Mark Hopkins
John was a dear friend who enjoyed pushing himself, especially on hard rock climbs. He was a talented athlete, technologist and business person who loved his family and outdoor adventure. But he was also was soft-spoken and unassuming.
I never climbed at John's elite level, but he was just as psyched (excited) for me to succeed on less challenging routes. I was always inspired by John's example to push myself harder than I thought was possible.
I visited John only a couple of times after he moved with Denise to San Francisco, roughly 16 years ago. But we'd call each other several times a year and get caught up. John would always ask me "have you sent your project?", which is climbing lingo for "have you achieved your latest goal?". We'd reminisce about climbs we've done and talk about life and technology. For a while we brainstorming ideas about raising venture capital to start a pharmaceutical or semiconductor company.
I would describe John as super fit, motivated, curious, unafraid and composed. He enjoyed the pressure of big climbs and projects at work, and always rose-to-the-occasion. I'll remember John as a kind and thoughtful friend who inspired me by always "go for it". One of his favorite sayings was "go big or go home".