John Franklin Ridings was born on December 2, 1980 in Bangkok, Thailand and left for his next adventure on March 10, 2018. John loved nature and the outdoors, especially plants and storms. He was wise beyond his years and packed many lifetimes into his short life. John went to military school, worked pipelines, graduated from UNT with a major in psychology, was a long haul trucker, and finally became a horticulturist, a career he felt was his calling. He was also a fiercely loyal friend, a creepy clown, an adventurer, a traveler, a person who shaped so many people’s lives for the better, and he never lost his sense of humor or upbeat attitude. John grew up in Plano, Texas, but found his home in Denton. On June 11, 2017, John married Janet Laminack on the one year anniversary of their first date. Their wedding was held on the lawn of the Denton County Courthouse, with John reading his handwritten vows, “Milk. Bread. Eggs. Oops, wrong list.” John is preceded in death by his father, Lloyd Ridings. He is survived by his mother Pat Ridings, his brother and sister-in-law Bert and Avneet Ridings, his wife Janet, his beloved rescue cats, Shadow and Shire along with many other family members and special friends. The family would like to thank all of John’s friends for their help and support during his illness. They are especially grateful for the generosity of the UNT community for the enormous amount of donated sick leave. Many people have helped John and Janet these past few years including bringing John flowers (and plenty of ice cream), no flowers or memorials are requested. However, if you would like to honor John, he was passionate about supporting cats in the animal shelter. Donations in his name can be made on-line: www.DentonASF.com, or by mail: DASF, P.O. Box 486, Denton 76202. John also wanted to help the homeless and under-employed, which he did by restocking the little pantries around town. Recently he learned that the biggest need at homeless shelters were new socks and underwear and he began encouraging friends to donate those items. John will be cremated and his wishes were for the ashes to be spread somewhere beautiful to become a helpful part of the Earth, such as in a forest or a coral reef. The family will have a gathering to celebrate John’s life and swap stories about him with all his friends in the near future.
12 Responses
Janet and family,
I am so sorry for your loss. I can’t imagine the pain and grief you’re feeling. I will miss the joy and love John brought to every interaction.
With love,
Brooke
I grew to love John on face book , watching his romance with Janet. It’s hard to believe I can feel such an emptiness for someone’s passing whom I’d never even met.. but I do.. but the feeling is quickly replaced with memories of his quirky and fun adventures with the love of his life.. I’ll never forget him… and Janet.. , you’ve proven to be a worthy. Recipient of all his trust and love. Might be a bit sappy.. but I do wish a book would appear on my bedside table of the story of John and Janet.. a best seller for sure! My prayers continue for comfort and peace for all those who loved him the most. I’m so glad I knew him ( a little) peace unto you all!
We are so sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in the wonderful memories John left you with. His smile brightened the world for all who met him.
He found the love of his life, and the work he loved, and followed one of the best principles I know – “Look up, not down, Out, not in, and lend a hand.”. He will be missed.
I wish I had known him. With love and sympathy, Beth Porter and tribe
I met John as a student at NCTC. He was such a wonderfully positive person and one could not help but smile when-ever John entered the room. I am so happy he and Janet found each other. John will be missed here on earth but he definitely made a footprint for many people to remember and follow. I hope his adventure to come is a very happy one!
Janet, I don’t have the words to express how sorry I am for your loss of John! I can’t get my heart around the loss that you feel! I am praying that the Lord’s peace and healing will encircle you in this difficult time! God’s peace!
Namaste, John and Janet, families and friends. You are in our hearts.
Sending love to you Pat, Janet and all the family.
What lovely words we enjoyed reading about Johns loves in life, we wish that we had known him better .
Take good care of each other.
Love
Angie, Matt, Oliver & Harry
Janet and John’s family:
I am sorry for your loss but what a wonderful legacy of caring for others and our earth he left with us all. His kind new and love for all is also a wonderful memory of him and an additional characteristic for us to emulate .
God’s peace and comfort to y’all
Lois Heckart
So sorry for your loss. I’m sure he will be always remembered by all.
Janet we are so sorry in the passing of John. Our PRAYERS are with you!