I don't know what to say. I'm just completely numb over the news. I just did an interview with John a few months ago for a new product he was working on.

Brilliant marketer... brilliant copywriter... helluva of great guy too. I'm going to really miss him. RIP John.

HORRIBLE news... but thanks for letting us know, Vin.

John was a great guy and a workhorse of a copywriter.
The polar opposite of lazy.

I'm deeply, deeply saddened. ****.

Brian

Great guy. Great writer. And always willing to help others improve their skills while asking nothing in return.

That Philly event was the last time I saw him too, Vin. Man, what a loss.

Prayers to his family...

Sad news indeed. I never met John in person but I
could still remember about 5 years ago when I received
a Fedex letter from him containing a sales letter requesting
any "overflow" jobs that I could pass on to him. I don't know
if he wrote that letter but it was an impressive piece of
copywriting.
The copywriting community has indeed suffered a great
loss.

His family will be in my prayers.

-Ray Edwards

Wow! Life's too short. I also met John in Philly about 5 years ago. He was a giving human being and a good copywriter. I'm sorry to hear the news. My thoughts to his family.

As I mentioned in the off-topic thread -- John and I were moderators on the "Warrior Forum Friday Night Chat" back when Eric Louviere ran it.

We had some great conversations and I loved listening to John.

He was fun, funny, brilliant (as has been said) ... and I had been looking to connect back up with him again.

Lots of great times hanging out on Friday nights talking about all kinds of things ...

Godspeed, John ... 'til we meet again!

Live JoyFully!

Judy

Totally shocked!

I haven't been in touch with John for a few years.

He always sent me his products for feedback, and I often hired him to write my overflow. And whenever I had a technical question he was always ready with an answer.

Generous, kind, and great guy all around.

Really sorry to lose him.

Rest in Peace, John.

I had the pleasure of meeting John when I was in the US three years ago for the summer. I was working about an hour from his home and we agreed to meet up for a brainstorming session.

The only small snag was that I had my young son with me. So John, ever thoughtful, arranged for us to meet at a lovely park near his home. We sat and talked for several hours while watching my son delight in everything the park had to offer.

That was the John I knew: thoughtful, kind and generous.

What a loss.

Debbie

Always admired John's writing and selling talents. Sad news.

--- Ross

Damn it, I just saw this. J-Ritz was (is) a fantastic, loving, caring, awesome guy. He used to play his electric guitar on the Friday chats... always had great things to say... and just glowed as a person.

He would give clinics on Friday nights for free, just to help people. He would school us on direct mail strategies and resources. I learned of Nextmark from him back in the day and that place was a goldmine for me and made me who knows how much money... and many other resources and advice.

he was a true student of copywriting and persuasion and direct mail. Hard, hard worker and a special person in this market.

He was one of the first copywriters I engaged and built a relationship with. I'll truly miss him and I'm eternally grateful for all he provided me over the years. This is a big loss for us. I wish him and his family the best. Dang, I'm shocked.

you were (are) great J-Ritz!

Your Friend Forever,

Eric Louviere

Oh man, horrible.

Thanks for letting us know.

I didn't know him very well, but I knew him well enough to know he was a kind and funny person.

We all used to be on the Friday Night Chats years ago.

One time he gave away $500 in a fun little contest to a struggling marketer in there.

He also did something real nice for me one time and took a look at my very first sales page in the Pet niche.

I wish I had gotten to know him better, but what I knew of him was that he was a great guy.

My prayers go out to his family.

R.I.P.

It was only a week ago, that I linked someone to his copy sales page, so they could study it.



R.I.P. big guy.
I'll be praying for your fams.

wow that sucks.... Ritz was a cool dude... just makes you realize how precious life really is... take full advantage of every day... and count your blessings that you're healthy.

Geeze that sucks

RIP

A reminder to live life passionately and on purpose. I did not know him but from what I have read here he was a kindred spirit who left a lasting legacy. May he rest in peace and may his family find peace in God.

Share The Love!

Sonia

Remembering John at The Warrior Event 2012 in Raleigh March 11, 2012

#WE2012 Remembering JohnRitz (RIP John Riskowitz) - YouTube