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John Tranberg Obituary

John W. Tranberg VISTA-- John W. Tranberg passed away Friday, October 22, 2010 at Scripps Green Hospital in La Jolla, surrounded by family. He fought a short but courageous battle with cancer. He was born January 10, 1954 to John and Eloise Tranberg in Indianapolis, Indiana. John graduated from Hanover College in Indiana with a Degree in History. He served in the United States Marine Corps and was stationed at Camp Pendleton. He later continued his education earning his Juris Doctorate from the University of San Diego. He opened and maintained his law practice in San Marcos for 27 years. John had a large heart and contributed his time and support to Community Interface Services in Carlsbad, which assists adults with developmental disabilities. He served as President on the Board of Directors since 1985. John was a great dad and coach to his sons. He provided his family with many memorable adventures. He was also an outdoors man. He loved hunting, fishing, sailing, diving and going to Baja. He was a member of the duck club, Birds Inc., where he enjoyed time with his hunting dog, Missy. John will be missed by his sons, John Tranberg and Stephen Tranberg; his wife, Cindy Hawkes; stepsons, Philip Hawkes and Kevin Hawkes; former wife and friend, Stephanie Tranberg; his sisters and their spouses, Kathy and Joe Ward, Cindy and Don Kilmark and Sharon and Forrest Payne; eight nieces and nephews; and many wonderful extended family members and friends. A Celebration of his Life will be held at Eternal Hills Mortuary, Oceanside, on Thursday, November 4, at 5 p.m. In lieu of flowers, you may contribute to John's favorite cause, Community Interface, 2621 Roosevelt St., Carlsbad, Calif. 92008. Sign the Guest Book online obits.nctimes.com

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by North County Times from Oct. 28 to Oct. 31, 2010.

Memories and Condolences
for John Tranberg

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Kimberly Granillo

November 10, 2010

John Tranberg was an amazing friend and mentor; he gave me my foot in the door to a wonderful career in the legal industry. I was friends with John for over 12 years. John had a big heart, a wonderful personality and the greatest sense of humor. As two former Marines, we worked well together and shared some incredible stories. Kimberly Granillo (Rancho San Diego).

John & Cindy

Cindy Hawkes Tranberg

November 8, 2010

Chalice Hawkins

November 8, 2010

Even now, seeing the obituary for John, it still seems unreal that he is gone. I first met John when he was a 1st Lt working for my ex-husband, David Hawkins at Camp Pendleton. John was a true friend and always had time for me if I had a question or problem. I was sitting in the Vista court room one day waiting for my son to have his court hearing - feeling lonely and afraid of what was going to happen. A hand touched my shoulder and there was John, just when I needed reassurance. More recently, John took about 20 minutes out of his day to talk to me on the phone about my problems with my son. He was always honest and to the point even if it wasn't what I wanted to hear as a mother. I respected his integrity.
He seemed larger than life and full of life and I was intensely saddened to hear of his death. My son called from prison to tell me this because he had received a letter from his father about John's passing. I wish I could have known about it a little sooner; I would have attended his service last week. John was really a great guy and I miss him.

Dennis Ely

November 8, 2010

I had the great honor of knowing JT and sharing life with him from 1972 thru 1975. I was even luckier that we both lived in the same fraternity. JT was a beacon that drew people to him just by being himself. I am a better person for having known him.

Cindy Hawkes-Tranberg

November 7, 2010

I know you are in a better place and now pain free. I love and miss you so much. You won't need to worry about the boys as you have taught them well. They will cut their own paths in life, just as you did. And know, I will always be here for them. You will forever be in my thoughts and heart.

K Cooney

November 6, 2010

Robin and I were so fortunate to share law offices with John in our early years. We all had laughter, family, honor, commitment to helping people and the Marines in common.

We provided John and his men with Shadow, the Champion mixed-origin dog. John gave me Jake, the kitten in a basket, but only hinted at his origin.

We have so many stories of John. I will miss his booming voice, his smile and his saying, "Take the rest of the day off, Kathryn. Tell em I said it was OK". We love you like a brother. Kathryn Cooney and Robin Madlock Vista, CA

Scott Holland

November 5, 2010

Mr. Tranberg was an amazing guy. When Nick, Ezra, and I would come over to see Stephen and do Muy Bueno videos he was always there making jokes and always came bearing pizza. He always told us to have fun and do what we loved and had a passion for. He left an indelible mark on my life and many others with his humor and wisdom. You will always be remembered.

Courtney Bailey-Evans

November 4, 2010

My heart hurts for your family and friends knowing that you are no longer physically with us, but we know that you are in a better place. Always kind, jolly and funny- your memory will forever live on in our hearts! Rest in peace, Mr. Tranberg.

William Watkins

November 4, 2010

We shared professional responsibilities in helping people. You were outstanding and, will be missed and always remembered.

debbie hiers

November 4, 2010

John was truly a rare and wonderful individual. He was funny and kind, passionate about life and his family, and a joy to be around. His stories were great and always made me laugh at our family holiday parties. He will be deeply missed and our memories of the time we had with him will be cherished forever.

Tim Sullivan

November 3, 2010

God Bless John for his straightforwardness and ability to lead. He proved himself to be a man we can all aspire to become. He is a true American hero for standing up for what is right, even if it's painful.

Ski Bud

November 3, 2010

I will always remember the good old days hanging out with you, your mom and dad, and sisters.

Paul Vogelgesang

November 3, 2010

My brother Phil (Florida) recently passed along the news form Indianapolis about the passing of JOhn. Our sincere condolances. He is well remembered from his high school days.

Sue Barnett

November 3, 2010

JT will live forever in the hearts of the Barnett family, and memories of time together cherished as a priceless treasure. We are so grateful to have shared time with him and his family.

Daniel Ward

November 2, 2010

I remember the stories JT used to tell when I was a small child, only to realize the punchlines and meanings many years later. He always had a big heart, big smile, and big laugh.

I will always love you uncle JT.

Debbie Lusignan

November 2, 2010

John you will be in my heart forever. you were a loving man and caring person. you always had us laughing with your stories every time we all got together at Birthdays, Holidays, whatever the occasion. R.I.P. I love you.

Trish

November 2, 2010

JT will live in my memory as the uncle with the greatest sense of humor.

November 2, 2010

John,
It was back in '63 at Prentice Little League........Your father calling balls and strikes at diamond while you and I were battling it out for a win on another field.
Osborne Shell vs. Dave McIntire Ford.

Mark C. Sutheriln, USNret
Imperial Beach,CA

Joey Ward

November 1, 2010

JT. When I was growing up you always used to tease me about how you had to change my diapers and then laugh about how much you loved it. You always seemed proud about having that opportunity. I am proud to have you as my uncle.

I will always remember my vacations in California and the Baja. They were the best vacations anyone could ever ask for.

You will be missed dearly. I love you JT.

Donna Turigliatto

November 1, 2010

John was by far one of the nicest gentleman I've had the pleasure of knowing. Always warm and smiling... he had a way of making you feel good just by looking at you! Good bye, John, you will be missed so very much!

November 1, 2010

JT you will live forever in my heart.

Kathy Ward

James Graus

November 1, 2010

John will not soon be forgotten. I will always remember what a great guy he was and cherish my memories of the times we had in Oceanside many years ago.

JT in The Eighties

James Graus

November 1, 2010

Brent Smith

October 31, 2010

I met JT on the first day of summer football camp in 1972 when we both were freshman linebackers at Hanover College. I last saw him about ten years ago when we had dinner in San Diego while I was there on business. He was one of the most unique persons I have ever known, a big-hearted character who got every drop of life out of the portion he was given, especially in terms of his compassion and humor. I have a whole bunch of stories about him during our college football playing days, each story distinctive and distinctively JT. I have one cherished picture of the two of us standing together waiting for the next snap. It is timeless because we are still waiting for that snap! I send out my prayers and sympathies to his family. He was loved by so many, in part because he shared his love with so many. Thank you, dear God, for the gift and blessing of Thy child, John. Bless his name to Thy continual keeping and save his earthly life within the eternity of Thine own. And John, well done, good and faithful servant. Suffering has been eased, and justice is broader and deeper because of your time here.

Robin Payne

October 30, 2010

One of my favorite memories was being surprised by JT at the Riverhouse. No one was supposed to be there and we were quite surprised to see lights on. I think one of the boys had been sick and they couldn't fly out as scheduled. That was one of the best vacations I ever had out east. JT you are so loved and sorely missed.

Sharon Payne

October 30, 2010

Today I cry for what was, what is, and what is yet to be... Today my beloved older brother J.T. passed away from a vile and incidious cancer. I thank God that he was surrounded by his immediate family...J.T. was a master story teller, he had a unique sense of humor and with the many adventures that he had he never had to make up anything. He could make you laugh until you cried. But that was just one part of him. He had a deep inner core of strenghth; a sense of fair play; and compassion for those less fortunate in life. Those who knew my brother well know that above all else his family was the dearest thing in the world to him...J.T. was 3 1/2 years older than me, he has been a constant in my life. J.T. was always my protector, at other times he was a playmate, competitor, an annoying older brother with all the answers, a confidant, and an advisor; but always he was a friend with a huge heart...I mourn the earthly death of my brother yet I take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on. J.T. is in Heaven with our Mom and Dad, Natalie, and all his dear friends and family that went befor him. I'll see you on the other side..Little Sis Sharon E. Payne

Cindy Kilmark

October 30, 2010

Hey Little Brother,
At the moment your eyes closed on earth, you opened them in Heaven and saw the Face of God. Mom and Dad wrapped their arms around you and whispered "Welcome home, Son!" But I am not ready to say goodbye, not ready to let you go. Your journey ended too soon! Tenth Avenue North said it best "Does the maker of the stars hear the sound of my breakin' heart?"
Know that you were loved from the moment you were born! I am so proud of you and I could not have had a better brother! It was an incredible journey! You have touched so many lives-in big ways and in small, leaving this world a better place because you cared! I am blessed with so many memories, too precious to ever forget!
Although I will miss you always, it is comforting to know that you are at peace, resting in the arms of our Heavenly Father. Love lives on long after the human heart has stopped beating on earth. I will see your love in the beautiful sunrises you send to wake us, feel your love when the Chargers play the Colts, and know your love as you and the moon watch over us all night. When my journey has ended, I know you will greet me, wrap your arms around me and whisper "Welcome home!". Rest in peace. With love, your sister Cindy

Ida Spandle

October 30, 2010

John was always there for his family and friends - in the good and bad times in our lives. He lived life fully and brought joy and laughter to so many with that crazy brand of Tranberg humor. May you find peace from memories of your time with a wonderful man.

Suzette Amon

October 30, 2010

I'm so sad to see you leave us. I can speak for many of your Del Dios friends to say we will miss you dearly.
Suzette

Gale Gibbons

October 30, 2010

Peace to all of you...from your Cypress Drive neighbors.

Pol Mairesse

October 29, 2010

As usual, John does everything with class and he will always be in my heart as a perfect friend and a man to look up to. I wish to extend my deepest sympaties to Johns family. We all loved the guy more than words can say.

Pol Mairesse, Escondido, California

Richard Higgins

October 29, 2010

Hey J.T. Remember that bird dog I had that died in June of ‘04? We always said how we hoped we’d get to hunt our last season like he did. I went to your hunt club the day you died and checked it out. It looked good. Opening day was the following day. You got to hunt your last season brother. Love ya always.

Don and Gloria Cline

October 29, 2010

Gloria and I extend our deepest sympathies to John's Family. Our times together have provided many warm memories to last forever. He will be sorly missed by all.

Alan Kirkhope

October 28, 2010

Too many funny stories to share.... John, you were a great classmate, dive partner, drinking buddy and friend. You will be missed........

Britte Jackson

October 28, 2010

My Husband JJ and I would like to extend our thoughts, prayer and blessings to John's family. We will miss him very much. He was a blessing in our lifes. thank you for sharing him with so many people.

Twila Salazar

October 28, 2010

Although we never met, John was one of my favorite clients. He would call & always had a joke, he will be sorely missed

Ron, Theresa and Keith Garrett

October 28, 2010

John was a great man to know. He was always at the pop warner field teaching all of our kids to work hard. Off the field he was a fun person just to visit with. He will be missed

October 28, 2010

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. We are so sorry for your loss.
Joe and Stephanie Dunn
and Family

Martin Sellers

October 28, 2010

My wife Lisa and I want to express our deepest sympathies to John's family. We met him professionally first but over the years he grew to be a family friend. He was a great friend and we were priviledged to know him. Lisa and Martin Sellers, Fallbrook.CA

Ken Brown

October 28, 2010

Semper Fi John, you were a great friend to my family and many others in the Vista/Oceanside Community. I'll never forget our times together watching Kenny and John play freshman football at Vista, solving all the world's problems :) You always helped out when someone needed a hand.. Gonna miss ya JT..

Sean Slade

October 28, 2010

Semper Fi and you will be missed and you will always be remembered!

Sean Slade (Coach)
GySgt USMC (ret)

Julie Martin

October 28, 2010

May you find that your sweet memories of JT comfort you today and in the days to come.

A favorite memory of mine spans back many years to when I was a young child of six years. He was visiting my family at our townhome in Indianapolis. We swam in the pool in our complex, and while holding me tight he teased me by taking me further down the slope into the deeper water of the pool. I squirmed and screamed in delight at this game, knowing that I could not swim if he were to let go. Of course he never let go. He only laughed and enjoyed his time with me. He never grew tired of it (or at least he never appeared to!). I love you JT.

Veronica

October 28, 2010

Im so sorry for your loss, John was a wonderful person always smiling and doing good things for people, he will be remember as the great person he was.

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