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John Cleveland Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Cleveland
Nancy Hobbs
October 2, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss. John made this world a better place and I'm so glad I knew him. We served on the board of New Beginnings together.
Laura and Mathew Hammock
October 1, 2008
Artie Ann,
Mat and I are so saddened and sorry for what has happened. I wish we had known sooner so we could've attended the funeral. Please hang in there and be stong. Call on us if ever you need us.
Tom Reed
October 1, 2008
I served with John on the board of New Beginnings of SW Virginia, a long-term residential treatment center for persons with addiction to alcohol and other drugs. John cared aabout people and worked hard to make recovery possible. I send my condolences to his family and all those who knew, loved, and respected him.
carrie cornett
September 30, 2008
Artie ann ,i am sorry for your loss,sorry i couldnt come to the funeral but i was in richmond, prayers are with u and davy,i was thinking of u ,god bless
Ellen Millard
September 29, 2008
Dear Artie and David, you may not remember us but we were the couple on the farm that Dale Swan brought you to see one evening during your visit to Tatamagouche long ago.We were both deeply sorry to learn of John's death from Dale. Deepest sympathy and prayers are sent to you. LeRoy my husband remembers what a good talk he enjoyed with him regarding farming and other mutual interests. I will be in touch again with you Artie, my prayers are with you . Ellen and Leroy Millard
Dale Swan
September 28, 2008
Sept. 28
I just learned an hour ago the sad news about John. All the tributes I have found online speak volumes about John's character and his deep caring for the environment and his passion for the land.
I met John when he and Artie Ann and David visited Tatamagouche to
learn more abut Anna Swan , wife of Capt. Bates. I was impressed by
his friendliness , his interest in farming and rural life . I cherish the picture I took of the three of you at the Balmoral Grist Mill Waterfall.
He epitomizes the type of person
we need to ensure that rural communities have a voice that is heard.
Sincere condolences.Dale
wilma walters,wells
September 27, 2008
artie ann I am so sorry for your lost. I wasn't able to come to the funeral,but my thoughts and prayer's were with you. and Eunice was sick,she couldn't hardly talk. but I want you to know if theres anything we can do for you just let us know. we love you,your just like a sister to all of us in the Walters family. so take care and remember were here for you always. love wilma walters wells
Tom, Bonnie and Ashley Bates
September 27, 2008
Although I didn't know John that well, I remember the peace he conveyed at the Bates' Family Reunion. He always at a sincere smile and kind word.
Amanda Banks Galer
September 26, 2008
I met John about fifteen years ago when he was leading the Youth Leadership and Environment Club. Myself along with two friends were picked to be in the club that year. It was such a special honor. John taught us and showed us things about our world that otherwise we would have never known of. My favorite memory is when he took us to the bat caves at Natural Bridge and dared me to kiss a baby bat. I did it! I will never forget him. My condolences to his family. I truly believe that if John has anything to do with it, heaven will be as beautiful as Bad Branch.
Don Davis
September 26, 2008
Artie & Davy, I'm so sorry for your loss, but so thankful for my time with John.
John was such an inspiration,... so special,... straight up,...a true friend.
He was always ready to help, expecting nothing in return, because that's what you do. The right thing for the right reason.
I know that he's gone, but I'll never forget him,...and I'm a better person because of my friend, John Cleveland.
Michael Tackett
September 26, 2008
You always did an outstanding job. You are missed.
Jeff McCormick
September 26, 2008
Cousin Johnny, I have such fond memories of you when you would come to Iowa to visit your extended family there all those years ago, you always had a grin on your face and it was so contagious, a person could not help but grin back. You remind me so much of Uncle Bill. I always had fun when you were around. My family and I are deeply sadden by the news of your passing, we will miss you dearly.
Jeff, Liz, Maddie & Georgie McCormick
Joyce & Howard Hazelwood
September 25, 2008
Artie Ann and Dave, We're so sorry for your loss of John and just can't believe he's gone. We've looked forward to your visits during the Christmas holidays when you come to Frankfort, and you always make time to come by our house to visit with Sherri and George while they're here for Christmas. John, George, Howard, Bobby and whoever happened to be around had to have a few games of pool, and our grandsons, Andy & Adam, were crazy about him too. I've known John since his high school days and I remember how handsome he was in George & Sherri's wedding. He was always a ray of sunshine when he walked in. Know that we have you and your family in our hearts and prayers at this time.
Rhonda Fields
September 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with you Artie Ann and Davey. I remember all the times we sat at the ball field at Isom watching our boys play ball together. John was always involved in the activities with Davey. I know you both will truely miss him. He will be missed by all that knew him.
Donna Smith
September 25, 2008
It was a pleasure knowing John the 4 years that i did. I reffed with him and he was an awesome ref. I learned alot from him. I had the pleasure of reffing with him the Thursday before his accident. My prayers and thoughts are with the family. May God Bless you.
Allie Secor
September 25, 2008
John's family and friends: I didn't realize John was so involved with the environmental issues of our region - he will be sorely missed there as well as in the soccer community where I had the pleasure of knowing him.
Bob, Lisa, Andy & Adam Bond
September 25, 2008
My whole family is deeply saddened about this loss. John was a Good Guy, and he will be missed. I think that says it all about him.
He was true to his beliefs, and like someone else said, he would not back down easily, to put it mildly. I have many fond memories with John, even though I guess I wasn't that close to him. Whether it was giving shots to big ole Simmental bulls, playing basketball, or discussing "the issues", he was always fully engaged and giving his best. I'll bet he was good on environmental issues! We will miss seeing him and shooting pool each Christmas. Artie Ann and Davey, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Drema Cool Belfry Soccer
September 25, 2008
Soccer, as well as his community, will miss a fine gentleman.
Susan & Rick Bissmeyer
September 25, 2008
After reading all of these testaments of a life well spent, you must be very proud of John's accomplishments. I remember John as "Johnny" perhaps 30 years ago, and thinking he was such a good looking guy (still was) and so kind, sweet and fun. He and my younger brother, Joe, were really good pals. I am so sorry for your loss. Hope that you can take some consolation in the fact that he lived his life helping others and protecting what he cherished the most. Once again, our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Jill White
September 25, 2008
Artie Ann, I was forunate to met John at Seedtime on the Cumberland in June. I am so sorry for everyone's lose.
Maura Ubinger
September 25, 2008
I remember conversations I had with John 20 years ago, so delightful, so animated, as though it were yesterday. I haven't seen him since then. My heart hurts so much I can't imagine how you must feel Artie Ann dear, and Dave. I'm so very, very sorry and keep you in thoughts and prayers that you be strengthened to bear this. Love, Maura Ubinger
Kate Lardner
September 25, 2008
Artie Ann, I am so sorry about John, please know that your in my thoughts and prayers.
Kate Smith Lardner
Clara Smith
September 25, 2008
My prayers are with you all as you grieve the loss of your husband, father, son and brother John. May you always have fond memories of your life with John.
Since knowing John's sister Mary for 15 years and attending many of your Family gatherings, I feel that I have lost a part of my "Family" also.
May God's peace be with you all.
Chris Marshall
September 25, 2008
John has always been very special to me and I loved him.
Jim Bevins
September 25, 2008
My deepest sympathy goes out to John's wife, son and family.
Marty & Mae Deane Torgrimson
September 25, 2008
It has been our pleasure to work with John to grow soccer in your region for the past 4 years. He always had my back and was there for the children. Know you are in our prayers.
David
September 25, 2008
I have met Mr. John Cleveland several times when I was with the PRIDE Organizations and when I attended the monthly meetings throughout Letcher County. It was a truly shocking news on the recent passing a good man. A man that love doing what he did. He will be greatly missed by those that loved him, knew him and worked side by side with Mr. Cleveland. May God Bless his family during this time.
kim fugate
September 25, 2008
Artie Ann,
We are so sorry for your loss and ours. Working with John was a memorable experience. Everyone at the county road department and sanitation department mournes your loss as well.
Mike Vance
September 24, 2008
Artie Ann,
My prayers are with you and your family during this time of loss.
Holly McCormick
September 24, 2008
We just want all of you Clevelands to know we are thinking of you, especially Artie Ann and David. Even though we didn't get together often, we always treasured the times when we did. We are going to miss John so very much. We love you all!
Holly, Mike, & Morgan
Liz Natter
September 24, 2008
I'm sad for me, for the coalfields, for the state, and especially for you, Artie Ann, and Davey. What I remember most of all about John was how tireless and fearless he was and how kind and gentle and affirming he was in helping others find their voice and their own courage to speak out against injustice. We will all miss him.
Anne Shelby
September 24, 2008
I am so sorry to hear this sad news. John was always very kind to me, and many of us will miss his kindness, his quiet intelligence, his dedication to the things he believed in, his voice on the radio, therock 'n roll love songs he always dedicated to Artie Ann. I know that I am only one of many people thinking of John and his family tonight with love and with sadness.
Julia Hassloch
September 24, 2008
Murray, Madgel, and All of the Clevelands,
I always considered John to be one of the good guys. He was an old friend and family member who will definitely missed. My heart goes out to you. Thinking of you,
Julie (Dollar) and Mike Hassloch
"Boy" another family picture!
September 24, 2008
My big sister Mary's got me, I think I'm safe!
September 24, 2008
Man, I always had dogs!!
September 24, 2008
Big Brother MJ has me, am I safe??
September 24, 2008
Whoo Baby!
September 24, 2008
Wasn't he the cutest?
September 24, 2008
Hey, this is my rattle!
September 24, 2008
My Very Own Chair
September 24, 2008
Bathing Beauty
September 24, 2008
Marty Lusk
September 24, 2008
Artie Ann and family, We are so sorry for your loss and will keep you in our thoughts and prayers. It is a tragic loss for all, John Cleveland will be deeply missed. Cheryl and I are saddened for your loss, May God Bless you and we send our love and condolences.
Marty and Cheryl Lusk (Cornettsville, KY)
Mary Whitely
September 24, 2008
I've been so proud to be your sister. You have always been the watch dog for our little part of the world. Hopefully some of those ears have been listening to the wonderful ideas that you have always spoken for. I'm finally going to get up to see your beautiful Blackey and I so wish that you were going to be with me physically instead of only spiritually as I view your wonderful "hollers". Miss you and big hugs to you Artie Ann & Dave.
Avalene and Don Blair
September 24, 2008
Don and I are so saddened by the news about John. Such a neat person and one Mother always spoke of so highly. Our love and prayers are with you, Artie Ann, and all of both families.
Linda Hill
September 24, 2008
To the Cleveland family,
Know that God is with you as you morn the loss of John and rejoice in the knowledge that he is in a much better place where the enviroment is pure and he can rest in peace.
I'm so glad that I was given the opportunity to meet and spend time with John, a person who was truly passionate about life and his beliefs.
Love to all!
jamie huff
September 24, 2008
love ya john and u will be missed by all of us
Jim Samsel
September 24, 2008
Deepest sympathy to John's family in this time of sudden loss. John was a fair and professional referee. I only got to know him over the last two years, but he was fun to be around and very fair when refereeing a game. He will be missed.
Maria Caudill
September 24, 2008
John: John was the Best Man at our wedding over 30 years ago. His friendship was very important. John always held a spirit of goodness and protection of the earth. We love you and will miss you.
Caudill Family
John, Maria & Gillian
GA
Robin Kincer
September 24, 2008
I am so sorry for your loss, I worked with John for several years in the Letcher Co. Judge's office in Whitesburg. I thought very highly of him as a co-worker and a friend. He will be well remembered and missed.
Mike and Judy Padgett
September 24, 2008
John was one of my oldest and dearest friends. He was intelligent, down to earth, good hearted, and a loving husband and father. He believed passionately in protecting the environment for all of us, and gave his time unsparingly in that pursuit. He was a farm boy at heart, and when I think of him it is as a young man full of humor and harmless mischief (many will remember his artful re-painting of the Frankfort water tower!). Our hearts go out to Artie Ann and David, and to his many brothers and sisters, whose kid brother he was. We hope that they find comfort, and that the earth John loved will rest gently upon him.
Linda Cornett
September 24, 2008
Artie Ann, I'm so sorry to hear about John. What a brave spirit he was. I enjoyed talking to him at the reunion and wish we lived closer so we could have known each other better. I send you love and strength.
Betty Jo Lykins
September 24, 2008
Dear Friend Of My Heart; I am so sorry about your sweet John. He was so warm and sincere in his efforts to protect and preserve the dignity of the mountain environment.
May God bless and keep you and David. We love you. Betty Jo & J.T.
Nithin Coca
September 24, 2008
I was able to meet John when he was in San Francisco - he was warm, caring, and incredibly engaged and eager to learn. I was most impressed how open he was to new ideas and improving his own work. He was a model for all people who are about the earth and I hope that his legacy outlives him.
Nicole Ghio
September 24, 2008
I was lucky to meet John at a Sierra Club staff retreat this summer. He was very caring and committed to his work in Kentucky. He will be missed by everyone he worked with, and my heart goes out to his friends and family.
Morgan Jones
September 24, 2008
I was deeply saddened to hear of the death of John Cleveland, and offer my condolences to his family and loved ones. I first met John about 15 years ago at an environmental workshop for high school students in Wolfe County. His dedication to the mountains of eastern Kentucky, and to the environment we all share was most impressive. I was immediately drawn to this humorous, highly-motivated and intelligent man. Of many insightful things he said, the one that sticks with me the most was his indignation after visiting his grandmother in Tampa, where he observed tall buildings with all the interior lights illuminated all night long. His comment was that they were tearing up the mountains of Kentucky to light offices in Tampa while no one was there. John was truly one of the most dedicated activists I’ve ever met. He will be sorely missed by many.
Dave Muhly
September 24, 2008
I met John for the first time at a Sierra Club training I helped out with in June in San Francisco. I was immediately impressed by his candor, his warmth, and his commitment to the environment and social justice. I felt that I had not only met a colleague but made a friend.
John's dedication inspired all of us in the Club who had the opportunity to work with him in this altogether too-short time we had available together. He will be sorely missed, not just because of what he did but who he was.
My condolences and best wishes to John's family. We have all lost a great man.
Shannon Herald
September 24, 2008
John was one of the kindest human beings on the face of this earth. He had a magical smile and a presence that made you "want" to be a better person. He had such an impact on so many lives and his presence will be greatly missed.
Hilary Lambert
September 24, 2008
I recently met John and was anticipating the good work he was going to do for the Sierra Club and the eastern Kentucky mountains. My deep condolences to his family.
Sharman Chapman-Crane
September 24, 2008
Artie Ann and Dave - so sorry, so few words, many tears. We love you all and looked forward to growing old together. I know he's sorry he's left you. John had such a good heart. Sharman, Jeff and Evan
cassie robinson
September 24, 2008
I just saw John at the Oven Fork hearing for the Poor Fork of the Cumberland River a week and a half ago. It's so hard to believe someone as wonderful as him is gone. He was so full of life, and within the short 6 months that I've met and known him, I've been very impressed with the way he chose to live his life. May we all continue to fight for coalfield justice in honor of John Cleveland.
George and Sherri Rogers
September 24, 2008
John is a caring person who refused to compromise on what he believed was important. His concerns were rarely personal, but for his family, his friends, and his causes. He was always friendly, but would not back down from a fight for a just cause, no matter how big or official his opponent. He assumed more responsibility for his personal impact on the environment than any other person I have known. Although not his origin he deeply loved the mountains and the world that Artie Ann brought him into. Sherri and I have known John from high school; he always went out of his way to keep up with people. I have lost my best friend, but I cherish his memory and he will always be with us.
Tim Guilfoile
September 24, 2008
I worked with John only a short time, but in that time I got to know a man that cared deeply about his community, his mountains and the people around him. He introduced me to eastern Kentucky like no one I'd ever met before. Everyone he touched was better for it. Be assured your work and your spirit will carry on in all of us.....My thoughts and prayers are with Artie Ann and David...
Love ya John.
Gordon and Estelle Quisenbery
September 24, 2008
Gordon and I were quite surprised to learn of the tragic death of John. John refereed for me when you all were residing in Louisville. We had run into John several times since. I had the pleasure of being with John at the HS soccer camp in July and we enjoyed catching up on soccer. Our prayers will be with you and your family.
A great day for me.
Wendy and Lane Buckman
September 24, 2008
Uncle John,
You will be missed by Wendy and I. I am so glad we were able to get in a Cub's game last month. You taught me so much. You were so genuine and always stuck to your beliefs no matter how quirky they were. That is what we all loved about you.
Love, Lane and Wendy
john secor
September 24, 2008
As a soccer official, I had the privilege of working several games with John, and admired his humor and ability to keep above the fray.
Whenever we saw each other, I asked about David (a former student of mine), and John proudly related how educational goals and successes were making a difference in his life.
My condolences to David and Artie Ann.
Ceci Mitchell
September 24, 2008
I am heartsick to learn of John's death. I was fortunate to have grown up with John in Franklin County, reconnected with him when he and his young family lived in Jefferson County, and then interacted with him as treehuggers/nature lovers in our "adult" lives. He will be sorely missed on all fronts.
ron bodager
September 24, 2008
Life is so precious and I am praying for the family and friends. It is very challenging time and I just wanted you all to know that I care.
Troy Lee Thomas
September 24, 2008
John was my next door neighbor for over 5 years in Blackey, KY and I have been so stunned to hear about his death. He was a great friend that I had always admired and loved very much. I remember growing up in Blackey, we would shoot basketball out by the railroad tracks all the time. If he beat me in a game, it would make me more determine to beat him the next time we played. We competed all the time playing basketball by the railroad tracks no matter what time it was. I remember one time when I would play basketball for hours even up to 1 o'clock in the morning, John came out and shot with me if he couldn't sleep. I went on to play for Morehead State University for the men's basketball team for 4 years and my mom would always tell me that John had asked about me. John took me to my first Atlanta Braves baseball game in Atlanta, Georgia, about 22 years ago. He was a big fan of the Phillies and he collected baseball cards. Philadelphia had a kid by the name of Jordan and John was his favorite fan. John had me make posters in our hotel so we could take to the game so Jordan could see us. When John and Artie Ann had their doctor's office in Blackey, he had a black widow in a jar and it was the first black widow spider that I've ever seen. I would come over everyday and he would tell me something about the black widow. The whole time he was teaching me about spiders. He truly loved everything around him and he always told you the truth; he would never beat around the bush. His admiration and committment to help others was unmatched and that was his character. John will be missed by many and especially me. As I have grown up now, I've realized the whole time that John had me under his arms guiding me and giving me positive direction in the things that I wanted to accomplish in my life. It was people like John Cleveland that taught me about pursue dreams and understanding what truly work ethic means. My prayers will be with Artie Ann and Davey.
Jeanette Rogers
September 24, 2008
John and I worked together on several projects a few years ago. I found him to be dedicated and caring. My condolences to his family.
Tom Heil
September 24, 2008
I was saddened to hear of John's untimely death. I had worked with him on several environmental and recycling issues in and around Letcher County. He will be sorely missed in the by all of us in the environmental field who knew and assisted him in his efforts. May God grant his family peace and comfort during their time of mourning.
Angelyn DeBord
September 24, 2008
Blessings to you all. What a sad sad loss. I am here with big shoulders to lean on. Anytime you need them, I am here. Much much love.
Earl & Joan Sieck
September 24, 2008
Madgel and family: We are so, so sorry to hear about John. You and your family are very special to us, when not even knowing us, you let us stay at your home and had the whole family over to meet and greet us. I remember John sitting at your table talking about being at a school board meeting; he was a burr in their saddle. We all will miss him. Love to all of you. You will all be in our prayers.
Dave Cooper
September 24, 2008
All of us in the Kentucky Sierra Club are really going to miss John. He had only been with us for a short time but had made a huge contribution to our efforts to fight mountaintop removal in Kentucky. He was a warrior, heck of a nice guy and a great public speaker - his warmth and charisma really shined through. One thing John taught me is the power of humor to deflate conflicts - much better than getting angry and a lot more fun.
Goodbye John, you left much too soon and we will sure miss you.
elaine frost amburgey
September 24, 2008
i a glad theyare persons ofmr clevelands nature to look afer things that alot people meanto but get to busy and i glad you this time with him im a widower woman andim just coming back seems like a long timelost but i love thistime of the year and miss my family that is missing and pasted before me ill be parying for the cleveland family thank you for this youshared withothers that care about the hills of ky god bless you el
Julie Martin, Robert Martin's sister
September 23, 2008
Artie Ann and David,
I am so sorry. John always made me laugh. It is not everyone who has a father who puts a swingset inside the kitchen for his son! We will all really miss him.
calhoun salyer
September 23, 2008
My condolences go out to Johns family. I am an area soccer referee and have worked many games with John over the years in the area recreation league as well as high school games. I really don't think John saw the color of the uniform or the name of the team when it came to making judgement calls during games. He was in the sport long before I was and I will be the first to say that I conferred with John about the rules, etc. numerous times and got the answers I was looking for. He will be missed on and off the pitch.
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