John Paul Fernald III

Even after all these years, I still find myself thinking about John... especially this time of year. John taught me to write. John helped me find my voice. I am eternally grateful for this.

Six years now, my love...and there's not a day that goes by that I don't think of you. I know you and my Michael are happy together in heaven.

Mr. Fernald inspired me outside of the classroom (frankly, academic memories elude me): From the more casual egalitarian manner he assumed, to his patient and genuine listening, and his willingness to readily share a laugh with me. The indelible memory I have is Mr. Fernald smoking nervously in the periphery as the play rolls on. I stumble and stare into the crowd; I catch his eye as I painfully work my way to the front of the stage and he smiles then winks, making me smile. . .then the...

My breath is absolutely taken away at learning of the world's loss. I had the extreme pleasure of being both a student of Fernie's and acted under his direction at JHS. He taught me to be passionate as well as compassionate in everything I do. I have so many memories, so many "firsts" I can recall, and John Fernald was there for them. You helped make me into the person I am today. I can still hear the cast and crew shouting your name with such pride and admiration, "Fernie! Fernie!"

John was flat out my favorite teacher at J-High. When I think of John, I think of one word - PASSION. He was full of passion and it inspired me to greater heights as a student, artist, musician and leader. Thank you, John.

I remember John when I was attending Jesuit High School and how my friends enjoyed being in his class because he was funny and inspirational. Unfortunatly I never had him in a class but ironically we met up again IN class as students in a traffic school on a cold Saturday morning and we were able to catch up with old times. It is sad someone with his love and generosity is gone but his spirit will thrive in the hearts he inspired. I will miss you Mr. Fernald.

Adrian...

Although I miss Johnny deeply it provides me comfort to continue to witness the affect he had on so many wonderful people...I love you my schmo, my beau, my dididoe...forever yours Mikie-mike

John was a great inspiration to me at Jesuit. I find as I achieve the small successes in my life I think back on the educators who shaped me and wish that they can see the affect they had on me. Well, I'm still writing and acting professionally and I owe so much of that to John. And I know he can see that now.

I had the great fortune of being one of John's students at Jesuit. He brought a passion to his students that instilled in all of us a sense of compassion, humanity, and action. His recognition and understanding of the soul and spirit in all of us made him a truly wonderful man, teacher, and friend. He taught us to think critically, appreciate the beauty in life and in the arts, and to strive for social justice. The world is a better place for having John here. May the void in our world...