VANCOUVER ISLAND WINDTALK

We are posting to inform you that our beloved friend Johnny Read has passed away.
His Father Gordon called Grant this afternoon.
We'll let you know of any information about a service when we find out.
Grant and Cammie 658-8407

Fluffy: We have lost one of the great friends of the sailing community. Take care my friend you will be missed.......Rob and Deb - Apr 02 5:23PM
Bones: One of John's wishes was to have his, or at least some of his ashes spread off of Cook Str.,, to join our other good buddy that past away a few years ago, Mike Benson. He had more time on that body of water, over the last 20 or more years,than anyone I can think of... What a loss of a great human being,, he will be sadly missed by his family and the sailing community at large..,,,,cheers old buddy,,,, Tony - Apr 02 5:07PM
Sonicspectrum: Cannonball. We'll miss you. - Apr 02 4:09PM
Asscrack , Cannonball we miss you man . Gave it everything right to the end ... All those D.R. Chickas , 50 knot kiting , windsurfer ... This is not good news ... http://www.bigwavedave.ca/gallery/displ ... at=3&pos=0

OMG, I'm stunned. That is incredibly sad news. He will be missed. Thoughts go out to his family. I'll miss you buddy.
Dave

W-H-A-T

Huge knot in my stomach, having trouble believing this. Great Sadness hearing you had to leave us behind.

Go big, Johnny, GO BIGGGG! May the huge gusts be with you my good friend

Pls let us know, Grant. Markus

Words cannot express our shock and sadness at the news of Johnny's passing. He will be missed greatly. Cook street will never be the same without him.

Sherry and Mark

Safe journey John, you are missed already!

Tragic news. An incredibly kind and fun loving individual. One of the first to befriend me when I was a rookie down at Dallas. Will miss you sadly and think of you often.

Part of JR's last travel blog entry:

"Yes,All good things come to and end it seems.At least temporarily.My trip has been excellant.So much beauty here.The wind for me,has been relentless,A record here as well.39 days non stop.Kite surfing record for me.Palm trees are swaying as we speak.I went to a lagoon this morning early,for a peacefull sunrise.There was a fisherman pulling in his nets.Young kids swimming,and laughing.The people certainly love life here.they may not have much money,but they can live.Pick fruit off the tree's,and watch the world go by,unincumbered."

http://footstops.com/johnnyread/

RIP

We had a lot of fun together over the last 25 years and we're all going to miss you bro. I'm sure you're in a better place... don

what ..... the hell, omg! wow, Reading that last post, it is somewhat nice knowing he truly lived large and happy...right up until..jeez..well you know. He was one of the dudes that inspired me to huk it as huge as possible and have a ball doin it...I too will truly miss you.safe journeys friend. I send all my best to the family and close friends

dale
KSD

Thats a shock, one of the most prolific posters/loggers on this site, I'm so glad he got to experience that last incredible DR trip. I never spent a lot of time talking to him but he was always a friendly face and had an encouraging word.
Morley

Johnny, we're all going to miss you very much. You've left a massive void in this community. You were one of the core men that commanded respect yet could always be relied upon for a good belly laugh. This is an unbelievably sad day. Safe journey to you and may you find warm, steady winds.

Christopher and Stephanie Curran

Very sad indeed. Our sympathies go out to John's family and his other friends. - Joe & Christina

Yes, John you were a pillar here and at work or as AC said and i quote, "you are our rock " ..God speed. Fly free!

John was a workmate at the City Parks. I was working with him before he left for the Dominican - he was counting down the days. I am so happy that he got the last trip in. He was a wonderful guy and we will really miss him. Go big Johnny!

Paul, Janice & Luke