A Dear Family Friend

I have many fond memories of Jonathan. My mother (Beverly Holt) worked closely with Jonathan for many years, and he was especially kind to me as a kid. I observed my mother in those days, and saw that providing executive support to someone with Jonathan's integrity and intellect was rewarding and challenging. They shared a like-minded philosophy of education, and became lifelong friends. They were part of a core group of LUSD professionals whose connection transcended their careers. They took time to get together after retirement and still enjoyed tremendous camaraderie, with humor and appreciation for one another. Those friendships are rare and valuable. A lucky group.

Jonathan had dignity. He always appeared to be contemplating serious matters. And yet, at his request, I was allowed a very fun "job" one summer (I think I even received a paycheck) that involved a large jug of liquid starch and giant sheets of brightly colored tissue paper. The paper was to be torn in ragged shapes, the starch smeared judiciously on the tissue, and then permanently plastered onto the floor-to-ceiling windows of the "Huddle" (where I enjoyed too many delicious deep-fried burritos at Lincoln High School).

When the project was finished, it gave the illusion of a wonderful stained-glass kaleidoscope. I took the artistic placement of those sheets very seriously. I enjoyed that job, convinced that I'd contributed to the improvement of the campus. Jonathan followed up with a letter on school letterhead, using words of appreciation for the completed task. At 13, it was the most official looking letter I'd ever received. I still have it.

When I graduated in 1972, Miya and Jonathan gave me the most beautiful graduation gift. A lovely string of pearls enclosed in a satiny Asian-inspired case, which was as precious to me as the pearls inside. In spite of a devastating house fire in 1999, the pearls and case survived.

When my daughter graduated from high school, I gave her my "graduation pearls" along with the case and original hand-written note. She's always known what they've meant to me. The gift of a string of pearls from the Pearce family has become a family heirloom.

I'm grateful for knowing Jonathan. His good works and kindness survive, in spite of the devastating loss of a remarkable man. Reading the heartfelt sentiments here provides comfort, validation and testimony to the truth that one person can (and does) make a difference in others' lives.

We're all lucky that, along the way, we shared the same time and place with someone like Jonathan.

~ Allyn (Holt) Bryan