Friday, February 18, 2022
/public-file/14028/Ultra/1ee1a980-bbb6-48a3-bc9d-ec380f5f8c97.jpg
/public-file/14029/Ultra/920211b9-777a-49b1-aebc-76e8be89ea83.jpg
/public-file/14030/Ultra/faa49fb7-538a-47c3-b52f-d75f5c6d8321.jpg
/public-file/14031/Ultra/9a94e6c8-0185-4cd0-a078-7fe18ebb5439.jpg
+ 2
I offer my sincerest condolences to the Schulkins family. I am sorry I could not attend either the service in Virginia or the burial ceremony in Pennsylvania. If I may, however, I would like to share a few of the many great memories.
I first met John after joining the Old Dominion Chorus in November of 2015. I came to know him closely after he took me under his wing to form a quartet in late 2017. He was gentlemanly, warm, honest, upright, and enthusiastic. He was a great mentor and one of my best friends. I will miss him dearly. I will especially remember the twinkle in his eye, whenever he started talking about old memories about flying, Nascar racing, or singing. I will be forever grateful for the precious time I was able to spend with him.
With gratitude and sympathy,
Tatsuya (“T”) Oyama
Photos 1 and 2: John never refused an invitation, especially if it involved singing or food. Shortly after we formed Tune-Up, we had the opportunity to sing the national anthem for the soccer team at my son’s high school. As usual, Buddy was right by his side.
Photos 3 and 4: Two of the most memorable trips was when we went to perform a few Christmas songs for a charity event held at an autobody shop in Chesterton, Virginia, and when we went to perform the national anthems of the US and Canada at the Washington Wizards' IIIA farm team's basketball game. As always, John was ebullient and in his element.
Photos 5 and 6: I enjoyed the walks we took with buddy to the dog park in Reston. John was also open to trying new foods. Once I made a plate of potstickers, which he finished clean with his always hearty appetite.
