I Lost a Friend

I met John W. Sokolowski at the Highlands of Donegal Golf Course in Mount Joy, Pennsylvania.  John, PGA golfing instructor at the Highlands from 2014-2018, was a tall, fit and friendly fellow, always with a smile, always with a few questions about my game and always with an encouraging word.  A golfing advocate, wanting to help players play better and to simply have better golfing experiences.

John was born in Massachusetts, graduating from the University of Massachusetts, then serving four years in the U. S. Navy, followed by a business career in York, Pennsylvania.  Following his business career, John became a Teaching Golf Professional in Leander, Texas, returning to Pennsylvania in 2014.  In addition to his teaching career, he was an outstanding player, participating in the Senior Professional Tour in southern Texas.  John was also connected to the likes of David Edel (golf club maker/innovator) and Marty Fleckman (third round amateur leader of the 1967 U. S. Open at Baltusrol Golf Club).

I got to know John over the past few years, taking an occasional lesson and sharing many pleasant conversations…always about golf.  Our friendship blossomed as I would read and digest his “Let’s Talk Golf “articles and John would follow our “Bad Golf Guy” articles.  John has been an ardent fan, encourager, and supporter, quick to respond to each and every post, including weekly text exchanges. Oddly enough, we became closer as our physical distance grew from fifteen miles to a thousand miles.

Planning to return to Pennsylvania in late May, I was hoping John would feel well enough for a brief lesson and/or spend a few moments together in the clubhouse.  God however had other plans and on April 23^rd at the age of 73, John passed away after a courageous battle with cancer, leaving behind his wife (Susan), three children (John, Susan, Sarah) and eight grandchildren.

John’s golfing lessons pale in comparison to the lessons John has taught me about living life under challenging circumstances.  Even in the darkest days, John was upbeat, optimistic, as mentioned earlier courageous, conducting himself with dignity and class, a fighter to the end!

John published his final “Let’s Talk Golf” article (The Basics of Ball Flight) on April 2^nd, twenty-one days before his passing.

Since our exchange on April 2^nd, I did not receive any responses to subsequent text messages or any comments on our weekly Bad Golf Guy posts, which is highly unusual.  I knew things weren’t going well, but I did not expect the news I received this past Monday morning.  I wish I would have had the opportunity to say good-bye and to thank him for his kindness and friendship which was far more important than his golfing guidance.

I believe John has always looked out for me and I believe he is still doing so.  Recently I met a co-worker at my golf course whose name is John and is a PGA Teaching Professional.  Florida John, another kind and pleasant man (who is 74 years of age) voluntarily asked if he could take a peek at my swing.  Our first visit was on April 18^th, five days prior to Pennsylvania John’s passing.  I appreciate Florida John’s golfing guidance however, and more importantly, I look forward to Florida John’s friendship.

I miss John Sokolowski!

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