“Live well and do good”
John, a musical, outdoorsy wanderlust, loved life and could find the good in anyone. Vivacious and intelligent, he loved problem-solving and sharing his knowledge. With teachers for parents, John spent many summer vacations all over the world. He had many passions in life, including skiing, science, computers, technology, and travel. Kind and caring, John was one-of-a-kind, a phenomenal listener, and a helper to his core. Dance, music, and socializing filled John’s days with joy, and his calm presence and loyal nature helped him form lifelong bonds, like with his neighbor Thomas and his younger brother Will.
John’s family loved skiing, so he grew up on the slopes. He raced downhill until he was fifteen, then became a ski instructor. His love of the sport took him everywhere from the Adirondacks to Austria, and many places in between. When the weather warmed up, he hiked the hills instead. Off the trails, he learned the intricacies of computer science, achieving his CompTIA A+ certification. He intended to complete a college degree and begin a career in technology. He developed a passion for assembling and repairing computers, as well as making music with them. Talented in trombone and bass guitar, he found a way to combine his musical interests, channel his creativity, and make music part of his career. An avid reader with a strong academic curiosity, John was especially interested in science — particularly biology and how substances affect the human body.
Temptation from his social circle caused the initial exploration of drugs. Though John was aware of how they would change him physically and mentally, he embraced the effects, his scientific mind more curious than cautious. He understood how substances would change him over time, how his dopamine receptors would react, and explained these details to his mother, Jane, while she grew more frustrated and helpless. While enduring the disorder, he was often sick, tired, and lacked his usual joviality. Family maintained their support, encouraging wellness and rehabilitation programs, though John sought independence and thought himself strong enough to endure after stints of success. After six months of wellness, a period full of promise, a single choice ended John’s journey.
Ten years have gone by since John’s passing. Jane’s grief is insurmountable. She and John’s father are left with unanswered questions and suppositions of what could have been done differently to prevent the tragedy. Understanding substance use disorder became even more important, and they joined Step Into Action VT to advocate for wellness. Jane misses her son; his hugs, his voice and his love. She is dedicated to continuing to share his motto as a testament to her undying love: “Life is precious; live well and do good.”
John’s mother, Jane Halliday-Randall, provided the information for this narrative.
January 11, 1988-July 1, 2015-Age 27
Portrait Artist: Elizabeth Jones
Narrative Writer: Jill Denton
