John was the kind of man that you would be delighted to have as a brother, a neighbor and/or a friend. He was ALWAYS there when help is needed, whether it is a simple task like setting up tables and chairs for our Senior's meeting, or our art group, providing transportation and hundreds of other thoughtful and kind good deeds. He must have been a Boy Scout as a boy and took to heart the slogan of do a Good Turn daily.
John was from Oakland, California. After graduating from High School he went to Canada for a vacation and ending up joining the Canada Army before Pearl Harbor. He became a Lieutenant and served in India during World War II. After the war he went to Japan and then China to study art but got caught in the middle of a revolution and returned to the U.S. He studied Art at Chouinard Art Institute in Los Angeles. However, his career ended up in plastics. After retirement he moved to the Big Island and built a home in Leilani Estates. He and four other members of the Paradise Painters visited China for two weeks a few years ago.
John was a very talented artist who painted in water colors and likes "modern chinese" style. He has had several one man shows and his work has been displayed at The Jeweler's Gallery on Waianuenue Avenue in Hilo. He has been a member of the Paradise Painter for ten years.
John passed away on December 7, 2009 and is now one of our "Heavenly Painters". He will be sorely missed.