Tuesday, March 27, 2018
John Edward Richard Kwiek (J.E.R.K. The monogram he lovingly displayed on his bowling ball when we were kids) was in word "One Hell of a Man"! He loved life more than I ever realized until I had time to sit and think about the times we spent together. He had an unforgettably infectious smile and unique laughter which he shared freely and often with anyone who spent much time with him could forget even if we wanted to. Whether in times of happiness,sadness or fear he had an amazing ability to voice thoughts of (what I affectionately call sick) humor that would come straight out of left field. Then he would laugh, smile and look straight at you with those big dark eyes.Then if you weren't already laughing he'd say "C'mon man you know you were thinking it" and the moment or situation would somehow have more or better meaning! John had an uncanny and often frustrating ability to hit ANYTHING with a rock, as anyone who ever walked anywhere with him i'm sure would attest to. He was a loyal friend who would always have your back (right or wrong) which I know first hand and also a formidable foe to which I am thankful to have been the witness of but never the recipient. I was there when John and Rich Zadlo were challenging each other to and did hit Home Runs with their hands crossed on the bat (Thanks to Joe Gonzalski for the reminder)! Finally, one day while sitting at the table at John's house on Eureka St. and I asked him to help me do something that I wanted to do but which he didn't think I should. This is the only time I can remember seeing an incredible degree of seriousness in his face and eyes that I would never see again, (I later realized it would have only benefited him and destroyed me) In an amazing display of humanity, he said "NO"! I know, at that moment that J.E.R.K. SAVED MY LIFE!!! That's why today I take the time to say THAN GOD FOR FOR MY FRIEND JOHN KWIEK!!!!!!!!! I'ld be remiss if John were alive today he would look at all of you, smile and laugh while saying "Hey, don't be pissed at me man"!
