Saturday, August 1, 2015
Dear Schaedler Family,
I was doing a radio interview last week and had an amusing memory of John which I related to the interviewer and afterwards thought I should look him up after all of these years, just now finding that he had passed.
I am deeply sorry for your loss and can only console you by telling you something you already know — that he was a giant in the design world and a very generous man with a big heart and a wonderful sense of humor.
Way back in the early '70s when I was a kid right out of art school, pounding the pavement with my portfolio looking for my first job, I had the good fortune to be referred to John, who gave me my first break and used some of my art in his wonderful newsletter.
I was always amazed by his delightful and humble creativity. I recall once on the cover of one of his newsletters, which was announcing his merging with another studio, there was a photo of him and the other CEO shaking hands. Above each of their heads was a cartoon bubble which both said: "Boy, did I put one over on him!" To this day I chuckle whenever I think of it! I know that he is in a better place now and leaving everyone he meets with a smile on his face.
Please let me know if there is anything that I can do to help you in any way.
With kindest regards,
Gene Krackehl
