I met a man in the oncology unit of UCLA one afternoon. We made conversation and from that moment on we were friends and business partners. He came through my world like a tornado, making things happen for my project and my career. He taught me about wines, and great travel locations for me and my lady to visit. Then just like that he was gone. John Blanchette passed away on the night of March 3rd and will be missed by many. This poem and my film, Battered, are dedicated to him.