John Sears @ George School - Newtown, PA
N 40° 12.788 W 074° 56.059
18T E 505589 N 4451415
John was an amazing man, great mentor and fantastic artist. This tree, dedicated Mother's Day a few weeks ago is in memory of his many accomplishments and memorializes the way he touched everyone he met.
Waymark Code: WM8WVQ
Location: Pennsylvania, United States
Date Posted: 05/23/2010
Views: 2
My graduation year, tragedy struck our school. On May 17, 1985, John Sears was involved in a near-fatal bicycling accident. I remember talking about this and hearing about this in school, in Meeting for Worship and at the dinner table. The accident left him with a severe head injury and such disabilities as partial paralysis, speech disorders, and double vision, as well as cognitive deficits.
At the age of 71, on April 28 of 2009, John died. His death left a void in many of our lives. I never took his art classes but remember talking to him about baseball, especially after I had pitched. I usually saw him watching from afar and after he would come very and chat with me. He was just a terrific, warm, energetic and funny man.
At the dedication ceremony, we all gather around the tree while Fran Bradley made some thoughtful remarks. John's wife spoke and together we stood in silence and reflected on John. If one was so compelled or moved to speak to share insight or light, we were regaled with wonderful stories and insight into John. I learned that John often said "contrast is the key". These words are written on the dedication plaque and were also imprinted on rectangular magnets which were handed out tot hose who attended the ceremony.
After I left George School, I only saw John one more time on campus. I will never see him again but his memories still resonate very clearly and I will visit this tree often when I come to visit the school. Thanks John.