I first met John O’Brien many years ago at a training session. At the end of the day, he read Oregon’s Journey to the group—a children’s book about Oregon the Bear, who dreams of returning to the forests of the Pacific Northwest, and Duke, the circus clown who supports him along the way.

It’s a simple, beautiful story about friendship, longing, and finding your way home. Many of us have been on our own long journey—trying to create a more inclusive world, and for those of us who’ve worked within systems, learning how to truly listen. John supported so many of us on that path.

In the book, Oregon and Duke are met with kindness and support from others in the communities they pass through. I know we will all miss John deeply. But we’ll carry his questions, his reflections, and the connections he nurtured—gifts that will continue to support us at a time when they’re needed most.