Still think abt John Kane as I look back on my time at Pfizer. I will always remember the sale of Pfizer to ADM. The sale was a surprise to most all and those who knew- like John- had to break the news knowing it would ultimately upset a lot of lives. John saw to it that the transition was not quite so painful. He went far beyond what a corporate head would do to show his employees the way. Personal meetings, and open door opportunities with him for all folks at all levels. It was life changing for all of us-  John  felt this. 
  Some time after when the acquisition had settled in , John organized an invitational gathering to former Pfizer employees at nearby  Brunswick nuclear plant’s conference hall. With him, he brought the corporate retirement number from each employees file to be sure that those persons would be able to know, access, and request information on the$ value of their pensions( retirement funds) that ADM/ thru John-had promised to honor at / after/ the sale. 
  Eventually ADM did roll the Pfizer monies into ADM retirement accounts. Each 1st of the month, when MY check arrives, I am thankful to be able to live a comfortable retirement. Those pensions went away after 2008 for new hires at ADM, and I think it changed many salaried people’s attitudes toward the future. Many of us hired in 1975 and later realized that we could work thru the difficult periods knowing that our future was secure. Pfizer left behind many well versed and capable hires. John Kane was at least in part for many a comfortable later years. Thanks John- and I do remember your efforts.
  Many of us stay in touch on a retiree messaging group.

John and I literally travelled the globe together as we built the Pfizer Southport Plant.   Our first trip together was to visit Takeda at Takasago, Japan,  as we were gathering intelligence for the hydrocarbon based citric acid process.  John brought a depth of knowledge of biochemical engineering from Columbia and  St. Peters all based on an SJ education at Xavier HS, a fount of Jesuit learning of which  he propagated and was very proud.   From that point it was the lime plants in Alabama, the diatoms in Indiana, pumps in Ohio, and our "sister" plant in Ringaskiddy.     Philadelphia's center city also a home for a year or so during our process design days.   
These sojourns were the bases of our lifelong friendship.   I most remember John sharing his faith and his love for his family.  These were first and foremost in his life.  I am certain he lives in a "mansion" that was promised him by Christ for John's life of faith on this earth.   John rests with Abraham.   Allan Larsen

I was recently made aware of John's passing.  I just wanted to say he was a great man and friend to me.  I first met him just over 20 years ago through business.   I will miss him and our visits very much.  

Michael Cohen 

On  viewing the family of John and his wife, the measure of the man when you see his family is spread before him. Of all your accomplishments through life, nothing speaks more volumes about you than the beautiful family that surrounds you in your older years.
  The family speaks to your success as a father, mentor, and beloved family leader. A family's traditions and struggles are projected through the eyes of their youth-the realization of a life well lived is there for all to see.

Dearest Anne :   I was trying to send this photo to  you and John tonight and learned of John's passing.  I am very saddened.   You are both very good friends.   
John and I worked very closely in the mid 70's in Philadelphia, NYO, and ultimately in Spt.   We shared the same room at times in the Pfizer house and knew each and  our families.   We  worked very hard and shared many precious positive moments.    John's call to me when Peter  passed  was  as if he, too,  lost a son-I am always stormed with tears when I think of his call.    John and I , our sons, played bb  together in the yard of your Old Lyme home,  circled Birmingham , Alabama for hours  in a  1/2 stupor looking for a lime plant,   shared many dinners in the "streets of  Philadelphia.  John made my life exciting in those days.  I thank God that he was my close friend.    A man for all seasons, he rests in the bosom of Abraham.  With the deepest sympathy and may his life be for the  blood of Christ.   Allan Larsen

John was one of those persons whom you realize that make thing happen. In my dealings with John at Southport I realized that he was a caring individual who ad the best interests of his employees at heart.
  As a new youthful new hire in 1976, I became aware that John was different from other persons typically in a "corporate" mold. John's positive and upbeat attitude was always out front of his company relationship with those he worked alongside.
    Later after his retirement, and successful guidance through the difficulty of a corporate sale, he stayed available and supportive to those persons he had formed ties with throughout his Southport career. John was a leader, mentor, and friend to all who crossed his path.
   I personally will remember John for his encouragements in my career at Southport as I am sure will all others.
  Stuart Clarke
  Retired Pfizer/ADM


Dear Tommy and family, 
There are no words to adequately express my sympathy for the recent loss of your father, John.  My heart goes out to you and your loved ones as you grieve his loss. Hopefully you and your family will be comforted by the wonderful memories that were made throughout his life. May God be with you and your family during this difficult time. 

With symphony, love and understanding, 
Lynda Crane

Deepest sympathies to the entire Kane family on your loss.
Prayers for peace and comfort in the days ahead. 
Love, 
Nancy Rowen

We remember John for his energy, enthusiasm and positivity. He was instrumental in bringing us to Wilmington and we cherish the seven years we spent there as some of our best. His rendition of New York, New York accompanied by Rod Bowman is unforgettable. 
Our heartfelt condolences to Anne and family.
Peter and Hana Hosking
Auckland, New Zealand.

OBITUARY

John M. Kane

May 10, 1938 – February 2, 2020

Coble Ward-Smith Funeral & Cremation Service

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