Former Car Dealer and Part-Owner of Three Monkeys, Stella Blues Commits Suicide

• I read your post here awhile ago and was thinking of you and John today and wanted to reread it. Still missing this amazing man and I'm so proud of you charting your own course! Smiles x 2 from above are shining down on you!

• John Van Hoogstraat was admirable, ahead of his time, generous to a fault, rose to million dollar fame on his own accord, gave millions away in trust to many he believed in, ( never calling in for a return when they, his invested, decided to get lax and turn the key into him who had funded them), and never in his lifetime would have held anyone accountable but himself.John Van was a promoter and builder, not a destroyer. He wanted to continue to believe in others even though they may have made poor decisions or the economy went south . He was not part owner of anything he ever did, he INVESTED fully in people and gave away stock options to the people he believed could get a leg up and prove themselves. John was nothing but generous to the people he loved and believed in. THis was something John did not get the opportunity to do on his own... so he extended HIMSELF to others to make this easier for them. He is light years away from most of humanity. John was the kind of man who never blamed or scorned, but always tried to make others accountable to the HIGH ( and old school ) standards he believed in... hard work for a good living abd he worked 90 hour weeks for 40 years to prove it. And for those who quote his 2. million dollar house, can you ever just realize that he had taxes that were up this gentleman's gozoo to pay? He has funded more ssi, ssd and medicare and medicaid people than you can possibly imagine, which you the reader may be thankfully utilizing right this very minute. John Van is the kind of man YOU WANTED to be in business and paying taxes! ANd there will be FEW like John Van in the future. He is one of the last greatest generation to work so hard and give so much and ASK NOTHING in return, except for dedication to taking care of family, any debt you owe, people who are worth investing in, and loving and living generously because nothing is taken for granted. John lived his life to the fullest, made decisons on his own, stood by his decisions, had faith in GOD, knew his eternity was not based on worldly goods or accolades from others, BUT did care for so many employees and family until the very end. He is a legend and legacy of greatness to all who had the priveledge to know him. Forever, his blessings live on in the lives of all he touched and inspired and loved..... and there are as MANY AS ABRAHAM counted as stars in the Universe in Genesis ( that equates to innumerable!) HE man defines his life. death does not define a man. JOHN VAN HOOGSTRAAT is still a living force and legend to be remembered , recognized ,deeply respected, and a legend that has NO reconciliation. John would want anyone reading this to "take ownership of your life, chart your course, and live life to the fullest", just as he did. He is back to GOD and lives an even fuller life than he lived here on earth.... and that is HUGE.

• Why, you ask, are posters up in arms about this! I will tell you! As a family member, I can tell you that John was a very fun loving, generous and admirable man with a heart of gold! That is how we want him remembered! His business sense was impeccable and all those material items that you listed, TOM (a little jealous are you?) John worked hard, for many years and earned every one of them! As you know, money doesn't always bring happiness, but John brought lots of happiness to many! God bless him and that is all anyone needs to know!

• I'm a little confused about some of the posters here being so upset about RFT's reporting of a 'public' event. I find it very sad that any person finds it necessary to commit suicide, but even more so when the person has the appearance of such success. Wife, family, grandchildern, two car dealerships, two restaurants, commercial property company, and a home worth $2.45 million. What can drive someone to commit such an act when they have so much going for them. Unfortunately for his friends and family, Mr. Van Hoogstraat made his death a public event when he chose to shoot himself inside Stella Blues in full view of anyone passing by the windows of the restaurant. From what I heard (there are more rumors than facts in this case) it was a passerby that looked in and saw his body and called the police. Personally I think the total lack of reporting by the general media sources is doing more of a disservice to the public in failing to generate a greater awareness of suicide and depression and the services and help available, especially in these difficult times.

• I understand people's feelings about posting an item like this--both sides. As a friend of John's, I'm just sad about his passing: for him and for his family and friends. May he rest in peace. Mike

• I believe "found dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound" is indeed factual. Or fucking factual, "Sickened." But that could mean anything... maybe it was suicide, or perhaps it was an accident. But reporting it in this way at least alleviates suspicion that it was a homicide. Kudos to the RFT for reporting this. Mike

• Please don't pretend this 'article' is a public service announcement. That's self-righteous as is your intention to discuss this 'openly and honestly' while using Anonymous as your signature. It's also insulting to a reader with intelligence. The 'article' is only gossip and an invasion of privacy. Don't pretend you're trying to raise awareness and use this as a preachy lesson. I hope the RFT reconsiders and deletes the post.

• I feel that bringing the issue of suicide, albeit uncomfortable and painful, to the forefront is a way to make others who have gone through the self-inflicted death of a loved one feel less alone. It also hopefully makes us realize that we can be careful to watch for warning signs in ourselves and others around us. Nobody is exempt from the trials of life and keeping topics hush-hush and making them taboo only feed the disease of depression and make it seem shameful. John was a human being, not infallible and I will be talking about him openly and honestly, which is what I would want people to do for me. if we can prevent or at least alleviate one persons pain by discussing painful issue, we shouldn't shy away.

• Mentioning the death of a prominent and contributing person is one thing. Publishing the private details of his death is so heinous that I feel physically ill. I'll be pulling our ads.

• get your fucking facts straight before you post things on the internet that could be very hurtful to those who loved Mr. Van Hoogstratt very much.Have a heart you dumb fucks

• Wow, that's horrible.

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