John Preston Feighner

Anne and family,

JP was such a great guy. We so enjoyed him when he came back to Kansas for his Wall of Honor Day. We had fun taking pictures of him in the tractor and combine.

He will be greatly missed by everyone. If you ever get to Kansas hope you will come see us. Our prayers to you all. Donna and Jim Ferguson

Dear Anne,



It was with sadness we found out that J.P. lost his battle. I only knew him for two years at OHS but I always remembered what a nice person he was. I know he was loved by many and will be missed by all.

From: "Bob and Barb Hay"



[email protected]

Dear Betty,



Thanks for your memories. Many people who knew JP did not know his motive for changing

his major at KU. I Did happen to know because of Vern, who was at KU at the same time. I

don't remember exactly when I first heard it. I thought it was such a beautiful, unselfish

motive for a brother to do. I do recall his love for music, and I did get to hear him perform in the

"Swing Kings" a few times, Somewhere in my memory is another such instance of a man

who became a doctor, to attempt to find a cure for a brother, that was suffering from a slow

wasting disease. I can not for the life of me remember the names involved right now, although

it was someone I met in my many travels. Such wonderful, generous motives! Are you aware

that the Hay boys, at least Vern and I, met and knew JP when he was Vern's classmate at

Wellsville, then as 3rd graders. (It would have been my 6th and 7th grades) Then later through

OHS and then KU in Vern's case.



There was a lot I did not know about him that I now wish I had. As you may not know, I was an

avid hunter, fisherman, sportsman, and also loved to compete and later to watch and help

coach kids sports. I can think of nothing I would have enjoyed more in those long ago, halcyon

days, than to have invited JP to hunt the family farms and our rented pastures, for quail or to have

asked him to share in the famous prairie chicken hunts on the Willhites cousin's land around

Strong City, or pheasant hunts on my cousin's wheat lands in Western Kansas, or have taken

him to some of our favorite Bass waters. That would have been fun.



Unfortunately, as with many things in life we learn these things too late. The very nature of

growing up, maturing and growing old, separates people from childhood and schoolmate

friends. The geography and time constraints of chosen vocations seem to reinforce that

separation almost permanently.



I think that is what makes reunions so very special to many of us. We can, at least for just a

moment, recapture those good times, the laughter and yes, even the tears we once upon a

time shared, and for just a while, be young again!



Fred Kaiser has been so very good about keeping me aware of the progression of maladies

that have finally taken JP's life. His life will have a positive effect on mankind and especially

those afflicted with Bi-polar and depressive diseases, for years to come. His wife Anne, must

truly be a special lady to have been able to write and share with all of the OHS class of '55.

the remaining days of JP's life.



He was a neat kid, a delightful young man, an accomplished researcher, respected doctor and

to those close to him, no doubt a great family man and wonderful friend. Some people

change the world. JP was one of those. He will be missed by so many people.



Old Friend Bob & Barbara Hay



Dear Anne & family,



I sent some of the information which Emily forwarded to everyone to some of the people who were in classes other than '55, this was one of the responses I received.



I will add a couple of my own thoughts. I am so very sorry not to have had the oppotunity to meet you at any of the reunions. I had a fractured toe last Sept. and couldn't make it. Now, think it was a sad excuse. I was vocalist in our dance band in High School for 3 years, in which John played so beautifully. I cannot tell you how proud I am to have known this man, and how very grateful to have been counted "friend". As Bob said, some people change the world. JP was one of those people.



Much Love,

Betty Nichols, Miller

Dear Anne, Jenny, JD and Scott,

I'm laughing and crying as I write this. Laughing, because John always found the humor in any situation and could make everyone around him smile. Crying, because a great light has gone out in this world and we are all the poorer for it.



I was privileged to know John as fellow choir member, and to have him as my ideal "boss" when he was President of San Diego Chamber Orchestra and I was General Manager. He was a man of kindness, gentle spirit, great humor, incredible and elegant intellect, vast knowledge, generosity, vision, tact, amazing and varied talents, and possessed of a true zest for life. How he squeezed so many accomplishments into less than 70 years is nothing short of miraculous. In virtually every conversation I had with him over the years, the recurring theme was always "family". Somehow, Anne's great accomplishments of her own and the kids' latest exploits found their way into our talks, and he never failed to ask about my family. His enthusiasm and pride in who you are and what you were doing was infectious. One couldn't help but take delight in HIS delight.



I feel blessed to have known John, and will treasure my still very vivid memories of him. May God bless you all and sustain you in this very difficult time.

Dear Anne and Family,

My thoughts and prayers and heart felt condolences in the loss of Dr. Feighner. I am very grateful for the opprotunity to have worked with such a wonderful Doctor! They are 14 years of memories I will always cherish.

God Bless,

Michelle Ramirez, CRC

We have fond memories of our days with JP at OHS. We are sorry for your loss.

RIP, J.P. God bless your family. We well remember you and the good old days in Ottawa.

We will always remember J.P. as a friendly classmate who loved music. We loved his music and even at his induction to the Wall of Honor in Ottawa, KS he played the piano for us. J.P. admired Jack's 1946 Ford show car and his 1972 Chevy Pickup when he was back for one of the reunions. He had a way of making everyone feel good about themselves. There will surely be an empty spot in our Class Reunions without J.P. You have our deepest sympathy.

Hoping you will be comforted by your best memories of J.P. and also by knowing he did a great deal of good while he was in this world.

John will leave his footprints not only from his lifetime, but for many years to come. It was my priviledge to know him as a vivacious teenager in high school. Our prayers are with you and yours during this time of loss.

My deepest sympathy to the family of J.P.

Dear Anne, Jenny, JD, Scott, and family,

My sympathy goes out to all of you in these difficult days. May time heal your sorrow and may peace replace your heartache. JP was a marvelous man and a great friend and classmate. He will be missed by all.



Sally Scott

Anne and family:

At this time of deep sorrow, there are few words that can bring comfort, but may it help somehow to know that love and caring thoughts are with each of you.

J. P. was a fine friend, classmate, and a wonderful person. Ottawa High School class of 1955 will always hold special and precious memories of J. P. Our prayers are with you. God bless you all.

Dear Ann,



I extend my condolences on the death of your husband. His obituary reveals an impressive career and a fine life. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

John, or J.P. as we knew him, was truly a great friend. It is the friends we meet along life's pathway that help us appreciate the journey. J.P. was that kind of friend. He will be greatly missed.

Our family will always remember John as kind, humorous, and intellectually very curious. He was always cheering, for his wife, Anne, as she took on prominent positions of selfless service for Rancho Santa Fe School, Cub/Boy Scouts of Rancho Santa Fe, The Bishop’s School and beyond to wherever she was part of a community, Jenny “the other Feighner Doctor”, JD “the other Feighner musician”, and then along comes Scottie “the scholar, the athlete, and the singer”. John’s family is a reflection of his talents and his work ethic, but most of all of his love and devotion. Our family was truly honored to know and love a real “Renaissance Man”. John was always humble and his generosity will leave lasting footprints. Cheers! to you, John.

With love and respect– Barbara, Brad, Jon, Brent & Bubba Peterson