12/29/02 -The Canandaigua Girls Lacrosse community lost a very dear man close to all our hearts. John Rose passed away on Saturday, December 28. Past President and current Vice-President of the Booster Club, John made the Booster Club what it is today. Through his direction, vision and creative thinking John developed the Girls Lacrosse program and brought about its rapid growth. John was the brains and the energy behind a bunch of busy worker-bees. His enthusiasm and excitement to develop the program made us all see what really was possible.

With clear vision and set goals, John revamped the Geranium sale utilizing his tremendous marketing background. Each year the Geranium Sale doubled in profits. John tried various locations for the end of the year banquet, including a fun but not weather friendly cruise on the Canandaigua Lady! We ended up deciding on Bristol Mountain and now everyone looks forward to our banquets filled with awards, videos and great food.

Looking to the future of our program, John realized the importance of co-coordinating the direction and leadership of the Youth Program. We spent several months over the summer creating addendums to our by-laws that specifically outlined its goals, roles and purpose. I remember watching in awe as John quickly wrote up a "rough" draft that would put any of our final products to shame.

I will truly miss John. He was my friend, my mentor, a confident and a wonderfully interesting and happy man. He empowered women and believed in their ability to accomplish great things. This is evident when you look into Barb's eyes, his beautiful and strong wife. His son Ben and daughter Carly are testaments to his love of life.

I am sure I speak for all members of the Board when I say John is the reason girls lacrosse is where it is today. We will all miss him greatly, and appreciate our times together crammed at a dining room table, volunteering our time, laughing, tallying geraniums slips and always thinking of a better way!

God bless you John, and may God bless your family.

Margaret Post