My Brother



How do I even attempt to put into words what John has meant to me. Since we were small he’s been right there when I needed him.

 

As we got older and my mother’s alcoholism spiraled out of control, he and I were hard at work every night, in the mistaken belief that if we could find all the wine bottles and throw them away, we would solve Mom’s drinking problem. Ha. Then as she got well and we grew up, we remained close through the years.

 

And we stayed that way, up until the time in late 2022 when he could no longer focus on his daily emails to me.

John was kind, loving, generous, and a shrewd businessman, who built and managed his VW-Audi dealership with hard work and integrity. To those who were lucky enough to connect with him, either in his business or through his love of Matchless motorcycles, I say “lucky you.” To those of us who loved him, we are devastated, but while our days are darker now, we will always hold him close in our hearts. Rest in peace, dearest and best brother of mine. I will always love you.

John Diederich (September 30, 1939 – March 13, 2024)