Remembrance Book

John and I have Kuala Trengganu, West Malaysia, in common. He was a Peace Corps volunteer and was sent to this remote undeveloped town on West Malaysia's east coast in 1969. He stayed several years, then moved on. I lived in that same town where I worked on an official New Zealand Aid project from 1973 to 1978. I then moved on. Fast forward 40 or so years, to 2015, each with our own personal experiences behind us and we met at Semarang Hash, and discovered this link. RIP John. My condolences to the family. He will be missed by many. Mitch.

As a sister who is 12 years younger than John, we were rarely in proximity to each other. However, these last two years, I had the opportunity to spend a week with him each March. It was a good bonding time for which I am forever grateful. It seemed my brother was interested in every sport. We watched golf and motorcycle racing. Much of the time he watched the news in one room, and I watched travel documentaries in another. I enjoyed being his chauffeur to Kroger, CVS, and the bank. I always knew Barnes and Nobles and Half Price Books would be on the agenda sometime during my stay. Once the books were brought home, his mission was to find an out-of-the-way hiding place where Santi wouldn’t discover that he had bought more books! It seemed he always needed “one more book”. When weather permitted, we would take Basil, the canine family member, on a walk to the nearby park. I knew if my brother started a chat with someone on our path, we would be there awhile! He could carry on a conversation with anyone about any subject which always amazed me. John held Basil’s leash, and I scooped the poop so he didn’t have to bend over. We both loved to walk, and I treasure those times together. A highlight of each day was ordering in take-out. Our favorite was Indian for obvious reasons. We would order enough for two evening meals. Mediterranean and Japanese were also on the menu. This past March I took him to two therapy sessions. I and his therapist were amazed at his incredible balance for an 82 year old. He would repeatedly stand on one foot without any wavering or unsteadiness for 15 to 20 seconds. I knew I couldn’t replicate his performance. I was looking forward to another year, John, but it wasn’t meant to be. You have a special place in my heart, and I will miss you!

Hard to believe that it was 50 years ago that I met John. It was 1975, starting a graduate program in Ithaca, NY. John was so immediately friendly and inviting; both John and Retno opened their home to me (thank you Retno). I spent many evenings regaled by John, always beaming and spirited, with experiences and stories of India and Indonesia, and baseball. All new to me, always riveting. I don't remember any of the details, but what has always stayed with me was his sheer enthusiasm and joy for all things around him, for life. I've never forgotten my brief time around him - a very free spirit, a spirit that is now freed. Rest in Peace John

Farewell John. You have made a lasting imprint on our lives. We cherish our moments together and will never forget. Rest softly, dear friend!

John was the one who pursued Dietmar to joint the hash in Semarang. For that than we meet each other till one day we seal the relationship with married. And pak John was the one who represent Dietmar's family to give some words on our Javanese wedding ceremony. We bid goodbye to one so loved and never to be forgotten. Rest in peace, dear John Duewel. Your memory will never fade and you will be deeply missed.

I might have known of John for about 15 years, but we only truly got to know each other over the last five years. I used to call him "Uncle John," as there is a soup named "Uncle John’s Soup" that was supposedly dedicated to him(?). On the other hand, he often mistakenly called me "Eric"—something I had to correct him on for the first three months 😅 I was always curious whenever he brought his notebooks. He was very open and shared a lot about the contents of his notes, which held countless stories of history, anthropology, sociology, and politics. These were topics I was always eager to discuss. With his vast knowledge and long lifetime of experience, we often joked that Uncle John was a CIA agent 😄 His presence always brought an incredible sense of community. Energetic, open, and always cracking jokes to break the ice, he was the perfect role model for how I want to live my own golden years. Even as a senior, Uncle John remained deeply humble in our interactions. It was no wonder our conversations could last for hours; even when he occasionally repeated the same stories, I thoroughly enjoyed the energy, shining from his storytelling. I feel fortunate that we managed to take a photo together as a keepsake I can always look back on. It is the only photo we have, taken during our very last encounter on May 21, 2026, at 00:18 AM. Life will not be the same without Uncle John on the nights we used to gather, share stories, and laugh. I will miss him dearly. Yet, I truly believe his name will live on in the midst of our conversations. Always in our heart ❤️ Cheers 🍻

John, you were one of the best people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. You were more than a friend to me. You were a father figure, full of life, kindness, wisdom, and laughter. Every time I picked you up from the airport or dropped you off, our conversations left a lasting impression on me. I still remember the last time I saw you. You told me you would be back in June, and I was genuinely looking forward to seeing you again. It is hard to accept that you are gone. My heart is broken. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, and the respect you always showed me. You touched my life in ways you probably never realised. You will always be remembered, and I will always be grateful that our paths crossed. Rest in peace, John. You will always have a special place in my heart.

Hi John, here there are so many loving words written about you, I do feel all the same and do not need to repeat. We know each other from the beginning of your and my time in Semarang in 1988, and were hashing and haring together and stayed in Pub until late or early morning. Only Jock and me left already in 1998. But came back once in a while, stayed with you in your home and enjoyed the warm hospitalty of Retno and you. You and me had long lasting discussions on the terrace of your house about each and everything over a few beers, while Rento and Jock were inside sometimes already sleeping. You with Retno came to Germany and we travelled together via the Munich Hofbraeuhaus through Europe. Also meeting you two, Santi & David in the USA. For me, your most remarkable attitude was: I have never ever seen you loosing your temper!! That is so amazing! Up there where you are now, this will grant you a seat amoung other masters and sing together with the angels : Swing low sweet charriot coming for to carry me home.... See you later ONON Werner - Smiling Kraut and Jock (Jockfrau, as you called her)

What a wonderful presentation for a wonderful bloke. See you on the other side, John; we still have some unfinished stories to swap . . . Eric

I've never seen such passionate and Spirited person like John D, the way he told unlimited number of stories to me was fascinating. He always brought up good spirit to all around wherever he was around. He explained to me how hash was started and he actually the only one who could tell it very detailed. John was giving me this hash name and i remembered how he would gather up few words and got the name altogether, salute with the way you processed all of these in matter of seconds. Farewell John D, respectful man who always bring up the light wherever you're in and now Heaven has one person who would lead the circle and sing such fun songs. ON ON - Felix soedharma

There are too many stories to share, it’s every weekend spent at the on on pub, the hash runs we ran and the dinner parties held. Both Retno and John are such close friends to both my parents. Monica and Erich miss them both greatly. We often reminisce together the times we had in Semarang. We share with new friends the anecdote of the coolest hasher we know. A son of a missionary with the last name devil who has a way with words and has the most memorable stories. John and Retno two amazing humans that are greatly missed in our household.

In Memory of John. You were our Hash Master for Seven years. It was the best time. We will always remember you. Thank you for everything.

John, as long as we can remember you have been part of the family. There are so many memories. Your adventurous spirit: Ever present in your stories with a hundred tangents, because there was always so much to tell about life and the world. Your love for music: Like when you, dad (Slivovitz) and Andy (the voice) would randomly chime into a hash song (Aiaiaiai... My sister Belinda...🎼). We were never sure who was the most tone deaf, but watching the unwavering enthusiasm and smiles always made up for that! Your extraordinary fashion sense: You had shirts for absolutely every occasion and at the ladies run you were always one of the most fashionable dressed "ladies". Your talent as a showman and entertainer: As the religious advisor, you always kept the circle alive and made everyone feel welcome. And last but definitely not least: Your big heart. Thank you for your friendship, loyalty, wisdom and encouragement throughout the decades. Semarang will not be the same without you. We all miss you dearly. Verena / "Sweetheart" Erwin / "Slivovitz" Helga / "Snip-Snap" Dewi / "Ondel-Ondel"

John, thank you for many years of loyal friendship and the countless adventures we shared. I will always cherish our Hashing days together, especially those shortcuts that somehow always turned out to be much longer than initially anticipated.  Your endless, evening-filling stories will be deeply missed. I always admired your sharp intellect and was constantly amazed by your vast, well-founded knowledge on just about any topic.  I will forever hold onto your late-night encouragement “ let’s have  one more for the road”.  Safe journey, my old friend. On On!!! Erwin Pachler Slivovitz

We first met John and Retno in Semarang in 1989. John quickly became a kindred spirit as we were introduced to the mysteries, rituals and humor of the Hash. We are forever grateful for John's creativity, support, guidance and participation in our wedding ceremony in 1990. We maintained contact with John ever since, including through our return visits to Semarang and the Hash, and when he visited with us in Vietiane Laos (with Retno) and then Singapore for his frequent visa renewal runs. John was a true and wonderful friend, and enthrallingly entertaining with his never-ending stories. An irreplaceable character who we were honored to have known and called a friend. May he forever rest in peace. Ian and Estu McAlister

Hodi Mihi Cras Tibi Dear John, NEB, Camel. When I finally decided to join the hash, it was you who really made me feel welcome from day one. I never looked back ever since. Besides being able to enjoy the fantastic trails, the circles after the runs were an absolute highlight. Your clever way of leading the circle, always up to date with the current events in the world intertwined was legendary. The copious amounts of beer 🍻 down downs that accompanied the circles made sure our throats were well lubricated for the inevitable songs that were such an important part of the circle. We had great “naming” sparring sessions when it was time to baptize new members. Your deep knowledge on so many subjects made for some good discussions. As time goes by, we will realize how much we miss you. You coloured our world in your own unique way. You’re off on your last hash trail now, the Stairway to Heaven. Sing your way through the Pearly Gates. And to keep the tradition alive, here’s my first Hash name idea for the Gate Keeper up there: Saint Pecker. Vaya con Dios Amigo.

John, we are deeply saddened not to hear your *On..On* and listen to your Never Ending Stories. However we are glad to know that you no longer suffer and blessed you will be together with your lovely mbak Retno. Mahe, Kumaran and Javitha joined me in praying for your rest in peace. Our family and your family have always been close since 1989 and we shall continue to keep our love for Santi and her family and David and his family. Rest in Peace John. Say hello to mbak Retno. With love, Estini Mahe Mahendrarajah.

May you RIP, John. I will always remember you as you gave me a best hash name ever not a name that I like but I still remember all your smile explaining how it was related to my work. Thank you for guiding me to be a hasher and training me before I climb mount Kinabalu. And you and Retnol have spent time welcoming me to your house at anytime, had drinks and food together that I felt Semarang is a nice home when I had just moved to over. Hashing in Semarang was where I met all the kind and friendly people like John, Retnol, Picky , Kelly, Jobst, Andrey, Sylvia, Peder, Lala, Olivier and many more. You will always be remembered.

I remember going to David’s home as a child and uncle John’s cheerful and upbeat presence. He would talk about his stories of India and always be there as a loving uncle. I remember always seeing him as an active hasher and someone who stayed active. I will miss you uncle John and I pray that may your soul rest in peace and may you be connected back to our dear Retno aunty. Please know that I am always here for David and Santi and our bond will continue.

John is a pleasant person, I have known him for several years at the Hash Club in Semarang. He is a person who always excited and happy. Peace there John, rest in peace