Saturday, August 24, 2024
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The 1990s at Chatham Arts were not just a chapter in my life—they were a celebration of the vibrancy and joy that John Denton brought into our daily work. To say that John worked alongside us somehow feels like an understatement. He embodied the spirit of what it means to find passion in your work, blurring the lines between labor and play, between dedication and outright fun.
I remember the echo of our laughter mingling with the sounds of whatever music was fueling our day—loud and infectious. Our tasks seemed lighter, the days shorter, and it was all because of John's unwavering energy and enthusiasm. It was commonplace to hear someone remark, "There they go again," as if our revelry was as much a part of the job as the art we were surrounded by.
Yet, never was our commitment to the cause in question, for the job always got done, and done well. Each project completed was a testament to the perfect balance we struck between enjoyment and efficiency—a balance that John orchestrated effortlessly.
To have worked at Chatham Arts during those years is to have received a gift—a timeless highlight of camaraderie and shared purpose. And as I reflect on those irreplaceable times, I extend my heartfelt sympathies to Maureen, his children John Jr. and Jen, and to all the grandchildren who no doubt carry the spark of John's legacy.
When they look back on their moments with Papa John, I trust they are filled with the same warmth and fondness that his presence instilled in all of us. May every shared story, every recollected phrase, every melody from our past serve as a tribute to a man who brought so much life to Chatham Arts and to all of us who had the pleasure to be called his friend and colleague.
John's laughter may have quieted, but the impact of his joyous spirit reverberates still. Rest in peace, dear friend, and know that your memory is etched into the hearts of those who had the joy of knowing you.
