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Inscription in guest book at John's Memorial.
Please Leave A Message For John Or Share Your Memories Of Him.
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I shared something with John that no one else did. I am John's sister. I do not claim to know him better than anyone else does. Each of us knew a different part of John. There are things about John that I'll never know, or want to know. I loved John very much, and I will miss him forever.There are many that do not approve of the way John's final arrangements were made.There are those who will not approve of the "Me Museum". I can only say that this has been one of the most difficult things I have ever had to do. I had try and decide what John would want for himself. I had to sift through a man's entire life and decide what to keep and what to get rid of. I had to decide and then actually throw out things that belong to John. I felt/feel unworthy to have this previledge and responsibility. So it has taken me much time and thought. I am unable to do the things I wanted to do for John in death as in life, the things I thought he deserved. So here confined in this small space I have had to chose from so many possibilties these few things to represent such a complex man.
John saw the value in everything, he felt that everything should be wanted and needed. His apartment was full of things people gave him, things he found broken by the side of the road, things that no one else wanted John would find a purpose for. Some of you have some of those things that would make John happy. John loved nature and animals, books, movies, and music. He could also find music in anything. John was more than a person he was a statement, a man truly committed to never bowing to pressure of what society dictated a man should be. What a person should be. He never allowed society to tell him how he should dress, talk , or live. I don't think most of us can truly appreciate that. Most have a rebellious stage usually against our parents. John's rebellion was against society in general and it was a way of life for over thirty years, that could not be easy. John was an exceptional man, an exceptional friend, and an exceptional brother. He will be always remembered here at the
"ME MUSEUM".
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If you have any Photos you would like to add click here to email us. |
His head is virtually shaved on one side. Long wisps of hair project hither and yon from other parts of his scalp. His eyes are intense- the make up helps, but it's more than that. He's seen alot in his 32 years. About his ears, neck and waist hang long chains, bones, whatever he deems an interesting addition to the carefully concieved wardrobe. Long finger nails are painted black and his fingers bear cheap metallic rings only to the second knuckle; his hands support leather gloves, finger portions ripped out. His arms are lined with dozens of bracelets and other paraphernalia. The right arm is scarred from the barbed bracelet he has likely worn for years. Heads turn eyes bulge and wise cracks spew forth when he walks down the street.
John Baran makes no pretense. He has never been a conformist, and admits in fact, there are times he enjoys the attention. He is well known in downtown St.Catharines, where he works and hangs out. As dishwasher for a local restaurant, he appreciates that his boss pretty well has to tuck him out of sight lest he lose customers Except that he's a little older, he looks like the most current social phenomena - the punk. He says he's different "I just like to be an individual. I like decoration. Only since the 1900 have people been dressing dull," says John. " Look at the ancient Eyptians, Romans, Greeks. A lot of people today have clothes and the hair, but they really don't know why, except that they're trying to fit in or shock someone."Although John is a high school gradute, he says most of his education came from the streets, personal experience and private studies. He is keenly in touch with current affairs, versed in a wide range of topics and will readily share his philosphies. Still, there have been times when he had trouble finding work or accomadation. He's been stared at, yelled at, shoved around and almost run over by cars while walking down the street. He shrugs his shoulders and sighs.
" A person who choses to be different must expect to be discriminated against."
What he fails to understand is why he is often suspected for crimes committed when he happens to be in the neighbourhood. " it would be ridiculous to look like this and try to pull something off. At the U.S. border they made me take off everything so they could go over my person with a fine tooth comb. Meanwhile some guy with a three piece suit was probably smuggling over enough cocaine to feed his family for a year."
People belong to religious groups or political parties because they prefer to follow, he says. That way, they don't have to make their own decisions. He summarizes that this is due to restrictions placed upon them a children. he recalls working with under priviledged children in Welland. " I was amazed to discover their ignorance. They really didn't know that there were other things to do, other ways to think, any other way but to conform to a lifestyle dictated by more powerful personalities. Sad."
He allows that it's a "free country" for entrepeneurs as well as those who look different. However, he says, they should not hide their prejudice behind a dress code. " For example, a friend of mine who happens to be gay is not permitted into a certain local hotel even though he looks a hell of a lot more conforming than me, yet I have no trouble getting in." " People who chose to be different will never get fair play because we will never be organized. We're not politically minded enough."
Please Leave A Message For John Or Share Your Memories Of Him.
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