Final Salute

John lived a full life with his loving family and friends, his strong faith, his rich career as an architect, his passion for music, and his commitment to historical preservation.
John graduated from the University of Illinois where his father Russell, mother Hazel, and brother Jim also graduated. He joined his father and brother in the field of Architecture. Before beginning his practice, he was commissioned into the US Navy and stationed on Guam. John was later assigned to MCAS Miramar and moved to San Diego in 1957. He started his Architecture career in 1959 while serving in the Seabee reserves.
He was an architect, researcher and writer who specialized in historical preservation projects for over 50 years. John restored, rehabilitated, or adapted many of San Diego’s most significant buildings.
John was partial to his work with Delawie, Macy and Henderson in Balboa Park’s Prado and the Bea Evenson fountain. Later he was in partnership with Macy, Henderson and Cole. He was personally involved with historical site designations on local, state and national historical registers for many sites including: Spreckels Theater, Santa Fe Depot, Mission San Diego de Alcala, La Jolla Women’s Club, the Marston House, and more.
He was the Chair of the California State Historical Resources Commission, past president of San Diego AIA, and past president of San Diego History Center. He was elected to the AIA’s College of Fellows in 1980. In 2019, he received the Save Our Heritage Organisation (SOHO) Lifetime Achievement Award.
A 58-year member of La Jolla Presbyterian Church, John is survived by his wife of 68 years Barbara, daughter Susan, son John, granddaughter Alli, and great-granddaughter Flora. Private services were held.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Sep. 24, 2023.