JOHN A. FOCHT Jr.

To the Family, Friends and Colleagues of John Focht, Jr:

I have just learned of John's passing and wish to express my sympathies to all. I started my professional career at McClelland Engineers in 1973, when I first met John. I shall neve forget, my Brother Frank introduced me to him on my first day at work, and told me ""This is John Focht, and his name is pronounced like "boat"". I was always tempted to call him "Mr. Boat"!

John was truly the professional's professional and I shall always appreciate his positive influence on my geotechnical engineering career, as I now look back on it from retirement. Thank you, John, and may you rest in peace. I hope the Almighty can use a good Geotechnical Engineer up there.

Dorothy Joyce Fenske and her daughter Eileen wish to offer our sincerest sympathies at your loss. My father Carl work many years at McClelland Engineers with Mr . Focht and thought of him as a good friend. Our prayers are with you....Eileen Fenske

The Lupher families have you in their thoughts and prayers. May God hold you in the palm of His Hands and give you comfort.
T. Trigg Lupher, RPLS
Lee G. Lupher, RPLS
Jacob J. Lupher, SIT
Karl H. Lupher

Mrs. Focht, John, Judy, and the extended family--
It was my pleasure to spend my youth close to this good man and his family. I treasure those memories, and I pray that your memories will comfort you in your grief.

I was saddened to hear of John Focht's death, and I pass along my most sincere condolences--both from myself, and from my colleagues at ASCE. Mr. Focht was an eminent geo-technical engineer and the contributions he made through his role with ASCE had a significant impact on the practice of civil engineering. He was a dedicated leader for the profession and his legacy will serve as an inspiration for generations to come.

Patrick J. Natale, P.E., F.ASCE, CAE
Executive Director, American Society of Civil Engineers

Focht Family
Getting to know John and serving with him on the ASCE Board of Direction were truly memorable experiences.
Dick Albright, Carmel, IN

John - I have such wonderful memories and thoughts of your Dad. He was truly a great guy and will be missed by the countless people he touched in his professional and personal lives. I'm so glad I had the chance to see and talk to him recently at my Dad's service, and so wish we could all be there for his. Please give our best regards to your Mom, Cheryl, Kyle, Sara, Thomas and the rest of the family. Our thoughts are with you all.

Sincerely,
Tom, Terri, Tommy, Matt & Kelsey

Stan and I are so sad to hear about John's passing. The Lord be with you and your family in this time.. Mary Jane and Stan Pyndus

I met Mr. Focht when I joined McClellend Engineers and was actually able to work directly for him during his time as ASCE President. My sincere condolences to the entire Focht family. May you be conforted by the support of family and friends and memories of good times.

Our family lived in the same neighborhood as the Focht family and we became good friends. We now live in Pensacola, Florida near our son, Mark Taylor and his family. All of us send our condolences to this fine family. Love, Mrs. Margaret Taylor

I feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work with John on the Wesley Seals and Tom Miller Dam projects in the 1990's. John was a wonderful gentleman and an outstanding engineer. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Mrs. Focht, John & Judy...What a wonderful memorial to Mr. Focht. I have so many fond & happy memories of my childhood, growing up down the street from your family. I ask that GOD bless each and every one of you with peace during this sad time. With my very best regards and sympathies...Frances 'Ryan' Scott (Montgomery, Texas)

John, Cheryl, Kyle and the Focht family, please know that we are holding you close in thought and prayer. May God wrap you in His loving arms and keep you in His care. Your friends & staff at Mount Wesley, Kerrville, Texas.

I worked with John when he and Bram were building their firm in the early 70's. I was an young, starting consultant with Touche Ross and John mentored me so much that I will never forget his advice. What a wonderful man.
Bill Cobb

I always appreciated the time spent with John. He was such a gifted professional engineer, a committed Christian lay person and a good friend. You all are in our prayers. God Bless.

I was deeply grieved to learn of John's passing and want to extend my sincere condolences to his family. He is one of the finest engineers and gentleman I have ever known and this world would have been a much emptier place without his example and leadership.

Bob McBride

Aunt Edith, and all family members, Robert and Barbara Case and their families send heart felt sorrow in the loss of your loved one. May God carry you thru this difficult time.

We are sorry to hear of John's passing. "What man is a man who does not make the world better"...John Focht was a man who made the world better.

Mrs. Focht, John, Judy and families - Please accept our condolences on the passing of Mr. Focht. I have memories of him from as far back as I can remember. He was one of the finest men I've met. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and prayers.
From David and I, and my Mother, Martha Gebhardt

I am one of the many people who were influenced and helped professionally by John Focht. His professionalism and leadership did much to help the fledgling Offshore Oil and Gas Industry grow and expand. And, in the course of just doing his job, he mentored and taught many of us important technical, and frankly, life lessons. All in all a man who contributed greatly to society throughout his life. We , his professional associates, were greatful to him for his contibutions, and for our ability to call him a friend.
Condolences to his family--and to the many many people like me who grew under his understated tutelage.
Gordon Sterling, The Woodlands, Texas.

John, Cheryl, and family, I was so sorry to read about Mr. Focht's passing. I know you have made many special memories this past year in spite of his decline in health. My prayers are with you and with Mrs. Focht, especially, as she grieves the loss of her lifelong sweetheart.

I was sorry to hear of John's passing. We served together on the ASCE Board, and he was the Board representative on two ASCE committees on which I served. I always found him friendly, professional, and someone who earned the respect and admiration of his colleagues. While President of ASCE, he advanced recognition of the need for improving the profession and engineering education. He will long be remembered for his contribution to geotechnical engineering. I'll miss a friend. My best to Edith and the family.

Dear Edith,
Shirley and I share your great loss; John was my greatest ASCE friend, mentor, and a superb leader. Shirley and I appreciate the wonderful friendships you both extended to us, and share your loss. Sorry we could not do more during your long trials in his sickness. Love, Shirley & Tom Sawyer

Judy:
You and the family have my greatest sympathy. Let me know if I can assist in any way.

Alton Smith

I had the privilege of working with John ( and the rest of the Goetech Giants - Bram, Bill Emrich and Perkins) at McClelland Engineers. It is an honor to say that I knew him. John left a lasting mark on the industry and the people he worked with.

Mr. Focht was an extraordinary gentleman, whom I learned to admire and appreciate, when I worked at Fugro-McClelland. He was one of the kindest, considerate men with whom I have been associated. My sincere sympathy to Mr. Focht's family. Billie Jean (Atkinson) Baker

To Edith and family,
It is with deep sympathy that we send our condolences to you and your familly. John was a fellow Civil Engineer and past President of ASCE from what was ASCE Zone III when he served as ASCE National President. We fondly remember your visit with us in our home in Minneapolis (New Hope) during the year John was President of ASCE. John was truly an inspiration to many Civil Engineers and will be missed. With God's speed we wish the best during this period of mourning the loss of a truyl Great Civil Engineer.
Dennis and Catherine Martenson (Medina, Minnesota)

Knowing John and working with him was a great privilege. If anyone could be considered wise and insightful, it was he. We all tread upon the same road. Walking beside him was an honor indeed.

So sorry for your loss. Mr Focht was a wonderful man & an even better neighbor. He would always readily agree to be a reference for me when I was applying for a job. And as one of the 50+ kids who grew up on Cindy Lane, "Thanks Mr Focht for building that pool!" Kenny & Suzanne Edwards

Edith,
I am so sorry to get the news about John. He was always one of my very favorite ASCE friends. One of my great disappointments was not being able to serve as his President-Elect. We will all miss him but none as much as you. My thoughts and prays are with you.

Dear Edith and Family,
Please accept my sincere condolence at John's passing. He was a long-time mentor and friend. I owe much of the success in my career to his patient guidance and wisdom. He will be greatly missed by the geo-profession and by all who knew him.
Kindest Regards,
Dr. Garry H. Gregory, Ph.D., P. E., D.GE
Stillwater, Oklahoma

Hello Edith
You have my deepest sympathy. Both you and John are in my fondest memories.
John was truly one of my heroes and served as inspiring leader to the profession and it's service to society. He will be missed.
May Jesus Christ welcome him hereafter.

John A. Focht, Jr. was a great mentor, citizen geotechnical professional engineer, and ASCE National President, Texas Section ASCE President and Houston Branch ASCE President! I requested John A. Focht Jr., Past Houston Engineer of the Year, to introduce me in 1996 and he was inspirational.
John A. Focht, Jr. will be missed by many!
Jerry R. Rogers, Ph.D., P.E., D.WRE, Dist.M.ASCE

My sincere condolences to John's family. I had the honor of having been mentored by John during my early years with McClelland Engineers in New Orleans and Dubai. May he rest in peace.

My sincere condolences to Mrs. Focht, the Focht family ... and friends. I was fortunate to work with John when I was a national officer with the American Society of Civil Engineers. His guidance at that time was beneficial to/for me. He was a calm person with excellent leaderships and personal skills. My thoughts and prayer to the entire family!

Edith & family,
A great man with a wonderful wife and family--his service to the civil engineering profession will stand as a noble legacy and testament to his desire to serve and uplift mankind! Our heartfelt sympathy, he will be greatly missed.
With Love,
LaVere B. Merritt
ASCE Director, 1983-86

My thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

I have very fond memories of Mr. Focht. We learned a lot from him and I still refer back to technical notes from him. His guidance and kindness will be greatly missed. We offer our heartfelt condolences.

Mrs. Focht and Family. It is with deepest sympathy that I offer my condolences to you at this time of sorrow.

I had the honor and privilege of working at McClelland Engineers and interacting with John on multiple occasions. Over the years, I have often reflected on and used the guidance that he provided. His calm, dignified, and professional demeanor enhanced his stature as an outstanding engineer and individual.

May he rest in eternal peace and perpetual light shine upon him.

Edith and John III
You have Margaret's and my deepest sympathy. I value and appreciate John Jr's. mentoring of me and I'm sure it is responsible in no small way for some of my professional successes. He was always patient and understanding.
I'm sure you have many wonderful memories that will help sustain you during this difficult time.
Margaret and Bill Marcuson

John, Cheryl and family,.
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Ed and Lill Hilton

Jackie Weir Childress offers her sympathies to Mrs. Focht, John and Judy on the loss of such a wonderful man. Mr Focht was my childhood neighbor and will always be remembered as a kind and generous man. He took me under his wing, as my tutor, to get me through college calculus. God Bless him! It was not an easy task...

Evelyn & Dale Thompson offer their sincere sympathy and prayers for Johns family . May GOD bless each of you.