In Memory of John Wiley Link III July 9, 1937 - May 7, 2013 Obituary John Wiley Link, III passed away on Tuesday, the 7th of May 2013. With his passing, it is the end of an era not just for the extended Link family, but also for Houston's founding families. John was a legacy of that era, a larger-than-life Texan who spoke with a drawl, dabbled in real estate and law, and called the ladies "darlin." But John also took on the mantle of his family's responsibilities in more ways than one, most importantly, in assuming the role of father to his young nephews on the premature death of his sister, Adrienne Claire Link Shea. John was born the 9th of July 1937 in Houston to George Harold Link and Marcita Drouet, the youngest child behind older sisters Adrienne Claire and "Little" Marcita, both of whom died too young. We would be remiss in failing to acknowledge John's family as part of Houston's roots: building Montrose, running cattle, laying claim to large tracks of bayou, and charming the country folk out of their mineral rights. But it was a tough act to follow, particularly for John, whose rebellious nature did not win him fans in his father's court. After obtaining an undergraduate (pledging DKE) in 1964 and law degree in 1967 from UT, John became a commercial real estate broker and spent most of his professional life managing the family's affairs. For many years, John shared offices with his dear friend and business partner, Cole Thomson, and between the two of them, there wasn't much that went unnoticed in South Texas business. John was incredibly bright and witty, and no more was that evident than at the bridge table, where he played rubber and tournament bridge, and happily trounced less worthy opponents. He attained the Silver Life Master status. But John was also rapscallion. He enjoyed being playful and irreverent, though always respectful. He used colorful language loudly and without blushing, especially when the Longhorns let him down. He indulged in an occasional drink or three, and smoked stinky cigars. John spent the last years of his life with a lovely and caring soulmate, Bobbi Kaufman, with whom he enjoyed bridge and traveling. She willfully played the "straight man" to John's jokes, patiently tweaked his lifestyle, and held his hand through recent health woes. The family is eternally grateful for Bobbi's loving care of their challenging uncle. Left to share Unca' John stories are "his boys," Robert Shea of Alexandria, Virginia and John Shea of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, their respective wives, Eva and Amy, and their young children, Haley, Hannah, Mary, Anna and Peter. His other nieces and nephews, including Patrick Shea (Austin), George Shea (Houston), Constance Shea (San Anselmo, California), and Allen Shea (Houston); and cousins will miss John's stewardship in family affairs, and will toast John's wily negotiating skills at the final closing on Mason Road. He also leaves behind his loving cousin Janet Cartwright. "In celebration of John's life, we invite you to smoke a stinky cigar, have that extra glass of red wine, swear at the Longhorns football team, and tell an off color joke in mixed company." Friends are cordially invited to a visitation with the family from four o'clock in the afternoon until seven o'clock in the evening on Friday, the 10th of May, in the library and grand foyer of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston. An interment service is to be conducted at half-past nine o'clock in the morning on Saturday, the 11th of May, at Forest Park Lawndale Cemetery, 6900 Lawndale Avenue in Houston. A uniformed steward from Geo. H. Lewis & Sons is to be positioned at the entrance of the cemetery so as to guide guests to the interment site. The memorial service is to follow at eleven o'clock in the morning, also on Saturday, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons. Immediately following, all are invited to greet the family during a reception at a venue to be announced at the service. In lieu of customary remembrances, memorial contributions may be directed to Texas Exes, P.O. Box 142309, Austin, TX, 78714-9903; or to a charity of one's choice.