Curran Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 I regret to inform the community that my longtime neighbor, friend, teacher, martial artist and fellow Nihonto Collector John Prough has passed today. I am going to borrow the words of another of his friends, who wrote; "My heartfelt condolences to John's family, students, and his countless friends throughout the budo community. May he rest in peace, reunited with his beloved Sachiko. John was a stalwart warrior whose long dedication to budo will be missed, as will his generous spirit and sharp wit. Along with myself, I know he will be in the thoughts of many throughout next week's annual AUSKF national Iaido event." ___________________________________________________________________________ He was tough as an iron tac, and fought all the way. Many of us got to spend time with him this week and say our thanks and our good-byes. Quote
Mark Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 Sad news indeed. I always enjoyed seeing John at the Shinsas and shows in New York and NJ. Quote
b.hennick Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 John will surely be missed by a large community of martial arts people as well as sword collectors. Although I knew John as a sword guy I have met him and his wife many times at the Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre where they both taught naginata. In our last conversation, John mentioned that he had 6 tons of books in storage. I offered to introduce him to Grey Doffin who is on messageboard and a book guy. When I spoke to Grey, he had already purchased some books from John. He will be especially missed by the New York Sword club where he was President for many years. Sadly we lost a good one. Quote
Curran Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Posted June 20, 2013 John's friends and students set up nearly around the clock watch with him during his week in terminal Hospice. They did exceptionally well by him. Few us will have such company when we pass. Almost always there were at least two of us in the room with him. I filled a window of time on Sunday with just me and him. He'd lost his speech by then, but he held an iron tsuba for a while. We talked the best we could as the last two Jersey City guys, now that Satchiko and Kodama-san have gone. Quote
Toryu2020 Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 http://ejmas.com/tin/2004tin/tinart_morgan_0404.html An old interview from the pages of the EJMAS - someone mentioned the six degrees of separation. Re-reading this it is fascinating to me how many connections John and I had though none of the frineds and teachers we had in common were responsible for the two of us meeting. Truly he was a man after my own heart, sad though I am he is gone, how happy that he and Sachiko can be reunited. Few will ever live up to their example, we can but keep their memory and strive on. -t Quote
John A Stuart Posted June 20, 2013 Report Posted June 20, 2013 Commiserations with the friends and family. John Quote
Curran Posted June 20, 2013 Author Report Posted June 20, 2013 Thomas, Very well chosen article. That is definitely all John. He was part of the quiet machinery in so many things. He and Sachiko were also romantic proof that sometimes the best years of your life can come at the end. They always played 'Jun'ken' (Rock, Papers, Scissors) to see who got the first big bite of dessert. That is all I'll say. Others welcome to post. Memorial will probably be in Jersey City or Hoboken on Saturday. Quote
Bazza Posted June 21, 2013 Report Posted June 21, 2013 I remember John well and am saddened to see that he finally lost his battle. He did me a grand favour many years ago that I have never forgotten and we had a good correspondence for a time. One of the Good Guys amongst many who continue to inspire me daily. Rest in Peace John. Respectfully, Barry Thomas. Quote
David Flynn Posted June 22, 2013 Report Posted June 22, 2013 I met John in2006, lovely man, he will be missed. Quote
Darcy Posted July 12, 2013 Report Posted July 12, 2013 Dammit. John was one of the good ones. Late to the news, as I haven't been super plugged into the community lately. Losing someone like him hurts, he had been personally supportive and extended a helping hand when it was needed. Quote
Rich S Posted July 12, 2013 Report Posted July 12, 2013 R.I.P. John. Condoleances to his family. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him and the Nihonto community. Rich S Quote
Stephen Posted July 12, 2013 Report Posted July 12, 2013 John im sorry to hear of your passing, he treated me with respct while others were side glancing my Tattoos, a good fair man indeed. RIP John Quote
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.