I always thought of John Whitehouse as the "Gentle Giant"… a lanky, laid back man with a huge heart and two hands designed to help anyone who needed it. I met him through the Parrot Head Club of Tidewater while John lived locally. In my life, I have attached several meanings to the word "Hero"- and John has provided me with several of those definitions.
We could always count on John for crowd calls. He supported Robbie and me any chance he could get. He always brought his brand of fun with him, and was never afraid to move gear or lend a hand, and usually before he was asked. I am honored that he appears on The CalypsoNuts' promotional video along with his daughter Jessika. For his positive presence in our lives and the smiles we had together, John is a hero.
A few years ago, John left Hampton Roads to move back to his home town of Biloxi, Mississippi. He decided to "stop by" Key West on the way to do some fishing. Well, two years later he finally made his move to Biloxi. For that I consider him the ultimate Parrot Head hero. What a free spirit… and how awesome that he went right ahead and lived the life that most of the rest of us just talk about.
In Biloxi, John continued living the life he wanted with his pottery studio. He created drums and other instruments; he was well respected as an artist and I am kicking myself that I do not have one of his pieces. It would truly be a treasure, as are all the remaining pieces of his art… portions of his soul breathed into each one. While running his studio, he cared for his elderly Granny and was by her side whenever she needed him. Hero again.
On January 23rd, John was hanging out at one of his favorite places, the Julep Room. His buddy, the bartender, was having trouble with some underage patrons that needed to leave. Of course- - John jumped up to help. The trouble makers were removed to the parking lot where they got in their car and attempted to run over the bartender. John pushed his friend out of the way of the oncoming car, and was struck. For this- the word "hero" is completely inadequate. There now isn't really a word for who John Whitehouse was. Count yourself lucky if Big John ever touched your life… he has surely touched mine and I'm grateful.
John would want you to raise a glass so please do so… Namaste, Big John.