The Southwestern Company Alumni Blog
It is with great sadness that we share with the Southwestern alumni family the passing away of John Liederbach on September 27.
John was from Rockville, Maryland, but was a West Virginia Mountaineer through and through. Countless WVU students stayed and played over the years in his house off campus, the “Red Relaxer,” including many who became legendary in Southwestern as well. John sold books 7 summers, breaking numerous company sales records in the process. He was proud of making President’s Club in a single day with a then-record 504 units.
He believed greatly in the potential of young people, and became an outstanding District Sales Manager. His organization was called The Slight Edge, because he knew that if young people could gain the Southwestern advantage while college students, its impact would continue to grow over the course of their lives and they would become world-changers. He was right; the Slight Edgers who were blessed to work with John are now in every field under the sun, making a positive difference in our world as they grow through life.
The many colleagues and dealers who spent time with John knew him always to be unselfish and generous, with a great sense of humor, an inexhaustible collection of stories and jokes, and a constant conveyer of his belief in people and in what they can achieve with their lives. Which of us didn’t stand a little taller when he would clap us on the back, and say, “Hey, brother!” or “Hey, sister!”? His natural competitiveness showed in sales and on the basketball court, and his long history of coaching youth sports helped put many kids on a great path of fitness and sportsmanship. His intensive work with Christian ministry – particularly in developing men of faith – had an eternal impact on many. One of you said today what so many of us feel: “I know I would be a different person if it were not for him.”
John loved his family massively. His wife, Nan (who as Nan Tschudi, was a great bookgirl as well from Angelo State University, and an amazing wife and mother), along with their beautiful children Maddie, John-Paul, Brendan, and Bridgette as well as John’s mother and six siblings are grateful for your expressions of support — and your prayers — during this incredibly difficult time. Maddie wrote today, “He was a great man who impacted so many, and loved the Lord with all of his heart. He is having a great time dancing and singing in heaven.”
Visitation is Friday, September 30 at Holy Family Catholic Church, 9100 Crockett Road, Brentwood, Tennessee, at 4pm. The funeral mass will be said Saturday, October 1, at 1:00pm with a reception to follow.
Many of you have asked about donations for family support. They may be made to the John Liederbach Memorial Fund at Regions Bank, Attn. Angie Johnson, 1729 Mallory Lane, Brentwood TN 37027.
We also invite you to share your stories, memories, and thoughts of John to be included in a scrapbook for the Liederbach family by leaving a comment below or by sending them to Deb McCroskey, 1501 Pear Tree Circle, Brentwood TN 37027-7379.
We have lost — and we mourn — a dear friend.
Cards can be sent to the Liederbach Family at 9010 Split Log Road, Brentwood TN 37027.
John was one of those bookmen who was a model, someone you always looked up to…
He touched many lives and I am sad to hear of his passing away.
He had a special energy, an aura…
Peace!
Pedro Medina
Bookmen 1979 to 1986
Bogotá, Colombia
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We surely lost a great one…
I had the privilege of spending quality time with John and Nan, and still fondly remember the competitive days on the hoops court with Liederbach.
A principled man who I admire.
Thanks Dan for getting the news out.
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As I am writing this, I am holding a framed note that Nan and JL gave me during the summer of ’89. I was staring at it the moment I received the news. It has always reminded me that they believed I have a great heart and to remember that I should stop and smell the roses for all our blessings. The words are surrounded by the Footprints poem. I believe John knew what this poem meant to me and framed it with such kind words. I am sorry that I have not been able to keep in touch, but I want Nan and his family to know I have thought of them often during my adult life because of this gift they gave me. John made a difference in my life in the late 80′s and has continued to be part of my life because of this framed note on my shelf. I am not sure how to end this note, Nan. I wish I could help during these impossible times. Please let me know if there is anything I can do…
Love,
Kathy
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I learned and used the gifts of knowledge John passed on to me to better my life. I will miss his laugh and friendship. John and his family will be in my prayer tonight
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John was legendary as a bookman of course, but his greatest legacy is the giving, kind and caring spirit that he shared with his friends, family and associates. I had the privilege of spending time with John in my office at Southwestern recently. As we caught up and chatted about a variety of things I was struck by the warmth of the man that he had become and the principles that he lived by. His love for his family was clear and it was important to him for me to know that. The whole Southwestern community feels this loss today and our hearts go out to The Liederbach family.
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It really hurts to know of John’s passing, few there are who would or could walk in this mans GIANT shoes……
Those of us who knew him loved him and felt we were walking next to true greatness…………
He will be sadly and sorely missed by his family and all the rest…………He is a Brother, and we will see his smiling, effervecent self once again, and I look forward to the Eternal reunion, one day.
Love to all who knew him……….your tearful friend……jc
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I had the pleasure of working with John and remember his ability to uplift people in a unique way. His smile was contagious and his words were inspiring. John was one of my favorite people to just be around because you always came away feeling better. John, you will always be remembered and when we think about you….we will always smile and feel good. Thank you!
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I worked with John at HonorGuard Pest and I can honestly say that he was the highlight of working there. He was the only one of the owners/bosses who were real and caring. He will be missed. His family will be in my prayers. God bless you Nan.
With great sympathy,
Stephanie
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It has been many years since my time with the outstanding people of character at and from Southwestern. Surely one of its shining lights has to be JL.
How many times over the years have I reflected on the powerful influence Southwestern had on my life through the lens of John and everything he stood for.
While I am sad for Nan and the family, I also celebrate with John’s friends the privilege of continuing to live and learn from his example. Thank you John for a life well lived.
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Sitting here remembering back. What a great and fun-loving guy. We were such rivals. He was so good at selling books but also an amazing recruiter and manager too! When he met and married Nan that was his greatest accomplishment. To read about his life after books and his children shows he went on to continue to impact so many lives. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family. I know he will be missed. I am glad I knew him in the day.. He had an impact on my life.
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I like anyone who has ever worked with you, had our lives changed in a positive way the day we met you.
As a 20 year old cocky, alpha male, half English, half German arriving from UK to sell books in Tacoma Washington, knowing only 1 other person in the surrounding 2000 mile area, you and your team of leaders from Ananta to Afif, taught me the true meaning of beliveing in others, work ethic, persistence, the answer lies behind the next door, be funny make money and the power of the Slight Edge philosophy. 25 years on, I teach these to adults across Europe and mention your name to people who never met you and were unlucky not to have.
My wish is that you rest in peace knowing that you have achieved more in your life than most of us could ever hope.
If as Alan Loy McGinis said “There is no more noble occupation in the world than to assist another human being – to help someone succeed”, you passed lifes test with a 4.0.
Thank you for all you did for us Brits – Lars
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“Dr. Knock Liederbach” touched my life in so many ways, from the mountains in Snowshoe, speeding to get to the end of a WVU basketball game, to just hanging out at the “Red Relaxer”. John was the ultimate teammate, a brother in the book business and dear friend. I felt his spirit Nan, as I birdied the 7th hole yesterday, his inspiration and encouragement will stay with all who spent time with him. He may have physically left us but his love and the way he treated us with last forever. I send my prayers and deep felt sympathy to you and all who love John. Thanks for all you did for me John, you will truly be missed, JoeV
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John was simply one of my heroes on the bookfield, the softball field and the field of life. No matter where you bumped into him, he left you better than he found you. I am blessed to have known him and truly mourn his loss.
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John was a leader with a quite strength that is hard to describe. It has been many years since I enjoyed being around John. However, over the years I have thought of John frequently. For a big man, he was very disarming. If he told you something was going to get done.. It was so..
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Dear Nan and Family,
We are all honored to have had the influence of your husband and father in our lives.
Maddie, John-Paul, Brendan and Bridgette, your father knew the meaning of love and shared that lesson with all of us constantly. When we look up the meaning of the word love in the Southwestern books your father used to sell, along with the definition would certainly be your father’s picture. Fortunately for those of us who were blessed to have known him, we did not need a dictionary to learn the definition of love, all we needed was his example.
Nan, there is of course no way to measure the hundreds of lives John impacted in such a positive way. All I can say is that Cindy and I were very blessed to have John in our lives and cherish the times we had together.
Dave and Cindy Causer
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“I thank my God upon every remembrance of you,”
– Phillipians 1:3
I never sold a book in my life, but I was blessed enough to marry someone who did and through her book and family connections John and Nan Liederbach and their wonderful family entered my life.
I had never met anyone like John and this week I’ve been thinking I never will again. What a swirl of friendship and faith and fun! I was swept up in John’s gravitational pull for the five years I lived in Nashville. What a place to be. When he wasn’t pulling me and my family in, he was popping up all over the place. The whole time I lived there I couldn’t turn around without bumping into John or someone who knew and loved him. This is a literal truth.
Once my family and I were on vacation in Maryland and my wife and I were taking my children to one of their first Orioles game. As I crossed the street in front of Camden Yards to see this huge red-headed guy waving his arms and smiling at me. It was John. He was on a business trip and thought he’d catch a game. He came and sat with us. We laughed all night. Little did I know that while I was showing the kids around the park, John was helping my wife Cathleen plan my surprise 40th birthday trip back to Baltimore. You should have seen his face when we got back from that birthday trip. He couldn’t wait to hear all about it.
And just about the time I start fretting that there aren’t enough people like John Liederbach, I think about Nan, Maddie, John-Paul, Brendan and Bridgette. And I read about all the people John has influenced through Southwestern and beyond, way beyond.
And it gives me hope.
Mike Sherman on behalf of Cathleen Sherman and their children.
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Dear Nan and Family,
What deep sadness all of us are feeling…and yet those who knew John can testify he “impacted and changed the lives of people”. Being a native Marylander, I always enjoyed when John came to visit. His greetings were infectious.”How’s my brother from a different mother”! John was ‘the real deal’. He spoke with passion and love. John recruited me to sell his mom’s condo only because I was a bookman first and a Real Estate Agent second. He believed character was forged and lessons learned out on the bookfield. John was a difference maker in my life and scores of others.
Nan, John loved God and what spilled out was his enthusiastic love for you and his family! I take heart knowing I will see him again in heaven!
Jim Reid
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To Nan, her family and to John’s,
My heart has been heavy all day long since I read Dan’s email this morning. My soul weeps deeply with you. I am stunned and at a loss over the passing of my brother in Christ. Along with Cindy Whitfield and Crystal Kittler, we send our love to you from Little Rock.
When I think of Big John, I think of the quote by Edwin Markham that was on one of the award plaques that we won as students in Southwestern’s summer program – “There is a destiny that makes us brothers. None goes his own way alone. All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.” He sent out so much into the lives of others! John was that type of guy. A gem among many. A real prince of a man. What a beautiful, heavenly soul!
I remember last year, when my Mother passed away, someone sent us a card that simply read, “Grief is testimony of the worth of the one loved.”
Our hearts and souls grieve with you, Nan, and with all of your family.
With Love and Regards,
Malcolm Jay Craig
Home Learning Division
Southwestern ’82-’89
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It is with great shock and sadness that my wife, Stacey, & I deal with John’s passing. He interviewed me long ago for SW, 1989 – Virginia Tech, and had such an immediate positive impact on an impressionable 19-year old. I remember thinking that if selling books had anything to do with developing John’s tremendous success & charisma & character that I had better go ahead and sign up for this SW summer work ‘gig’. I still use many of John’s classic lines today: Often refer to Nashville as “Nashvegas” / Often describe a really tall person as being “6 foot 13″ / Still call best friend and SW Student Manager, Matt Robertson, “Ribs” – nickname given to him by JL long ago. My heart is heavy today for Nan & kids and although John has left this place his impact & wonderful memories live on!
Tim Lilley SW ’90 – ’96
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Nan & Children,
Remember this: Not many men impact this world the way John has. Just looking at the stories, memories and the hearts John changed through being the man he was through Christ while here with us.
Even though, we live far away, his most recent phone call to me — challenged me in ways that most men don’t. His constant encouragement & strong faith was endearing and life-changing and always has.
Our family mourns with you and crys a mighty cry for everyone’s loss, yet we remain in this realm without him. Still, we know the promises of Christ better because of John and may your family continue that legacy that John so strived for in sharing the Good News everywhere you go.
Our Prayers of mercy upon your family,
ANDREW & LEAH KNEISLER
Overland Park, Kansas
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Dear Leiderbach Family,
I was deeply saddened to hear of John’s passing. I sold books with John for three summers in the 80s and even though it has been many years, the memories of the bookfield with John, his brother Fred, and the other Slight Edgers have never been far from my thoughts. His boundless energy, charismatic leadership, tremendous sense of humor, and contagious positive mental attitude are what I remember most about John. If the number of lives changed for the better is a measure of a successful life, then John was immeasurably successful. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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Nan, although I knew you and John for only a summer (1988), you both have a special place in my heart. My prayers are with you and your family. May God comfort you with His loving arms.
Stacey McBryde
Rockville, MD
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Our hearts were broken to hear of this news. JL was a wonderful friend, mentor, and encouragement to both of us during our bookselling years. I specifically remember one day that Renee Lanman and I were totally off-schedule out in California and we called in. DC wasn’t there, so JL talked to us – and in his infinite wisdom, decided that coaching us back onto the bookfield wasn’t really going to work. So instead of lecturing or berating us, he told us to go to the beach and drink beer and throw the beercans at seagulls. I have to say that was great advice. I don’t remember if we actually did go to the beach – but regardless, JL understood people – and that when we were 42 (or 41 in Renee’s case), we probably wouldn’t remember how many units we sold on that particular day – but would remember the life lessons of the bookfield and that those would be more important to us now. I became FB friends with Maddie – when I emailed her and told her that I was at her first or second birthday party. I still remember the dirt cake Nan made – dirt cake. We had it this year – gummy worms and all – for Steve’s birthday.
Our hearts and prayers go out to all of you. We are so sorry for this tragic loss and pray that God will provide peace that surpasses understanding and comfort from friends and family – and all those who are expressing their great love for this great man.
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WE got this news today. And it has just turned upside down my husband, Jack Puglisi, who counted “Piggy” as among his greatest friends. And interestingly we were kind of woven into this thread of bookselling.
I come from Morgantown, WVa where I met my husband in art classes. We were art majors. But I met Jack’s buddy-that you know as John- earlier than my husband because he came to my house and tried to recruit my brother into the book world. Before I knew my husband at all I knew his friends at the Red Relaxor, I used to walk by there going home.
I wish he had succeeded in garnering another bookman, my brother to this day remains unguided.And I think John knew that. He came on a particularly strange night to our house. Someone had tried to break into our house that day and a detective was interviewing me. And he saw that I had this young brother, and a very frail grandmother dying of Altzheimer’s, and a very whacky mom, all my responsibility-and he took it all in-and tried to help my brother to do something worthwhile. He was remarkably human that day. I suspect he was pulled a bit out of his role as a book agent and into the role of caring bystander. A few years later when I met him again, now as Jack’s girlfriend, he remembered me specifically and that evening and I remembered him. As we caught up on the coincidence of that I said to him, it was so great you appeared at such a strange moment, thank you. And a rather frightening one it was that he helped make better.
A few years passed and I was working in the fields of Greenfield CA as a teacher trying to coach a softball team. It was so far from where we last met, in the middle of nowhere . And there he was bounding over the field yelling out “Hi, Sarah” as if I would expect him to just pop up there. Of course these were days before cell phones. I still do not know how he knew we were there teaching. We had a lovely visit. And several more over the years. I can still see him in my mind’ s eye there in Greenfield being greeted by my Hispanic students as he joined in the game. I figure wherever he went that’s how it was. He was able to put you at ease.
Jack loves to tell Red Relaxer stories and he tells many stories of his friend “Piggy” because they were once very close.He tells them the same way every time. I think he’d take a bullet for him and I know John would have done the same. I wish we could find a way to understand such a loss. But, believe me, he will be remembered and he was loved.
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I sold books with John back in the 80′s and afterwards we were housemates for several months in Maryland, I always remember him as a kind, caring happy inspiring and above all a good friend.
Good bye to a great bookman, a great friend, great family man. My prayers are with his family.
Roberto Perez Anda
Quito Ecuador
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I had the privilege of being interviewed by Ananta and JL in 1991. The charisma JL had was certainly appealing, but that is not why I chose to trust him and sell books. I trusted him because he loved me first. Don’t get me wrong, what I mean here is that he saw in me something I didn’t even see yet. I was still grieving my own mother’s death, and wasn’t aware of my inner strength. He called me “Pos” as in positive, to remind me to check my attitude. It worked. I now counsel families to come to financial health, and I cannot say how many times I have drawn out the slight edge philosophy so people can see that small changes made now can have a huge impact later. About one week before I heard the news of JL’s death, I was thinking to myself about one of my most favorite days. It was in Nashvegas at the end of my first summer. JL and Ananta took me to the bar with a huge pink elephant and they bought me a pitcher of beer. I didn’t even like beer, but we shared it together in the sun and I felt on top of the world. I will never forget you, JL.
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Every time I think of JL I get a smile on my face. I have a crystal clear memory of John and Ananta performing their silent demo to a Boston song. It was awesome! The world is a better place because of the impact he had on all our lives.
Jon Roth
Slight Edge
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I’m very sad to find out today of John’s passing and want to pass on my thoughts and prayers to his family.
I only met John in the summer of ’89, when I was a fairly shy member of the UK team and just sold that summer (part of Sarah / Peter Ferre’s team). But, I’ve thought of John and Slight Edge ever since… I’ve always chuckled at the spirit of the team and the crazy arm action (like an open crocodile’s mouth) that they used to do!! I got the philosophy and have tried to keep it in action ever since.
Whilst I probably only had a couple of conversations with John, he made a big impression on me and I was inspired by watching him. It has stayed with me ever since and I’ll never forget him.
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I am so sorry to hear of John’s passing. When I did my mission statement (Stephen Covey) ten years ago (and redid it recently) John was the person I cited as the one that I thought the most of – he was my role model and mentor.
In college, he saw me for what I could be and pushed me to be that. In my second year of selling books when I hit a bad time in my life, he told me to go ahead and get help and I could come back and finish out the summer strong by delivering the products I had sold. He was caring, compassionate, and warm and everyone he met, he touched positively – that is the kind of person I want to be and I will always remember him like that. Please know that his lessons will live on as I teach them to my 16 month old baby girl as well. God Bless Nan and her family.
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There are no words here…I am, also, forever touched and inspired by John’s character and example. My deepest condonlences for John’s family and all that loved him. I have fond memories of my two years selling books. I just recently bought books from a college student this summer. I purchased both children’s books, for my children. I was excited to see how they have changed. I still use the first book of the old children’s series with my own boys and in my work, as an occupational therapist. I hope there is peace for John’s family in knowing that his principles are being carried on and continuously growing.
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