As I sat here this morning contemplating what I was going to say, the song ‘Baker Street’ came on the radio.  Perhaps that is of very little consequence to anyone reading this, but to me it offered a profound message.  ‘When you wake up it’s a new morning, the sun is shining it’s a new morning…’ The song was written by Gerry Rafferty, a musician who wrote and performed said song.   This piece of music somehow carries a timelessness to it that even after so many years have passed, I can still remember it.  The fact that Gerry went Home last week, somehow magnifies the emotions that I feel at this precise moment, thus making the message of the song even more prolific to me.

Like most fans, I never knew John Dye personally, I had only seen him portray Andrew on ‘Touched by an Angel’ and admired him for giving Andrew so much gentility, compassion, understanding, and depth.  I knew that he had done other acting jobs, played in movies and such, but somehow Andrew was the character that I will always remember him for.  He was, after all, the character that made me a fan of the show. 

Over the years, I have been a fan of many actors and musicians, and while I drifted from one interest or fascination to another, there were some constants, which remained.  One of them was my love for the message that ‘Touched by an Angel’ carried; acceptance of those who are different, unconditional love, and several universal truths that expanded beyond what one’s faith happened to be.  This message lifted me spiritually, enhanced my faith, and made me think of things that perhaps I had never considered before.  John’s portrayal of Andrew was such an intricate part of that. 

It often made me smile when I stopped to consider how trying it must have been for a mortal man to play the role of an angel from God.  At the same instance, it was heart warming how much compassion John showed to others when he was himself and not playing said role.  Through it all, he was able to share an idea that was a rather alien one – An Angel of Death is a loving presence who comes to us to provide comfort.

For all of us, John Dye’s passing brings sadness, but maybe God was ready to have this human angel come Home.  Although, I still question why he must leave us; perhaps the real reason is so that John can now watch over us all, and be an even greater presence in our lives than ever before.  That is the sole comfort that I feel in all this.  ‘Until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand…’

Blessings to you all.

Namasté and love,

From Angélica:

Since I've heard the news yesterday evening, I couldn't stop crying. Right now, I'm feeling a huge emptiness inside my chest. I know, I'm sounding silly. And part of me is still denying John Dye has gone...

He was a very great actor. Otherwise, how could we love Andrew and hate Manion?

One of the reasons I've woken up everyday was the hope to see Mr. Dye in a movie again. It's so painful and heartbreaking to realize that I'll let this hope go...

But, I have to be strong. Mr. Dye's portraying of Andrew was very inspiring. Andrew is a kind of role model to me. So, I like to think that when I am compassionate, comprehensive, kind and lovely, I'm honouring John Dye. And I really believe that I'm keeping his memory alive inside my heart.

From Grit:

I can't say how sad I am about John's death, it is so hard to realize that he has passed away. It was his character on Touched that kept me to that show and changed my live. When I started to watch that show I didn't believe in God and I was afraid of death. Each time when someone passed I could feel some kind of invisible presence in the room and I never had an idea what it was. But it scared me. And then one day I watched TBAA and saw Andrew how he talked to the dying person and how the family sometimes could feel his presence. It was an explanation to me which changed my life like nothing else. I lost my fear of death and I can better deal with the death of others. He made death to something special. Later in life when I got  major problems it was the believe in God (which I found through John), that made me go on and find my way.

 

I don't know if he ever was aware of how intense he has touched some peoples with his soul but I'm sure he does it now. And I believe that he wasn't alone when he died, I'm sure there was such an angel for him too.

 

R.I.P. John, you did a wonderful job on earth.

 

From Brianna:

Mr. Dye was being played on my home television for as long as I can remember. I was very small when TBAA premiered, but it seemed to me that every adult watched it. I likely only saw a few episodes at the time - as a kid, I did not yet possess the attention span for hour long programs. But I knew who Andrew (played by Mr. Dye) was, though I only knew him as 'the blonde man'.

 

However, several years ago, I began to watch reruns of TBAA with my sister. We would have ten hour marathons, running all night. Andrew was my favorite character. The idea of someone being with you as you die, holding your hand and comforting you, was something I had never considered before. The messages he spoke of God and love were ones I very much appreciated as I struggled through hard times.

 

I am reminded of him daily. It is the littlest things. Every time I hear about the Vietnam war (Tour of Duty). Every time I see yellow converses or swimsuit calendars/posters, I think of him (Campus Man). Anytime one mentions Santa's children or uses the term 'au pair' (not often used in the US), I think of Mr. Dye's portrayal in Once and Twice Upon a Christmas.

 

The talent he possessed was incredible. Any man that could play the diverse range of roles he did is truly a gifted one. I am also led to believe he was also a very kind and loving man, as evidenced by his support of many charities.

 

He had a beautiful smile that could light up the screen. A smile I will never forget.

 

Now, Mr. Dye, you really are an angel. Welcome Home.
-Brianna

From Michael:

I was so sad to hear Mr. Dye had passed. I have been living with HIV/AIDS for 5 years and applaud his work with HIV charities. I am also a huge fan of Touched By An Angel and always watch the reruns. He always gave me a sense of peace when watching him in that series. After a program I felt as if God loves me to even though I am living with an illness that has a big stigma with it to this day. I am doing my best to be an activist for people living with HIV/AIDS and speak freely to anyone who has found out they are positive in hopes of giving them comfort and letting them know they are not alone.
 
Mr. Dye you will be missed greatly and I will keep your family in my prayers. I will also promise that I will continue to try to find resources that will allow me to become a better voice for HIV/AIDS individuals and educate others on prevention.
 
Should any fans of Mr. Dye's have information that will allow me to be more involved and share my story of living with HIV/AIDS please feel free to contact me. I would like to pick up the torch and carry on with Mr. Dye's work in some form or fashion.
 
Rest in peace Mr. Dye and God Bless you and you family, friends and many fans.
 
Michael; Indianapolis, Indiana
 

 

I want to send my thoughts and prayers to John Dye's Family I enjoyed watching him in "Touched by a Angel".  I also have the last name Dye always wondered if we was related somewhere down the line, but at some point and time we all are related in the hands of God.  May Peace be with the Family.
 
Marjorie Kilburn (Dye)
"Indiana"

I was so saddened to read of John Dye's passing.  There were so many times that his words that were spoken on Touched By an Angel, were often repeated in our home.  He was truly a gift from God, his abilities as a performer were a true blessing.  I have two of my favorite episodes of the show saved on my DVR, maybe he had something to do with this (I may never know).  They are Psalm 151 and The Pact, which to me, are two of the most touching episodes that he did.  I only know now, that although we have lost a wonderful actor, role model, and human being.  Our loss is truly Heavens gain.   RIP John Dye~~You will truly be missed.

Mary from Illinois

To my beloved John Dye,

 

It was you, who made a difference in our lives. If it weren't for you, we would have never met the wonderful friends on JABB and have been friends for over a decade.You have touched all our lives in many ways. Thank you and I will miss you. May you be happy with Jesus.

 

Love,

Tara O.

I was saddened to hear about John's loss.  I was in shock.  I got the news from my TOUR OF DUTY friends.  I put on the site only to find his picture with two dates under it - 1963-2011.  It reminded me of how I felt when I saw my mom's tombstone a few months ago.  She died in October and it didn't REALLY hit home until I saw the dates on the stone. She too died from a heart attack.  She went in her sleep.  But in her case she had dementia and it was a blessing.  In John's case it was too soon.

 

He meant a lot to me.  It's because of him I have over 40 screen plays on the web.  Most are DOC HOCK from TOUR but a few were from TOUCHED.  Later I created a character, FATHER JOHN WALKER.  It's a compliation of all the characters he played. They were all John to me.

 

I never met him.  I wish I had.  He seemed to be a good person. The Heart and Cancer never forgives.  They take who they want.  We have to accept death as a part of life. I remember when John Lennon died.  I played IN MY LIFE over and over.  I'm reminded of the last verse.

 

"But of all these and lovers there is no one compares with you

And these memories loose their meanings when I think of love of something new

Though I know I'll never lose affection for people and things that went before

I know I'll often stop and think about them.

In my life, I love you more."

 

I love you John.  You were a deep part of my life.  I hope you went home with your ANDREW.

 

Henriette

 

From Liz:

Hi everyone,
I too just learned of John's death and i have to say that I am still in shock of this. It will be hard to watch shows and movies with him in them and realize that we will never see him on television again. Especially the Touched by an Angel episodes that made us love him so dearly. John Dye was truly an angel sent from above. He blessed us with his amazing soul and good heart. Even though he was an actor, he always had a way of knowing the words that helped us get through alot of things. So in his memory, I have found a song by Nsync "God must have spent a little more time on you" I feel it described John just perfectly. Hope this helps all of you cope and feel some peace!

Your love is like a river
Peaceful and deep (and deep)
Your soul is like a secret
That I never could keep
When I look into your eyes
I know that it's true
God must have spent...
A little more time
On you...

John, you were loved on earth and you were our Angel sent from above. Now the good lord has called you to play an eternal role that we know you will perfectly fit. We were saddened by your death but know that you will be our angel looking down on us. Thank you for being a role model to all. We love you and hope that you rest in peace!