Harry Gabriel John

Harry Gabriel John was born on October 4, 1923, in Port Arthur, Ontario, Canada, the sixth of seven
children. His lifelong commitment to family and community cements his legacy as a noble father, loving
husband, and caring citizen. Harry passed away on July 23 at the age 98, yet his enduring contributions
live on in the lives he impacted and communities he enriched. He is survived by his wife Evamarie and
five children, Steve, Chuck, Mary, Malaya, and Greg and soon to be eleven grandchildren and one greatgrandchild.

Harry is a celebrated WWll hero who served in the Royal Canadian Air Force. After his B-25 Mitchell was
shot down over France, Harry worked with the French underground that aided in the liberation of
France. For his bravery, Harry was awarded the Rank of Knight of the French National Order of the
Legion of Honour, the highest national order of France.

Harry settled his family in Redlands in 1958 and continued a strong commitment to public service
throughout his life. He was a prominent CPA and financial advisor who offered his services freely to
many causes. Harry was dedicated to saving Prospect Park from developers as a founding member of
the Steering Committee to save Prospect Park. He was instrumental in establishing the endowment fund
that would ensure the park’s long- term protection and helped to preserve the Kimberly Crest mansion
as a museum. He was also a driving force behind the creation of Ford Park through the Noon Rotary of
Redlands. ( Harris Fellow, Major Projects Chair for Ford Park,)

The Beaver Medical Foundation was one of Harry’s longstanding passions where he joined the board in
1997 as secretary and one year later became president and served in that capacity for 18 years, retiring
in 2016. He helped implement an endowment fund to expand their scholarship program from 18 to 29
healthcare students among many other achievements. Other notable commitments to Redlands
included: Family Service Board (then called the House of Neighborly Service), City of Redlands Traffic
Commission, Kimberly Crest Board of Directors, and University of Redlands accounting teacher.
He was heavily involved with Sacred Heart Church where he served on the Parish Council and Chair of
Lay Readers and was Scout leader for Boy Scouts Troop 11 where he helped build trails through the
wilderness and instill a strong work ethic in his sons and the community youth. He was on the Board for
the YMCA and served on the Community Circus Arts Corp Board for the Great Y Circus.

Harry was the kind of Dad who happily drove his daughters and their teammates to gymnastics meets
and smiled ear to ear when they burst out in song at the top of their lungs. Harry loved sailing with his
children on Lake Perris, and hiking with his daughters across the Grand Canyon and to the top of Mount
Whitney. He loved cycling and routinely participated in the public races at the Redlands Bike Classic with
his youngest son. He biked to work until the age of 85 and navigated Machu Picchu at the ripe old age of
91.

Harry was happiest when surrounded by family, whether camping of during holiday celebrations. Many
a summer, he packed his family in the camper and headed across country to visit all their Canadian
relatives. He loved camping so much that the whole family joined him for a family camp out for his 90th
birthday.

He loved his roses which he dutifully cared for on the corner of Alvarado and Palm as well as in Prospect
Park. An avid reader, Harry especially enjoyed history and poetry. He had so much to give as a Father
that he energetically raised a third son from the age of 56.

From valiant involvement in WWll to exemplary community service, Harry positively impacted all efforts
he joined and projects he touched. In 2014, the City of Redlands recognized Harry for his many
accomplishments and steadfast character by awarding him Redlands Man of the Year. Proudly holding
his Grandson Jack up to the audience Harry proclaimed, ‘Family is my greatest accomplishment!” To his
youngest grandchildren, Harry will forever be known as ‘Bop.’
To honor Harry and his legacy, please consider donating to an organization that was dear to his heart:
-- The Beaver Medical Foundation
-- Friends of Prospect Park
-- YMCA of Redlands
-- Museum of Redlands
-- Redlands Community Hospital Hospice

Wherever Harry stepped, he left a lasting footprint. His dedication to family and community, and his
commitment to improving life for future generations will forever be in our hearts. Harry will be greatly
missed. A Celebration of Life is planned for October 2 at the Carriage House in Prospect Park. More
details will be announced at a later date.