​John was the Idaho Association of Teachers of Languages and Cultures Teacher of the Year for 1994-1995.  This Genesee native stretched the world view for many students and colleagues alike with his integration of language and history.  His 75 years were pebbled with numerous examples of calm sharing of knowledge and new adventures.  Many Idaho students had their first foreign experience thanks to his willingness to help them travel.  He was at the core of German teachers in Idaho while at Nampa, but the state's weak response to the linguistic needs of its students never detoured him from doing his best to compensate for the short-comings of the legislature and school districts.