John Christopher Fiore

John Christopher Fiore, 55, of San Luis Obispo, passed away Sunday, Nov. 14, 2010, at home with family. John was born in Providence, R.I., but lived most of his life on the Central Coast after having earned an MBA from Cal Poly. He worked in the local software industry but his life took an unexpected turn when he was diagnosed with leukemia in early 2005. A gifted writer, John chose to turn what would have been a devastating experience for most of us into a positive force in his life, and the lives of others, when he decided to chronicle his cancer journey publicly in the form of his blog, "Holy Cow, I Have Leukemia!" His tremendous will and irreverent sense of humor in the face of the unrelenting progress of his disease informed and inspired all who read his story. Just months after bone marrow transplant in 2008, John finished the Santa Barbara half-marathon with the Central Coast TNT team to raise funds for the Leukemia Lymphoma Society. He was a "cancer warrior" proudly victorious in battle after battle and only surrendered his fight when he decided the disease had taken too much of him. John was known for his generous heart and quick wit. He was a friend and mentor to many who knew him and worked with him. An enthusiastic wordsmith, he solved the Daily Jumble in seconds, beat most of us handily at Scrabble and loved a good verbal spar.  He was a poet and raconteur who left us a legacy of his writing and poetry. John loved all games, be it a good game of backgammon, a game of cribbage with his friend, Michael, family games at holidays, or a hand of poker with friends or strangers. A natural athlete, he coached baseball and basketball for his boys. He enjoyed surfing and golfing and pitched a mean softball. John found comfort and spirituality in the majesty of nature and spent many happy days traveling, camping, hiking and backpacking. He loved his family and raised two exceptional sons, of whom he was extremely proud.''John is survived by his wife, Dana; sons, John and Michael; brother, Frank; sisters Joanna, Lisa and Leslie; and an extended "karass" that loved him for the unique man that he was. He was preceded in death by his parents, Frank and Grace Fiore of Rhode Island. A reception and memorial service will be held in his honor at 2 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 5, 2010, at Rose's Landing on the Embarcadero in Morro Bay. In lieu of flowers, please donate to: The John C. Fiore Memorial Scholarship Fund at San Luis Obispo High School, 1499 San Luis Dr., San Luis Obispo, CA 93401. In his own words, John "was the flash of lightning you didn't see, except when the room lit up." We will miss your light in the room, John, but will hold it, always, in our hearts.