It is now 9:00pm. I had intended to write something about the first day of the cruise but I cannot. My heart is heavy and full of sadness.
I am sorry to burden this with you but I am sure that you understand that this blog is all about life onboard and everything it brings.
For the last 12 days, I have shared the stage with a wonderful couple from Baltimore, Mr. and Mrs. John and Joanne Harris.
John was proclaiming his love to his wife every day on stage during a continuing skit. His wife sang in the talent show and during the debarkation talk, he was presented with a bag of gifts from the Captain and myself. Every guest spoke to him, had photos with him; he was a star.
This morning he passed away, suddenly, at the age of 42.
I just spoke to Joanne on the phone for over an hour. She told me that this cruise had been the best time of his life and how much he enjoyed being in the limelight.
We cried together.
I asked for her permission to write this in my blog, which she really wanted that I do.
If you were on this cruise, I would like you to post your condolences on this blog.
Heidi and I send our continuing thoughts and prayers to Joanne and I ask my fellow bloggers to do the same.
He brought joy and laughter to 3000 people and we will never forget him.
Filed under: Tales from the Ship | Tagged: Tales from the Ship
John that is so sad, we cant believe that, Joanne Harris hang in there, we will say a pray for you and your late husband, who we know is in heaven, because only the good die young. We know you must be hurting so bad, we offer our condolences. Robert and Suzann
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Harris family. To know that your loved one had the time of their life on that cruise will be a treasured memory in years to come.
And to you John, thank you for sharing this with all of us. You must be a very special man to show the warmth and compassion that you do. It’s very evident in all of your writings, both in good times and bad. God Bless you all.
My heart and thoughts certainly go out to Joanne, you, and Heidi in this difficult time. . . . .
John, This makes my heart hurt. My thoughts and prayers go out to Joanne.
Jo
Sorry John
This must be one of the bad things of being a CD and getting in touch with so many people right? He was my age and it is a lesson to us all.Enjoy life to the fullest!! And you know what you were an important part of his last days.For that you must be proud and please continue to be an important part of what most of us consider a dream.
My prayers for Joanne.
In this time of sorrow may you be comforted by the prayers of those who grieve with you. With deepest sympathy.
Ed
The lesson is life is short. Sounds like he lived to the fullest. We never know when our number is up. He and his wife thanfully had one last vacation. I always say if I have to go I want it to be on the way back from vacation (not the beginning). My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I understand the sudden loss of a loved one. The shock and numbness.
The following poem was given to me when my Grandma past away. You don’t have to be religious to appreciate the message. Here it is:
Title: I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took God’s hand when I heard the call;
I turned by back and left it all.
I could not stay another day
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way,
I found that place at the close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss.
Ah yes, these things, I too, will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow,
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full, I savored much,
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief;
don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me-
God wanted me now, God set me free.
What a sad story.
My heartfelt prayers go out to the family.
God Bless you all
I wasn’t on this cruise, but what a tragic thing to happen…my deepest thoughts and prayers to his family.
I have always tried to look at the bright side of everything, even when there really isn’t one. Not only is he in a better place now, but I personally couldn’t think of a better way to spend the last days than being on a cruise ship entertaining people and proclaiming his love to his wife at the same time.
John and Heidi–Thanks for sharing this with us–now his family will have thousands of people thinking of them this day!
Everytime John said “Baltimore” on the P.A. System I would wonder where on the ship this couple was!
My thoughts and prayers go to Joanne and the family.
All the Best.
- BK
Dear John,
Just one week ago, my wife and me returned from an absolutely wonderful cruise on board the Carnival Conquest. It was our first cruise ever, and we enjoyed every minute of it. I was also impressed by the corporate philosophy that stands behind it.
Now reading your blog, I am even more impressed that you include death and grief, too. “The full cupboard of life”, as the author Alexander McCall Smith put it. It is great that this side of life, too, is acknowledged here, and is allowed to form part of the Carnival experience.
Fair wind and following seas, and Happy Easter!
Yours, Marec
What a shock !!!
It just shows you you never know when this time will be your last. Difficult to say but it seems that John and Joanne had a great two weeks to add to their ten long wonderful years together – our thoughts are with Joanne at this time.
John,
My wife Deidre and I were on this cruise and went on the tour bus of Istanbul with Joanne and John.
We also were present at most of his “public performances” in the theater.
We arrived home late Saturday night and logged onto your site this morning. It was a great shock to read about John’s passing. We want to express our heartfelt condolences to Joanne. Though we really did not know him personally, we felt like we knew him in our hearts. John and Joanne will remain in our thoughts amd memories from the trip.
Steve/Deidre Downham
Oklahoma City
What a terrible thing to happen, but at least he had his last cruise with his loving wife, she will always have those memories to remember, perhaps a video of him on the cruise as well, he sounds like he was one heck of a guy. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to Joanne. And John (CD) you are a wonderful man, getting so involved in your passengers lives, making everyone feel so special, that is why I enjoy traveling on your ships! See you (Hopefully in November)-haven’t heard back from you-hope you will be on the Freedom Thanksgiving week! Linda & Mike H.
Too young……
Joanne,we were not on your cruise but we want to send you our heartfelt thoughts and prayers.
You must enjoy life “one day at a time” because you don’t know when you’ll be called back by the big “CD” in the sky . So very glad you both shared a very special moment together on the Freedom …
Kathy and Paul
How incredibly sad to wake up on Easter morning and read this tragic news. My thoughts and prayers are with Joanne and her family. The continuing skit of the husband declaring their love for their wife on a daily basis has been a favorite of mine while sailing Carnival. Joanne will have some wonderful memories of their last vacation together as difficult as it may seem as this time as well as the passengers that shared the voyage with them. Thank you John and Heidi for sharing both the good and bad news on this blog.
Linda
Orlando, FL
Our condolences to Joanne and all the friends and family of John Harris.
John,
That is such sad news. How wonderful for them to have had two great weeks together on the Freedom, celebrating their love for eachother and having a great time. Our prayers are with Joanne and their family.
Liz and Dale
Simi Valley, CA
I heard of this through a website for a future cruise, and the ‘Baltimore’ caught my attention, as I am from Balto. and will be on the 4/19 sailing of the same ship. My heart and prayers are with the family as they return home.
We finally just arrived to our home in Florida from our wonderful Mediterranean cruise. I just was remembering with fondness the unbelievable vacation my husband and three children took on the Freedom when I logged on to John’s blog. How terribly sad to hear of John’s passing. He brought such laughter and joy to all of us in my family over the past two weeks. Joanne, you are in our prayers. You could see the true love that John had for you on the cruise. Our family sends our condolences.
looking forward to the june 6 cruise!! i’ll be with 20 washington dc retired police officers, their wives, my wife, other family and me. I still chase bad guys around atlanta, ga. we were on the liberty in nov, 06. can’t wait!!!!
I plan to be on the May 25th cruise, and have been following your blogs. Such sad news. I have not met this couple, but they sounded like such fun. My heart goes out to Joanne and the rest of their family. John sounded like one a great guy. Be comforted by the thought that as long as he lives on in your hearts, he will never be really gone.
Mrs. Harris – my deepest condolences. May our Good Lord hold you and your family closer during this difficult time.
Our heart goes out to Joanne for her tragic and unexpected loss.
My father told me when I was young that we live life to create memories, not just for ourselves, but also for others.
My memory of John was of a man who deeply loved his wife and was able to sincerely proclaim that love over and over again in front of thousands of people for the twelve days before he died.
Thankyou John Harris for giving me that memory.
Thankyou John Heald for giving him the opportunity to create that memory.
May God be with you and your wonderful memories of your husband, Joanne.
Don Cole
Mrs. Joanna Harris, My condolences, My heart and prayers are with the family as they return home.
Life isn’t fair sometimes, we have to take life as it is, don’t complain, but make more FUN.
Vincent and friends from the Netherlands
Our heartfelt sympathy and prayers to the family and friends of John Harris.
My husband and I were on the cruise with John and Joanne Harris. Many of our favorite memories involved the expressions of love that John gave to Joanne during our two weeks at sea. Each time we saw them, it seemed as though their love grew stronger and stronger. I remember seeing them at the port of Katakolon, sitting close together at a cafe near the water. They we so happy, laughing and smiling. Joanne, please know that we are very sorry to hear about John’s passing. He will be missed not only by his family and long-time friends, but also by all of the new friends he met at sea.
Joanna & Eric Storey
San Francisco, California
Our thoughts and prayers are with Joanne during this time. We saw them on some of our shore excursions, having a ball, and will never forget that declaration of love skit.
How wonderful that John picked the right couple to entertain and inspire us during the cruise—good evidence that nothing happens by chance.
Dear Joanne,
I am so, so terribly sorry. My deepest condolences and sympathy are with you. Though I don’t know him personally, I could tell he was a great guy. We were on the Tower of Pisa tour together and my granddaughter always pointed at both of you everytime she saw you and we were both tempted to ask you to pose with her for a picture but we were both too shy. How I wish now that we did.
I will offer some prayers for him and also for you and your family. Please take care.
Christine
Joanne,
It was such a shock to hear about John’s passing, and we will be praying for you. He truly helped make this cruise memorable by being such a wonderful sport and for publicly showing how much he loved you. We will always remember “Baltimore” and the joy and laughter he brought to our cruise. God bless you.
We were so sorry to hear about John’s passing. He became a friend to everyone on the ship, and his laughter and good sportsmanship made the cruise truly memorable for everyone. Joanne will have wonderful memories of their trip, and will know that they created special memories for all of us as well. We will be praying for God’s comfort to Joanne in the days to come.
We were so upset to learn of John’s passing. He was such a wonderful person, and no one on that cruise will ever forget “Baltimore” and the joy and laughter he brought to all of us. We will be praying for God’s blessings upon Joanne in the days ahead.
I just want to send my condolences to Joanne about her husband. She and her husband brought alot of happiness to all onboard. You could see the growing love between them throughout the cruise. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family Joanne.
My deepest condolences to Joanne and John’s family. He shared his happiness and love with all of us, and I thank him for that. My prayers are with you, Joanne.
Dear Joanne,
My Fiancee, Scott, and I were on this cruise with you and John and were shocked and saddened when we logged onto the Freedom blog and learned of his passing. Although we did not get a chance to meet either of you personally, we delighted in John’s antics every time he dove onto the stage, did his little dance, and professed his love for you. He made a wonderful cruise even more enjoyable through his lighthearted attitude and joy for life.
Scott and I would like you to know we are keeping you and your family in our thoughts and prayers that God will provide the comfort and guidance you need during this very difficult time.
May God bless you and keep you in his care.
We were on this cruise and thought John was such a great sport to proclaim his love to Joanne every time he heard “Baltimore”.
Our deepest Sympathy to Joanne and family.
Whatever ones beliefs might be, you have to wonder for just a moment – how ironic that this couple just ‘happened’ to be picked for an fun idea.
HOW MANY times he was able to tell Joanne over and over how much he loved her. Somehow it was important to God, the universe or whatever that Joanne had the comfort of know this and John was able to express it in such a fun way. Our prayers are with you.
Dearest Joanne,
We finally just arrived home from our cruise and we are heartsick to hear of the loss of your wonderful husband, John.
Our thoughts and our prayers are with you. I hope you are blessed for many years by the wonderful memories you have of the special cruise you and John took together. You added humor and humanality to the cruise and we so enjoyed having you with us.
Be strong and of good faith. Our thoughts, love and prayers to you…
Susan and Timothy Machroli
Dear Joanne,
Our hearts ache hearing your tremendous lost…We pray to God to be with you and help you through this painful time.
You and John are in our prayers and thoughts…
We were on the cruise with you and John. We had such a great time watching you both. Who would have thought that that was the last time we saw John. Life is so specious and so short.
God bless you.
Joanne,
My Husband and I where on this cruise with you and want you to know that we will never hear Baltimore and not think of your Husband. We would like to know you will be in our thoughts and prayers. I believe that you have an extended family of 3000+ that will never forget the wonderful fun we all had watching your hubby John say how much he loved you.
Prayers and thought to you.
Nancieann and John Andrson
My friend Paulette and I were on this cruise as well, and so shocked to hear the news of John Harris’ passing. He and Joanne brought love and laughter to many of us, my heart goes out to Joanne. Please remember Joanne, true love goes on, it never goes away.
To John our awesome Cruise Director…thank you for some of the most memorable moments, the laughter, the humanity that you shared with us. I certainly hope to share a cruise with you and your cruise staff again.
What a complete shock!! Tears are in our eyes and in our hearts over this. What a tragedy. My new husband and I enjoyed all of the times over those 12 wonderful days when Mr. Baltimore ran up onstage for the benefit and love of his beautiful wife, Joanne (Karaoke Queen). John Harris put a smile on her face everytime and gave us all the gift of laughter. Our hearts and prayers go out to her and all of their family. May God comfort them all in this hard time.
love,
Jose & Zoraida Cortina
Dear Joanne:
Please accept our sincere condolences. We thoroughly enjoyed John’s sense of fun and good humour in going through all of his antics during our 12 days on board the Freedom. Both of you contributed greatly to our fun and it is difficult to accept that he is gone.
Our prayers and our thoughts and with you and your family during this very sad time.
Sincerely,
Joan and Art Roberts
Vancouver, Canada
When I heard the news and it make me feel sad.
(I still remember his laughter and jumping.)
Life is too short.
Be strong, Joanne.
Vivi
HI JOHN AND HEIDI……
HOPE ALL IS WELL ON THE BIG CRUISE SHIP…..JUST WANTED TO DROP YOU A LINE AND TELL YOU THAT WE ARE JUST LOVING STEPHEN DALTON……HE IS JUST BEAUTIFUL…..I WILL FORWARD PICTURES TO YOU BOTH SO YOU CAN SEE YOUR GOD CHILD…..THANK YOU FOR EVERYTHING…….
LAURA AND KEVIN
Dear Joanne:
Our friends Bob and Arlene Parker my husband and I were on the cruise with you and your husband, he brought such a laugh every time we saw him go up the stage and proclaim his love for you…what a shock it was to read about his passing. But know that you and your family are in our prayers and that John is with his Maker!
Lord bless you and comfort you during this time of sorrow! Joy does come in the morning!!!
Bob and Loida Scott
Corona, CA USA
Joanne:
I am the one they referred to as ‘Tina Turner’.
I am so sorry for you loss. I am happy he spend his last days proclaiming his love to you and making us all so happy…. we can never forget you both… that was a cruise to remember. My condolence to you and your family.
‘Memories do not leave like people do, they always stay with you.’
Althea Bradshaw ( Tina)
It’s so shocking to find out John Harris passed away. He brought laughters to people on the Freedom and sure to have made lots of people rededicating their lives to their loved ones during the cruise. May God comfort Mrs. Joanne Harris and my condolences to John and his family.
I am shocked and greatly saddened to hear of John Harris’s untimely death. Whenever talking about my cruise experience, I have told of John and Joanne. John was an amazingly good sport wh0 brought joy and laughter to all who were on the ship with him. My condolences to Joanne and her family. Joanne, thank you for sharing John with all of us who traveled with you. He won’t be forgotten.
Joanne.
We too were on the cruise with you and your beloved husband “Mr. Baltimore”, what a great guy! We are so sorry for your loss and pray for you and your families. We will never forget the memories he brought to all of us! Thank you for sharing him with us.
Your Freedom Cruise family,
Tim & Anita
Thousand Oaks, CA USA
This kind of stories always touch our hearts. As a “Care-Team Member” of Carnival, I know how you feel because I had lived something like this. The lovely part is to know that you was part of a wonderful event in their lifes that they never forget. No matter how professional we are, the feelings are part of us.
So sorry about the lost and my best wishes of comfort, love and condolences.
We were on the cruise with John and Joanne. He made the cruise and so did she. My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to her.
April 15 I have not read your blog John since before we sailed with you 3/26-4/07. I was shocked to read about John and Joanne. Please send our deepest sympathy to Joanne and her family. The two of them added to the fun and laughter we enjoyed while on the Freedom. Baltimore will always have special meaning for us. Love and prayers to you and Heidi as well . You made our first time Europe very special.
April 15 I have not read your blog John since before we sailed with you 3/26-4/07. I was shocked to read about John . Please send our deepest sympathy to Joanne and her family. The two of them added to the fun and laughter we enjoyed while on the Freedom. Baltimore will always have special meaning for us. Love and prayers to you and Heidi as well . You made our first time Europe very special.
I had not read your blog since before we left on our cruise 3/26. I was shocked and saddend to read about John. Please send our deepest sympathy to Joanne and her family. They add to the fun and laughter we enjoyed on the Freedom Our love and prayers to you and Heidi as well. Thanks for making our first time in Europe outstanding.
I had not read your blog since March 26,2007. Please send our deepest sympathy to Joanne and the family. We will never forget the wonderful time we had with you. We cruised 5 times and this was the best………
Thank you,
Mary & Mo
John, I just wanted to tell you that I think you are doing a great job, telling everyone about the Freedom, I just wish that the other Cruise Dir. from the Carnival ship, would do the same as you. I’am sure that it takes a lot of extra time and work to do this Blog thingy. But what a wonderful tool that this is for The Carnival Cruise line, please keep up the great work, and maybe we will see see on the Carnival Freedom soon. Thank you
Dear John,
I have not read all of your blog, so it was a big shock to me and my wife when I finally read the one from April 7, 2007 and learned about the untimely death of John Harris. Emily and I had a lot of questions about it since it apparently happened that morning. Was he still on the ship or at the airport? What happened so quickly? He was so full of life and so happy you could have never guessed something like this would happen. Our hearts go out to Joanne and the Harris family. Joanne, you will never walk alone. John — and God — will always be with you.
Bob and Emily Means
Dear Joanne,
Please accept our heartfelt condolences for your loss. We were fellow cruise mates, and we want you to know how much joy and laughter that ongoing skit brought everyone. You and your family are in our prayers.
Chris
John
A fellow cruiser with you for a couple of years.
We have looked all over for a copy of your book which you were going to give us a copy on our last cruise. Would really like to have a copy if you could let us know where we can find it.
Thanks
Bonnie