, John. My heart is heavy knowing that my brother-in-law Greg, who is also my good friend, is grieving for you.
To Greg, you are a beautiful person. I am so sorry about your brother's death and the pain and loss you must be feeling. My heart also goes out to you, Bluebell. I now have my own child and understand how much a parent could grieve if anything were to happen to them. Also to all of your family Bluebell, and to Brandon, Mariah and Vicki, be strong through your tears. John's death should be accompanied by the ability to love more so hold on to each other and tell each each other how much you love one another. Take care, all of you, Love, Mark in Madison
I wrote something about John last week on my myspace that many people have told me they appreciated, so I will link it here, if anyone wants to read: www.myspace.com/dbthegimp
I am so thankful that this blog has been put up here for people to remember him and leave their loving memories. Thank you all at UH for contributing. Thank you.
Brandon Standal,
Nephew
John was such a wonderful colleague to all of us. We will miss you so much, John. As Deborah said above, you have left us too soon.
Aloha.
The words that others have already expressed struck so many chords for me. . . . a gentle soul with a benevolent smile, who would help anyone with anything, . . . and one of the most patient teachers of tech stuff to non-tech people that I've ever worked with. Once in a workshop he was facilitating, he didn't have an answer to a participant's question (which was a rarity) -- instead of trying to bluff it, his response was simple and without any pretenses: "I don't know." I remembering being awestricken by his straightforward honesty.
Just as to Sichuan earthquake, I cannot believe. But again I have to see how fragile a strong wonderful life could be. I do not know how to complain life. I do not know what life should be to be a good life. But I do know I am learning from you, my mentor. Yes, I am learning from you how to help people - sharing Hawaiian sunshine with others. That is what we who are still alive can do...
Aunt Bluebelle, Greg
I just got word from Dad about this tragic event.
I'll always have fond memories of a quiet, laidback intelligent guy.
My condolences to you.
Ian Trevor
Why do such good people leave us so soon? John, there must be a larger purpose for you as you have moved on too soon. We have learned so much from you and you have touched so many, inspired so many to be better people, be more accepting of technology and allowed those of us who are still a little overwhelmed by the possibilities feel safe in taking the initiative to make things real. May you find peace and continue to look over us as many continue to use the programs you developed and nurtured.
May your family and loved ones be comforted in the memories and support of those whom you have touched.
I just wanted to thank John's family and friends for allowing us to join them for John's celebration of life yesterday. I believe it was the most beautiful memorial service I've ever experienced. The weather was gorgeous, and there was much love (and heartache) for John filling up that yard by the beach, whether through sentiment, memorires, poetry, or song. That pile of mementos showcasing John's life - things I never knew and things all so familiar (I smiled when I saw the CALICO Conference shirt and I got choked up when I saw his taped-up glasses). That even larger, colorful, fragrant pile of flower blossoms which were cast out into the waves, accompanying John's ashes into the ocean (handled with brotherly love). There were about a dozen sea turtles hugging the shoreline that day, as if they had come to be with John too. I remember them gracefully drifting through the water, the flowers, the ashes. A number of people said John loved nature and the ocean, so this seemed fitting. I think John would have been pleased. The circle of life continues. (And of course, afterwards with all the good food and many bottles of beer and loved ones all around, I think if John were there, he would be quietly smiling from ear to ear in his own way.) Mahalo and aloha, John.
John provided me the crucial software expertise that I needed in order for me to do my work through my 2 years working for the NFLRC. I saw him almost every day that I worked and I collaborated with him extensively on multiple projects. His talent in computer science will certainly be missed...as well as his unique personality.
John, I couldn’t believe you left us in such a devastated way! How this could have happened in just a couple of hours after we said to each other "See you tomorrow"! You are the most generous technician I have ever worked with. You helped me to make so many of my technical dreams come true: from a single class database to webcourse construction, from computer purchase advice to emergency data recovery…. Your kindness and sense of humor made you an easy going colleague and close friend of many instructors like me. You never said no to anyone who asked your assistance. You spent so much time in many summers and winters to support my teaching. You were also the one who opens the lab everyday for us and the one who waited to shut down the computers after everyone left for the day during school breaks. You were always there to turn on the server after Moore Hall power outage, even if it was a holiday. When there was nothing but silence in Moore Hall during the breaks, I knew I had a company next door and it was the door that I could always knock on. John, with my programs continuing without you, I couldn’t stop missing you!
John was such a wonderful person to get to know. He was very approachable, patient and thoughtful. He explained complicated steps about the computer programs in the simplest terms for me. He seemed to always be thinking of more and other ways to make things easier for the us to use. I appreciated that about John. I was able to go to the Memorial Service/Celebration of John's Life and got to know him even more. He indeed was a gentle, caring man. I must say that I am blessed in knowing him.
I am so happy that I was able to be a part of John's memorial and life celebration on Sunday June 29th. John was my second cousin and I had met him about four times during my visits to Hawaii. I feel privileged to have interacted with him during those times even though they were brief. Thank you Kha Blue, Greg, Vicki,Mariah,Brandon and Paul for allowing me to share in your grief of John's loss as well as in the joy of John's life.We had a beautiful time together as a family. My love and support to you all extends beyond this painful but loving weekend we had together. May we all continue to heal.....
Eve, one of John's many wonderful friends, shared this beautiful poem at the memorial, which according to her was John's favorite poem. I looked it up on the internet and here it is . . .
Sara Teasdale - Barter
Life has loveliness to sell,
All beautiful and splendid things;
Blue waves whitened on a cliff,
Soaring fire that sways and sings,
And children's faces looking up,
Holding wonder like a cup.
Life has loveliness to sell;
Music like a curve of gold,
Scent of pine trees in the rain,
Eyes that love you, arms that hold,
And, for the Spirit's still delight,
Holy thoughts that star the night.
Give all you have for loveliness;
Buy it, and never count the cost!
For one white, singing hour of peace
Count many a year of strife well lost;
And for a breath of ecstasy,
Give all you have been, or could be.
I first met John (uncle actually - at least by Khasi measure of kinship and descent) back in '85 when I was 12. The second time was a couple of years later followed by a final meeting in June of 1990. The last meeting however was the most impressionable. I had just completed a 14 hour flight from Papua New Guinea en route to L.A.. Once through customs and baggage I found myself standing and waiting for Kha Blue to pick me up - it didn't happen! She had forgotten that I was arriving; much to my dismay. Through much confusion and phone calling it was settled that John would pick me up.
The minute I saw that little green VW Golf pull up curbside, I was saved! Out John jumped with a wide smile, big hug, warm greetings and apologies all bundled into one. Never had I felt so relieved and significant. Later that evening, despite my youthful, heavily Aussie accented, bashful ways, John insisted I go to a house party with him. I did. And I even swigged a couple of beers down my 17 year old throat while a live band played to the swirling crowd. "How cool of an unc I have", I thought to myself. Welcome to America!..."Just like those 80's college movies", I thought yet again. This was a promising start to my college career indeed (which evidently I'm still working on some 18 years later, gulp). Within those three days, both Greg and John took me out to a beach where I distinctly remember attempting to play the Judas Priest classic "Living After Midnight" on acoustic guitar, much to Johns delight and surprise of my knowledge of the party anthem. And, as they say...the rest is history...and I'm I'm honored to have been a part of it whether he ever recalled our experiences together or not. Sir, you will always be remembered. Thank you.
Your Khasi-once-Aussie-PNG-and-now-very-much-mainland-American-islander-looking-still-not-graduated yet-slacker-nephew of yours,
Doug Diengdoh-Lyngdoh
Dear John My dear brother.
My first memories of you are as a an infant first home from Kaiser
Hospital in Bluebells Arms. We were so happy for Blue to have another
boy. but secretly I had hoped for a little sister. I got to take care
of you. I remember baby sitting you, changing your dippers ( no pampers
then). You were such a little scamp even then along with that quiet
calmness that has always been one of your signature characteristics.
We played in the front yard of the Lanikai house along with brother
Greg, building forts and I remember you following me around as I
gardened and mowed the lawn in there. I was sixteen years old so you
can imagine that I was almost out of the house and yet I very much
appreciated the little guy who would fearlessly jump into the shore
break at Lanikai beach. I feel sad now that I lost track of you my brother
in those mid years. You moved into high school became a musician
teaching yourself music, learning to play the guitar and making life
long friendships with school and neighborhood friends and learning
computers.
These formative years really consolidated your personality. I think
perhaps your going to Church Farm School in Penn cemented your faith in
God and your sense of duty and service that is the hallmark of your
wonderful being. We communicated intermittently for the next ten
years, body surfed Sandy's over the years and periodically coming to
his Saturday Volleyball at Bellows, meeting your friends, when I was
visiting from the mainland.
John came to visit my family and me in 1991 during his one and only trip to the mainland.
John went to Las Vegas where our father lived to visit him. He was with Stan
and his
wife Ophelia for several months getting to know him. I remember that
he made his father so happy to see and be with john and although our
father was both a brilliant but also difficult person to live with
John was always told me what a good experience he had and that he was
thankful for having had the chance to get to know our father. John
communicated his respect for Dad in that humble and self effacing
manner in which everyone was seen in a positive light.
I never heard John talk humbug about anyone except perhaps about the
people who are destroying our planet through global warming. John and I
bonded again after his trip. He was always telling me that he was
coming to visit in the summer and of course he never did. He was very
concerned that he was needed at work and as one of the key members of
the Bellow volleyball gang and then of course he was very devoted
to the welfare of our mom Bluebell. We would talk on the phone
periodically and as you all know he was so generous with his technical
expertise. I actually remember working with John on windows 3.1 when I
got my first computer. . It was essentially a DOS machine with a
windows face lift, so I was forever calling John to help me with this
and that DOS problem.
As the years moved on, and John and I became closer as brothers, my
love and respect for him grew. I always felt his respect and love for
me and I always knew and felt my counsel as a big brother was sought
and mattered to him. Hopefully it was helpful. My brother was one of
the kindest and most magnanimous people that I had ever met. He had an
underlying goodness, a loyalty to his friend, family and sense of fair
play and ethical responsibility to all. John was such a parsimonious
person. He lived by the motto of "waste not want not". He needed very
little for himself and was satisfied by the simplest of pleasures.
Many of you remember him playing with the same shirt or visor for
years at a time. The same car that he drove which had been second hand
when he got it but which he drove for the next ten years, ever
tinkering with it and keeping it going. I used to tell John that he
needed new tires every time I saw him because I was afraid that he
might run over a cinder and get a blow out. He would always promise me
that he would and of course every time I came back he had the same
tires or perhaps a new set of used tires on. In the same vein John was
an organ donor. At first I was somewhat taken aback because I knew
John as being very fastidious about his body and his health, but as I
thought about it I realized that he saw this in the same way as other resources.
Logically, if he did not need it why waste it . Why not give it
magnanimously to someone else who desperately needed it. I'm sure that
it was a rational decision on his part but also coming from those
strong values of conservancy that we all know is part of John's
personality. Little did he or we know that he would be saving a 62
year old grandmother with 5 grown children and 20 grandchildren with
his liver or a 31 year old man with two young children who received
his Kidney here in Hawaii or even the 56 year old man in Minnesota who
we found out received both his other kidney and the pancreas. I hope this
is not too much information for you but I feel great comfort that part
of John lives on while having given great help and service to his
fellow men. Which is john's great gift of character.
There is something about John that I must share. Although he was a
wonderful son, brother, friend, colleague and husband, and we saw him
as very humble, loving, helpful, loyal and dependable, John was also
very private. We all have these common experiences with our beloved
John but he also maintained his boundaries with others. In many ways I
feel that he had the ability to compartmentalize his life in such a
way that no one really knew the full intimate details of his life. For example
his incredible work at the U of H where he was instrumental in creating a
multi million dollar world class on line learning program for language
learners that was open sources to be given to the world freely to help
with human communication .
Lepa, his ex wife, who he continued to love and who loved him perhaps
knew the unfiltered John best of all and although she is not here,
provided us with valuable details about his loving spirit, like his love of
animals, His love of his Hawaiian Home and aina, his great inner discipline,
and his ability to love touch and hold closely and
to communicate his loving concern. It was great to be able to hold and support her
but she felt that she had to leave after saying her personal goodbye.
We say goodbye to you today John. I will always miss your deep
kindness, devotion, loyalty and dependably. You will always be my
brother and friend and I know that many of us will hold you forever in
our hearts. Thank you brother John for being with us and making us
better and richer for it.
I did not know John well, yet when I asked him for computer advice, he didn't hesitate to help with my problems. Reading these comments, it's easy to see that he made time to help a LOT of people. That is a quality that the world could use more of.
I can think only of positive qualities associated with John -- for how many people can that be said?! Certainly one of the kindest, most helpful, competent, people with whom I've worked. Such a loss to UH and everyone who knew him.
Enjoy the fireworks tomorrow from your new vantage point, John! The ones I'll be watching are, for me, in celebration of you.
John, your memory will live on in our hearts and in our minds. My most vivid memory of you is when we visited your mom and you for the first time in Hononlulu. You took our little toddlers to the ocean and shared your love of it with them. Now those toddlers are grown but the beach is a favorite place for them. Thank you for that.
I was so blessed to be at your celebration of life on Sunday, June 29th. I represented my husband, Paul - your first cousin. It was amazing to hear the extent of the lives you have touched. Your celebraion of life also brought about a family reunion. The bonding with Auntie Blue, our Khasi relatives, with Greg and his family was a wonderful thing. My heart ached that you were not there to enjoy it all but we felt your presence in our midst. John, we thank God for for your life and we will always remember you.
My old friend John, Im so shocked and saddened by your sudden passing. I knew John when we both were students at UH. These are some of the best memories I have of living in Hawaii, weekend rides out to Makapuu beach for bodysurfing with you & Greg, special weekends out at the northshore beach house for barbeques, beer and playing croquet on the lawn, playing music with you at 440 Hao St.. You are one of the most genuine and kind friends I will ever know. Your unique humor and cleverness will never be forgotten by me. Although I left years ago and we have not gotten together much since, I always thought in the back of my mind that we would reconvene in Hawaii in later years for more trips to the beach and more barbeques. Alas it will have to wait for that perfect beach with perfect waves in the sky someday my friend. Bluebell, Greg, Vicky, Brandon & Mariah, Im so sorry I could'nt be with you for John's life celebration. May you find the strength to endure as John would wish for.
To honor John, I'd like to set up a website to inform people of the risks of stroke and how to protect yourself. It may save peoples lives, or prevent them from serious disability. Even if only 1person were saved, it would be worth it, and bring some positive meaning to the death of our fine friend, John Standal. I need help in setting this up, I can not do it alone. I have business experience, and could contribute some money, but I have no real computer skills. To those who really knew John, we understand how much he would want us to do this. It would also be nice for the family to have a focus and lasting legacy. Chris Chung
I met John very recently and knew him for less than three months (when I came, from Boston, to work at the LLC, from April through June), yet he has left an indelible mark on me. I could not believe how kind and helpful he was, even though I was there for a very short period of time. He helped set up my office, made sure I had the right equipment, and he would regularly check to see whether everything was working properly. If for one reason or other, I needed his help, he was there immediately and solved every single problem that came up. He also would occasionally come to talk about the presidential elections, a topic that he obviously relished and I miss our conversations.
Throughout my dealings with him, I could not help but see what an incredibly thoughtful, caring and gentle man he was. I could not believe it when I heard he had so suddenly been stricken. Just the day before, he was there, with all of us, helping out and making sure that our workshop would go as planned. He was such a vital part of the LLC team! To see his picture on the site, with his wonderful smile and genuine presence, makes it so hard to believe he is gone, but somehow I trust he is smiling where he is.
My heart goes out to you, his family, and particularly to you, his mother. Being the mother of grown-up sons myself, I can only imagine the grief you must feel. But I hope you can find solace in the fact that you have brought up a wonderful man, whose life has touched so many others, in small and big ways. For some reason, I will always associate John to a star in the firmament - a star that was snuffed out much too early but helped make the sky so bright for so many of us. He has left his imprint, and his memory will live on in many of us, I can assure you! And every time I will look at the sky, I know I will think of him and you.
Memories of John Eric Syiem Standal. By Marybell R. Muir. July 15th,2008
I have known John Standal since he was born . I remember that on April 26, 1962 while I was working at the Nutrition Laboratory at the University of Hawaii, I got a call from John Eric Leonard, a friend of Bluebell’s family ,that Bluebell had given birth to a baby boy. He arranged to pick me up after work to go and see Bluebell and her new baby boy at Kaiser Hospital. John Leonard and myself were some of the earliest visitors to see John Standal, through a glass window, after his birth. The first ones to see John Standal were Dr Murray Berger, Bluebell’s physician, and Deone Satterfield, Dr. Berger’s friend.
John Eric Syiem Standal was named after John Eric Leonard.
On the day that Bluebell returned to her Lanikai home after her discharge from the hospital, she arranged that as soon as she reached home she would hand John into my arms so she could pick up Gregory into her arms. She did this in order to forestall any possible feelings of jealousy on Gregory’s part. It worked out well.
I babysat for John, my nephew, throughout his childhood days, mostly on weekends. When John became a toddler, I babysat for both John and his brother Gregory. They were easy kids to take care of. I used to take them to Hanauma Bay in Bluebell’s volkswagen. They played in the sand and the shallow waters of Hanauma Bay beach in the afternoon. After we returned home , I gave both of them a quick bath, fed them and sent them to bed. They were so tired by then, they slept soundly through the night. Bluebell, Gregory, John and myself ate several meals together at Bluebell’s table, and spent many happy times together.
John struck me as a very kind and thoughtful kid. He studied a situation around him carefully before taking a leap. I left Honolulu in September l969 and went to California. I saw John on my several return visits to Honolulu. John only made two visits to my home in California as an adult. I was expecting him to make a third visit to my home, but that is not to be.
His passing has left a void in the hearts of all of us who love him, and especially in his mother’s heart.
His memorial service at the north shore of Oahu was beautiful. As we descended into the sands of the shore to commend his ashes to the Pacific Ocean, an environment that he loved, there were about thirty to forty sea turtles at the water’s edge to welcome John. His beloved brother Gregory and his half-brother Paul Standal did the honor of returning John’s ashes to the ocean. The rest of us threw beautifully colored petals of plumerias and orchids into the ocean to accompany John on his journey.
John, may your soul rest in peace, tranquility and beauty! I love you John.
Your aunt,
Marybell R. Muir.
He keu o John a ka lokomaikai. ua nui kona kokua ana mai ma na polokalamu kamepiula. aloha no kona hoi ana e moe i ka moe kapu o Niolopua, aloha no, o ka la o ka Haku, me he aihue la ia i ka po.
me ke aloha nui ia oe, e John, a me kou ohana a me kou mau hoa aloha.
I found out about Jhon's sudden death from one of my friends from there, in Hawaii, a couple of weekds ago. Like others, I was very surprised and could hardly believe it. The last time I saw him was more than 10 years ago. He was warmhearted and was always very kind. It's too young to leave this world. Please allow me to offer my sincere condolences to Bluebell, Greg, Vicky, to all the bereaved members of the family.
And Jhooon, I miss you. We all miss you!!
I will see you, my love, and Oliver one day soon. I terribly miss you, Naunny...Your gal forever.
It's been a while since you've been gone and your still very much in our hearts and thoughts. I wish Greg would have jumped on your shit a lot more about taking your meds! But as the the saying goes "You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink." All of miss you and know that someday 'we'll see you again"! We love you.
Dear John,
thoughts of your passing causes me to cry. Thoughts of you in my life causes me to rejoice. Given the choice, I think that I will rejoice through the falling tears. Farewell my very good friend.
Blessings of Aloha,
CLA
Hi John, well, you missed the great Hubble repair mission. You would have liked that. At least we little people down here get something for our taxes. It's like 10 times better now! guess there is life after death for this machine... You also missed Obama winning, and Sarah Palin - we could have fried those fish plenty. We all miss you down here, and pray for you. I can tell you I've learned much about health since you left. Hope to share it one day. Your old friend, Chris
I remember john from 7th grade at church farm school.
I remember distinctly he used to roll up a neat little packet of toilet paper to use all day for his runny nose.
He was always very kind and quiet.
And really smart!
I know he will be well missed by all his friends and family.
John was always helping friends out. He helped me fix my jeep and we did not have all the right materials. I remember looking at him as we were almost upside down under the car, and I told him I was just going to sell it anyway - so what would happen if we just fixed it without the right grease? ( no one would know )
He looked at me and said: "It wouldnt be very nice".
It was such a funny moment, when we were both dirty, tired and hanging upside down under the car, I'll never forget it.
So, we climed out from under the car, packed everything up, and went to the store to get the right stuff....
Honest John still lives on in our memories - his gentle humor and wisdom are what I miss the most.
Hi John,
You would be quite interested to know, that Obama has won the Nobel Prize! We could really fry that fish now...or was that fried chicken?
Your old friend, Chris
Hey John,
Obama came through for his people and is legalizingit. Yup. Smoke two joints in the morning, smoke two joints at night. Guess he felt he had to provide for the little people...
I won't tell anyone you told me he was not just smoking but he was....shhhhhh, don't tell anyone will you? The prime directive.
Your old friend....
Jhon, it's the quickening. Scientists will finally get to look at another Earth-like world! Earth based telescopes and space based ones have now discovered planets out side our solar system that include a WATER WORLD -and it's only 42 light years away! We can study it's atmosphere directly. "For the world is hollow and I have touched the sky." I'm getting out of here, I've decided to immigrate. If I can I'll come back to get you. No prime directive for me, I"m the Chinese Cowboy, and sent to save your A... life death, or...I want that third alternative!
Your old friend Chris
What's for dinner in heaven John? I bet it's anything you desire! We miss you.
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John will be missed very much.
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John we all are going to miss you a lot.
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I knew John at Church Farm School. Although we were not what I would consider 'friends', we got along just fine. I was the youngest kid in the class of 78 and he was one of the older ones in the class of 80, making us only a year apart in age. I can recall a couple instances where John's advice - delivered in a flippant, "man up" manner, often unsolicited but always salient - was key in my personal development. It doesn't surprise me that he has touched so many lives as an adult. I am so very sorry to hear of his passing.
Hi Christopher Miller, I was Johns friend for 27 years and It would be fun to talk to you. I know his brother Greg and he also went to Church Farm. If you could chat with us it would be really fun for his family and friends.
His mother Bluebell, would also enjoy it.
Chris Chung
Hey John! Guess what?!!! The new Space telescopes have found that there are at least 1.6 PLANETS for each star in our galaxy. Yup. Trillions of planets, Including ones where water has been found.
Turned out Planets are as common as DIRT.
All those idiot know it all loud mouths droning on about how humans are so high and mighty... Ughhhh,
May Bitter Bile settle in your throat!!!
Know we truly know, the world IS hollow and we HAVE touched the sky.
I'm getting out dude. Immigrating to the now obviously existing galactic civilization.
Clearly Earth as we know IS the Planet of the APES, and I'm not gonna take it.
I'm getting out of here.
I'll come back and get you if at all possible.
No joke man. People are delusioned just as you said...but big time. It's a revolution and I'm getting in on it.
The Quickining has arrived and it's time to ROCK.
John was my friend as well from CFS. We were from different worlds but stuff like that did not matter to John. He took weeks to teach me how to whistle with two fingers against my tongue, a skill I taught my son. I was so saddened at the news of his passing. I will think of my friend everytime I whistle.
John was my friend as well from CFS. We were from different worlds but stuff like that did not matter to John. He took weeks to teach me how to whistle with two fingers against my tongue, a skill I taught my son. I was so saddened at the news of his passing. I will think of my friend everytime I whistle.
John was my friend as well from CFS. We were from different worlds but stuff like that did not matter to John. He took weeks to teach me how to whistle with two fingers against my tongue, a skill I taught my son. I was so saddened at the news of his passing. I will think of my friend everytime I whistle.
John was my friend as well from CFS. We were from different worlds but stuff like that did not matter to John. He took weeks to teach me how to whistle with two fingers against my tongue, a skill I taught my son. I was so saddened at the news of his passing. I will think of my friend everytime I whistle.
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