In Memory of John Nash (1951-2009)

As everybody in the pet industry probably knows, on January 30^th, 2010, at the First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, New Jersey it was held a Service of Celebration of the Life of John Nash.

John Nash was the founder of Nash Academy of Animal Arts, as Joey Villani described it, the Ivy League Grooming School.

As I was driving over the George Washington Bridge on a very shiny and extremely cold morning I asked myself, “ Why do I’m going? I didn’t know Mr. Nash”, but I knew that deep inside my heart it was a reason for me to be there.

It has being only a few times in my life that some internal force drove me to different sites just following my heart. On September 11^th, 2001, I watched the Twin Towers fell to the ground from just a few blocks, at that moment, I knew that I needed to walk to ground zero because the city and the country I love was hurt, and I made my way there.

On April 2^nd, 2005, when Pope John Paul II died, some inner force took me to Rome to assist to his funeral, my faith was hurting.

On January 20^th, 2010, I received an e-mail from Sally Liddick inviting me to join in the celebration of John’s Life, without thinking it twice, I clear my schedule for that day, and again that inner force took over, I just knew that I needed to be there.

I didn’t asked myself the reason behind my trip to New Jersey, I just knew I was on my car driving on a almost perfect winter day. I tried to find a connection, a reason; I start making mental notes of all I knew about John Nash. Suddenly all the dots connected, and right there, over the George Washington Bridge I knew. John Nash didn’t teach how to groom; he gave groomers the tools to turn their passion into a piece of art. I wasn’t going to celebrate his life, because I didn’t know anything about it, I was going to celebrate his legacy, because I become the groomer that I’m today thank you to my mentors that learned the art of grooming and the passion for their profession from John Nash, and that passion was passed to me. That is what a real educator does; they teach how to channel your passion, not just to follow a pattern.

I didn’t have the opportunity of benefit directly from John Nash teachings, but I did benefited from his Legacy. I really enjoyed lessening to the remembrances shared by Mike Rosado, John Nash childhood friend, Joey Villani, Friend and partner, and Nubar Nakashian, John’s older brother.

The chapel was filled with friends and family who shared memorable moments.

I must say, Following my heart, one more time, filled my heart with joy, knowing that I learned a little more about one of the pioneers and more influential leaders in the pet industry.

Thank you John Nash for the years that you have dedicated to educate and inspire generations of dog groomers.

Love and blessings,

Jorge Bendersky