"Like countless numbers of people, I was shocked and saddened by reports of the sudden passing of Dr. John T. Chissell. He and I have had many "father-daughter" talks about being called home. He had no fears. He was ready to make the journey. I was simply not ready for his departure.

After devoting far too many days to my own selfish need to meet him for lunch, engage in our usual lengthy telephone chats or experience one of his world famous hugs, I resumed going about the business that he and I have been devoted to. That is, promoting self help, optimal health and the positive development of African Americans. To begin, I will honor the memory of my father by trying to embrace his journey to The Ancestors with the same joy he must have known during the trek. I take great comfort in believing that he did not suffer from some terrible debilitating illness or linger in a death bed. John T. Chissell is now eternal. Doing what he has always done, watching over us."

When I was 5 years old, my father died. The sting of his absence dominated my spirit for many years. During my teen years, my silent pleas for relief were answered by Dr. John T. Chissell -- who I affectionately called "Dr. C." I met Dr. C. while I was a patient of his brother, Dr. Garland Chissell. Dr. Garland was my primary care provider as well as the man who delivered me into this world in 1957. Anyway, Dr. C. and I took an immediate liking to one another. We developed a strong friendship that evolved into a spiritual "kinship" which became the basis for the "father-daughter" rapport we enjoy.

Dr. C. was the proud father of two daughters, but made room in his life for me as a third. As my spiritual father I looked to and received his guidance, support, encouragement, discipline and unconditional love regularly. I know of no better way to commorate his life on this plane than to share examples of his love of life, love of his heritage and the selfless legacy of wellness he promoted with the global community.

I was honored in 2002 when Dr. C. entrusted me to develop some of the promotional material he needed for the company he founded, the Positive Perceptions Group and to construct the web site bearing his name, www.drjohnchissell.com. We worked as a team to create marketing pieces about his work and how to get copies of his book and audio tape, PYRAMIDS OF POWER!

More important than web sites and pamphlets is that Dr. C. was genuine. He practiced what he preached and preached what he practiced. He lived his life in accordance with the principles of optimal health from an Ancient African centered perspective knowing full well that our ancestors held the keys to health, vitality and well being.

I don't believe that a single web site can capture all the contributions he made to the African American community and to society-at-large. They are too numerous. Dr. C. was more than a physician. He was a pioneer on many fronts. He was an activist who fought openly for social change and racial equality. He was a scholar who mastered the sciences and metaphysics. He was a writer who not only contributed to professional and scholarly journals, but achieved success with his own publications. To many (including me) he was a legend in his own time.

This web site was lovingly created to honor the memory of my friend, mentor and spiritual father, John T. Chissell whose sun rose on May 31, 1926 and set on May 20, 2004. It only scratches the surface of what he achieved during his lifetime with us and contains a mere fraction of information about the lives this remarkable man has touched.

It is by no means all inclusive and is presented from the perspective of someone who loved him tremendously. I hope this commemorative site will exist as he did -- in perpetual motion. That is why I've added a guest book so that you can share your thoughts and memories of him at any time. I've also included an email address so that you can send your favorite photo of Dr. C. for inclusion in the Gallery of Hugs whenever you want. If you are a supporter of his or he of you, please send the link to your websites or web pages that might bring more insight into this man of peace, love and optimal health.

Peace and Blessings