Today, I discovered that John went to be with our Lord almost 5 years ago. I wept when I saw his picture and read all of the tributes written by friends and colleagues. If I may, I would like to say a few words about my years spent with him. He was my boyfriend for five years when we lived in Walnut Creek, CA. He was kind and caring and such a good guy. When we went skiing in Tahoe, he would stay with me on the intermediate slopes even though he was an expert skier. Once he guided me down an expert slope and although I was terrified at first, his gentle assurance gave me the courage to make the leap, so to speak.

John met my family in PA and I met his family in NY. We spoke of marriage, but it was not to be. We both had our "issues" and parted ways in 1984. Six years later, John found me and apologized for not taking care of himself while we were together. You see, I had tried to help him and in my naïveté, I thought that would be enough. But he had to do that for himself.

In 1990, John was on a mission to improve his health. I was so glad to see him making the effort. Subsequently, he called me and told me that he had had a kidney and pancreas transplant. No more diabetes, he said. That was the last time that I spoke with him.

Thank you all for your tributes, as it gave me insight into John's life over the past 24 years.

He was a genuinely good guy. It is comforting to know that he touched so many other people in positive and uplifting ways. John is at peace now.

To John's family - Memories of John will be forever in my heart. Knowing his family, his parents, Carol and the visits with everyone will forever be some of my most fond memories.

I know John is at peace with Our Lord. John is with his parents and those that passed before them. Most importantly in the presence of our Lord Christ Jesus.

Your mom once said I was John's angel, but in truth John taught me patience, love and kindness many times over.

Peace be with the family.

Chief - You were one the first persons I met when I joined Kaiser back in 2003. Working with you was always a pleasure and I will miss you. Be at peace, my friend. Tom ("Buddy")

John was a Genuine Guy, True Friend and an exceptional and very well respected Co-worker with a Brilliant Mind and the Kindest Heart!

His strength showed no bounds!

I miss you John and will never forget you!

My Dearest John, You're the most amazing person in my life; I will truly miss you and you will always be in my heart. We shall meet again my love.

John,

You were a true gentleman in every sense of the word, with a keen intellect, an ever ready smile and laugh, and a generosity and empathy that knew no bounds. The entire Kaiser Permanente community has experienced a great loss with your passing but has gained much - both large and small - with your very presence. Thank you for sharing your self with us. Peace be with you my friend, and may you now enjoy your just reward for a life well-lived.

My heart and love goes out to all that knew John. He was my best friend while I was in Delhi.

In memory of John McRedmond

John was the master He Is the 'Chief' Words can't describe Our sadness and grief

Even though you're not here We won't forget you You'll be in our hearts In all that we do

Now your vision is perfect And your leg is brand new But we wish you were here It May be selfish, but true

He can't be replaced And we'll all work together But his loss will be felt Forever and ever

Words that describe John Are patient and kind A better human being Would be hard to find.

Understanding and caring And ever so smart Thank you for the lessons Thanks from the heart

He was ever so humble And a gentleman all the way He would always make me laugh Something funny he would say

He was respected and respectful And he was always right He was our go to person He had so much insight

He would always listen We could think and talk things through Now I truly do not Know what I will do

He was loyal and honest Trustworthy to the end And he always took the time To help one of his friends

God took you away To a better place But I want you here As tears run down my face.

Such a nice person Such a great friend We will all remember you Love and Hugs we all send

Bob, Anna, Mary

I'm so sorry for your loss. John was such a great man and I enjoyed every minute I've spent with him, from Delhi to California.

Rest in peace Brother-in-Law

Love Always

Carol

My thoughts are with the family of John May the words in Isaiah 41:10,13 give you comfort.

I have put this off because I really can't say goodbye. I can't express how much your leaving has affected me. I thank you for teaching me. I thank you for your kind spirit. I thank you for sharing your brilliance -- and everyone knows how brilliant you are. I always knew if John said "I think it will work, just let me test it", it always worked. I thank you for explaining things 3 or 4 times until I could explain it back to you. I thank you for taking the time with anyone that wanted to get it right. Mostly, I thank you for seeing the best in everyone. You have so many students, friends and admirers. I am grateful to be in the club. The entire team will miss the Chief. I will miss you, John. I will miss you very much.

Johnny Mac...how could you leave us so soon? We will miss you with all our hearts--especially me. I wish I could have hugged you good-bye..I'll try to send one your way...

I am really sorry about your loss. You are in my thoughts. John was an amazing human being. He was kind and modest and always had a kind word to say about everyone. He will be missed but will be an example to the rest of us.

To John's Family, John was loved absolutely by everyone who knew him. I knew him since 2001 and worked closely with him and in all that time I have NEVER heard him complain of the pain he was going through every day. I respected him for the work that he did and admired him as a wonderful and VERY modest human being and I will miss him.

You are missed. You were a mentor and friend to so many here. People stood in awe of what you knew, even moreso of who you were. The only thing that overshadowed your brilliance was your kindness and humility. People like you cross our paths only but a few times in a lifetime. We were all lucky to have you in our lives in whatever capacity that was. You'd always tell me to "go ahead" of you because you couldnt walk as fast. I am glad I never listened to you with regards to that. Rest in Peace Chief.