John Soyka

John Brian Soyka

April 15, 1976 - August 8, 2017





We are all grieving over the loss of John Brian Soyka. He was a beloved son, father, nephew, brother, friend and lover. Since he began to talk, John had an uncanny, wry sense of humor. At age five, he began studying classical violin, performing with public school orchestras and the Albuquerque Youth Symphony during his middle and high school years. He became a talented urban artist, who created imaginative paintings, drawings and large, colorful murals, and presented his work in public venues.

It was said that John did a great thing for the world in teaching us not to judge a book by its cover. He dressed like a tough guy, but underneath he was an intelligent and kind old softie who wasn't afraid to show how full of love he was for his family.

He is survived by his son, David Austin Soyka; parents, David and Jane Soyka; significant other, Jami Caldwell & many extended family members.

A memorial service in John's honor will be held Saturday, September 30, 2017 at 2:00 pm at First Unitarian Church, 3701 Carlisle Blvd. NE. All family and friends are invited to attend.

In lieu of flowers and to celebrate the life of John, the family has made arrangements for gifts to be made to the Community Health Care Worker program of Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes). Contributions can be mailed to the UNM Foundation, Two Woodward Center, 700 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, NM 87102 (check payable to Project ECHO - Community Health Workers) or submitted online at

www.unmfund.org/fund/project-echo/.



Please include a note stating your gift is to memorialize John Soyka in support of the Community Health Care Worker program at Project ECHO.