John Olan Horne

87, of Newburyport, and formerly Haverhill and Lowell, died Wednesday, Sept. 26, 2007 at the Merrimack Valley Hospital of complications following a stroke. His son Jonathan provided care, companionship and was present with John's daughter Mary at his passing. He was born in Ward Hill, March 14, 1920, son of the late Postmaster Olan Radburn and Kathleen A. (Sullivan) Horne. A graduate of Keith Academy in Lowell, John went on to a rich scholastic career at Harvard University in Cambridge, earning an A.B in English and French Class of 1942. An avid sportsman, he enjoyed tobogganing, biking, hockey and was an accomplished figure skater. Post graduation, John served in the U.S. Army as a cryptographer and earned numerous battle ribbons in the European Campaign, including Normandy and the Battle of the Bulge. He was honorably discharged in 1945. After the war, John pursued his immense love of the written word honing his skills in numerous fields. A Master of English and French language and literature, John was a School Teacher in Lowell and Newburyport schools, a private tutor up through the spring of 2007, a proofreader for the Boston Globe to 1983, a freelance editor and an accomplished author. Via his exquisite vocabulary and eye for detail and razor sharp wit, John created remarkable stories from war and everyday human experience published by The Boston Globe and other literary magazines. A strident taskmaster, particularly regarding grammar and vocabulary, this factious soul provided us with immeasurable opportunity to improve ourselves and enhance our knowledge of language, etiquette and art. He maintained an impressive library of fine literature, music, art, classic comedy and film. Ever the natty dresser, John's slight but jaunty figure will surely be missed on the local horizons he so enjoyed. An advertising slogan displayed in his home summarizes his philosophy on appearance and dress: "Unpolished shoes are the open fly of footwear". John was predeceased by his eldest daughter Margaret Mary Horne in 2004. He is survived by eight other children, four grandchildren one newborn granddaughter and several nieces and nephews. His family will be receiving relatives and friends this Sunday, Sept. 30, 2007 from 1-4 at Heritage House, 32 Low St., Newburyport, 2nd floor community room. Parking can be found at the adjacent lot of the ice rink please. In lieu of flowers, contribution can be made in memory of John and his daughter Margaret Mary Horne to the ARC of South Shore, 371 River St., No. Weymouth, MA 02191, 781-335-3023. Arrangements are by the H.L. Farmer & Sons Funeral Homes and Cremation Service, HAVERHILL/BRADFORD. Condolences to his family may be made at www.farmerfuneralhomes.com. H. L. Farmer & Sons 978-372-9311