In Memoriam: John C. Vorfeld

Obituaries have their place, but it follows that much is, out of necessity, left out. How do we describe the life of someone who has just died? I've been wrestling with that question since my grandson, John, died.

He was many things to many people, and if I could say anything profound, it would be that John's gentle nature, full of warmth and intellect, touched many lives. He will always be a standard bearer for kindness.

People from many generations and locations will miss him deeply. He touched our lives. Excerpts from the Monadnock Ledger-Transcript say "We're going to miss him" as the town mourned his unexpected death.

John and Patti had lived in Rindge, NH for 22 years. He had an architectural design and construction company, and was active on the Town Planning Board. John also taught woodworking at The Well School in Peterborough.

The Ledger-Transcript obituary says that he will be remembered by all who knew him for his humor and his enthusiastic commitment to helping those in need. How true.

Rindge Planning Assistant Robyn Payson said, "It's a real tragedy for the town and everyone who knew him," while Planning Board Chair Kim McCummings said, "He was very concerned and committed to helping Rindge be everything that it could be." David Tower, vice chair of the Planning Board said, "The thing I always respected and admired about John was that he was always considerate and respectful and deliberate in his decisions....He was a valuable contributor and we're going to miss him."

When I married Jack Vorfeld, John was a little guy. Talk about cute. And even as a child, he got involved in community affairs and received an award for his big heart. Here is his obituary from a Honolulu paper.

John C. Vorfeld
March 20, 2008

John C. Vorfeld, 47, of Rindge, N.H., a Vorfeld Co.-Architectural Design and Construction owner and operator, died. He was born in Kailua. He is survived by wife Patricia A., son Alexander, daughter Emma, father Peter, mother Marlyn Sussman and sister Victoria Kukuruda. Services to be held in Rindge. Donations suggested to Vorfeld Family Scholarship Fund, c/o Ocean Bank, Box 552, Peterborough, NH 03458.

John grew up in Kailua, and graduated from Kalaheo Highschool in 1978. He played in the school band, excelled in track, and was an avid waterskier. John graduated from the University of Hawaii in 1982, having earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology.

On March 26, 2008, John's memorial service was held at Pierce Hall, Franklin Pierce University. The service began with a prelude: selected works by Debussy and Ravel, and was followed by a call to gathering and worship. Akhil Garland and April Clagget performed "On the Willows" by Stephen Schwartz. Ed Lamoureaux and Paul Greenyer spoke words of remembrance.

Tudi Stropparo led in the singing of "Amazing Grace." Other musical selections included "Arms of an Angel" performed by Akhil Garland, and "Waiting on the World to Change," presented by members of the 7th and &th Grade Well School Band.

If you'd like to see a few pictures of John, mostly in his younger days, click here.