Thinking of you......

Always in our hearts

Thoughts are with you today my friend...wishing there were visiting hours in heaven...missing you always!

On a lighter note, I remember a particular evening when Kam, John, and I were cruising around Big Bear in his SUV (a Toyota, I think). The two of them were dating, and since Kam and I were colleagues and great friends during these years, we were practically inseparable.

John had a particular love for Turkey Bacon during this time, and although he loved it, it did not love him. Incessant belching would inevitably follow consumption, followed by a stench that could make whole villages evacuate.

So, this one evening, we're traveling in John's SUV, when suddenly, he belches at the top of his lungs. Within a half second, he shouts, "Oh, no. Turkey bacon!" He immediately starts rolling down his window. Panicked, Kam and I begin rolling down all of the care windows as quickly as possible to avoid the stench cloud that would have surely enveloped us without any means of escape. When the coast was clear (not to mention the air), I cannot remember laughing so hard.

Kam and I met when we started teaching together at Big Bear Middle School. I remember when she first told me about John's niece, Samantha, wanting her to meet her uncle. She was a little unsure about meeting a student's family member for "dating" purposes, and I can remember her being very skeptical. She went on a few dates with John, and seemed to think that they were going well, but still hadn't quite been sold on the idea of dating a student's uncle. Then, one day, and I can't even remember how long it took, she just knew. All of her reservations had gone, and she knew that she had met the one. When I met John, I knew that he was completely smitten, and that, as they say, is how the story goes.

To say that it was an honor to be present at the wedding of two people so in love, is a gross understatement. I witnessed the beginning of the magic, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

Happy Birthday, My Love!

Hey Guys, Put Your Hands Together for ... Bambi !

In a previous life I'm certain that John was a Strip Club DJ. He had the dancer introduction down perfectly. I must have heard it a 1000 times and laughed may ass off every time he did it. I still hear it in my head and laugh, always will. Thanks Merkin !

It's ordinary, everyday moments that remind me of John, such as every time I light my indoor grill in my range. I think of the time that John came over to help me assess its safety now that the ignitor doesn't ignite anymore. And recently when my battery died at football practice...he let me borrow his truck to get a new one. I miss you, John. Always helpful and always made me laugh.

With John, it was never just one moment for me. Every time we worked together or just ran into one another he brought a smile to my face, at the very least! More likely a laugh and a smile as I walked away. His particular zest for life, his family, his career inspired me to be a better man, father, husband, fireman. John, thank you for making my world a more wonderous, exciting journey.

I have great memories of the times at medic school and at the El Torito in Anaheim. The best memory of all was when I told John to check out a "problem" on the front of the engine that I couldn't see while seated behind the wheel. The look on his face when I blasted the horn in his ear was priceless! Miss you my friend!

Once John thought it would be funny to lift the flap handle while I was on the wing, dumping me on the ground. He thought it was so funny that he did it again! Good times! I sure do miss you Buddy! You're one of a kind....an awesome friend and a firefighter's firefighter!

One day, when I was shopping at IKEA, a guy stole my (temporarily unattended) shopping cart. He just took my lamp out and left it on a shelf. I stalked him around trying to steal it back, but never got an opportunity. When I told this story to John, he explained that in Southern California, this could have been handled by speaking a single word to the guy: "Dude". He was totally right.

I'll never forget to time John flew me, Tom & Dan Utterback over to Catalina for buffalo burgers. On the way back John was doing 360's... Tom and I were trying to smack each other (a guy thing) and were unable to because of the g-force.... We were laughing so hard the tears were flying...
Good Times!

Since I'm from New Jersey and "had" a bad accent, John would always speak to me in Jersey... Hey whata ya doin - getoutahere - you talkin to me.... When I visited John in Mission Hospital the first thing out of his mouth was - you used to bust my chops --- with a Jersey accent! I miss you buddy!

John was one of handful of special people that you’re blessed to meet during your life. I’m really sad to hear of his passing. He was a really good soul. I hadn’t seen John in several years but I look back fondly on the little time I was able to spend with him and Kam. I have a few wonderful memories of John that always make me smile and laugh. God bless my friend.

John always kept you on your toes, as you never knew what he would do or say next. He was always joking, laughing with you or at you. He was an awesome friend and brother. Heaven is a better place now with their new addition to their family. We all miss you dearly. 
Lots of love to John and his family, Don & Laura Childers

John once cooked the best shrimp dish we ever had in our very own kitchen. He taught me how to back up a trailer. He taught Marc how to roast a pig! He did anything to make people smile and laugh. I will always remember how much he loved Kam and his boys. Goodbye to a great person and friend. We love you John!

John you will be missed brother! A great fireman and man! Always willing to help and teach! Thanks for the memories. We will miss you. Rest in peace

When the firefighter position opened at Fire Station 42, I knew John was the right fit. His quick wit and sense of humor definitely made going to work fun. The time I spent working with John were some of the best years of my career. We had many conversations about work, life, or if money was no object, which dream plane we would each buy. I will miss him and see him again in Heaven.

This a lovely tribute to a great firefighter and person. So sad for the loss of such a great guy. Peace to John's family.

The world is a better place because John was here, he will always be remembered as a guy with great stories and someone who would light up the room as soon as he came into it... Prayers everyday for your family to keep them strong and help them through this difficult time.

John was always happy! He had a smile to greet me and a joke to make us laugh, ready to go. I admired him for flying all the way to the Bahamas with Schmutz. That must have been some plane ride! Go with peace into the wild blue yonder my friend! Heaven must look a lot like the Bahamas.

Rest in peace brother! A good man and fireman! Thank you for being so kind and genuine! You made being a new fireman less stressful! Nothing but good memories!!

I recall an EMT class we were in. The instructor asked the question, "what is a precipitious birth". John responded, "it's a birth in the rain." John was the universal man. He was comfortable around all regardless of stature. And he made all comfortable around him. John, you left way too soon, but left us with so much.

Seeing John every other morning at Seal Beach FS44 for over 10 years and always knowing he would have something witty and clever to say. His heart was solid gold, I don't think he had a mean bone in his body. But he had plenty of funny-bones. What a GREAT GUY. What a sad loss for us all. And especially his family. My Condolences. Pat Forrest

Reflecting back on John’s life he truly lived life to its fullest. What a zest for life he had & a delight to be around w/his sense of humor, his quick wit, his Dad’s clichés & life affirmations. I quote them in my life today & people often ask “where do you come up with this stuff”. His comedic timing was spot on! We were good friends to the end. His memory will be forever in my heart.

John was truly one of the kindest and most enjoyable people to be around I’ve ever known. He had such a wonderful way of making everyone around him laugh and feel at ease. Kam I always appreciated the time you both spent including me in your gatherings and activities in Big Bear. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Ben and Hayden.

"John" You were my "Study Buddy" in Mr. Osborne's class at Marina High School. Even though dated Jerry for those years, you were one of my closest friends (I even remember the Baja Blacksheep Club) My prayers go out to your wife and family! Your family was always so kind to me. Miss those Saturday breakfasts. Chief Mike Moore contacted us I have always asked about you Kelly Klug XXOO

Kam & family, I met John in '79 at SAC Fire Academy..along with Owen, James, Shook,Genoway. Great times, all destined to be FF's..drinking beer after at the Lampost Pizza and talking of our day's accomplishments...John once having to run to the top of the tower and sceam to the top of his lungs 'It's a salvage cover Sir'. We knew he would be a charismatic FF,now sorely missed.God Bless

Dear Friends, You are in our thoughts...we are saddened by the loss of an amazing man and friend. Mayy ou find comfort in the cherished memories you will hold in your hearts forever. I remember the love and joy of your beautiful wedding. John loved life and laughter. He will be missed by many. He is with you always, watching over you forever. With love, Joe & Kathy Stillwell xoxoxo

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I do think he lived a life that was an example for all....John lived his life with gusto, a personal sense of peace and experienced the best of life ......what could be better than being a firefighter and aviator? John met every challenge head on, with class, dignity and always a sense of humor. God bless amigo, see you on the other side.

John. You will be missed by all the men and women of the OCFA. I will always cherish the memories of you during my first out of county strike team assignment with 1400C to SLU as a newly promoted battalion chief (Karl knows). Peace be with you my friend. God bless. Kino

Met John just a few times, each was memorable. Great guy; so sorry for his passing.  The Lawrence family is in my prayers.

Good-by to a wonderful friend. You were a daily part of our lives for the many years you lived across the street from us. Sassy greetings, funny stories, always caring and sharing. You knew how to put a little sparkle into an ordinary day. We will always miss you. Love, Bill and Chris