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history of the club | johnny marcus memorial page | john bruner memorial page
What a smile! What a spirit! What an athlete! What a scout! What a gentleman! What a friend! What a brother! What a son! To know John was to love John. John embodied all that is good in a 19 year old young man. John was born into a family tradition of loving one another. Love can not be taught, it must be lived, experienced, and felt. Margie and I were loved by our parents, brothers, sisters, etc., so therefore we know how to love our children. John's family foundation was reinforced in his Catholic faith. The Catholic faith taught John
right from wrong, and he learned to love others as God loved him. John was an eagle scout and scouting reinforced his family and church values. Every boy deserves the experiences of bonding with their father and friends around a campfire. John loved to play and was not afraid to try anything. Having fun made him easy to love and a joy to be with.
What made John charming is that as he grew older he never felt he had to grow up. Growing up to John was additive. Each year, he matured, but he never let go of the kid inside. Put another way, John was not a sophomore in college, he was a kindergartner, middle schooler, high schooler, and college kid all rolled up into one. The kid in John made him sensitive. He related to children of all ages, because he never outgrew the kid in himself. He spent this past summer (2007) working with youth everyday at the Dalton Boys and Girls Club. I am sure his work there was pleasing to God. John was compassionate towards those who may have felt left out. He included EVERYONE.
As John grew out of his home, he spread his wings. He was perfected by you - his community of friends. His teachers, classmates, coaches, teammates, scouts, and friends gave him confidence. His fun spirit and willingness to please overcame.
In running, John was complete. He had coach's support and teammates as friends. He learned that if he worked hard, he was rewarded. His senior year at Dalton High, he was captain of the team. They won the Region Title and advance to state.
At GCSU, running gave John immediate acceptance and a safe avenue to enter college life. His teammates quickly became friends and John fell in love with his new school.
John's last race was on June 30th, 2007. In a two mile race at Lake Burton with 500 entries and his family and friends watching, John finished in first place. He was a TRUE champion! John had a dream to run, and he lived it.
There is NO doubt that John is in Heaven. God has called him home. May the memory of John's smile bring us peace for eternity.
~ Greg Bruner ~
>>more of story | Georgia College press release | Georgia College article Aug 31
Aug 18 Chattanooga Times Free Press
Chattanooga.com | NewsChannel 9 | Funeral Home | Team Bruner Home Page
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