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BORN
1942
DIED
2016
John Shenk Obituary
July 22, 1942 - September 1, 2016
John Curtis Shenk was Elevated to Glory on September 1, 2016. His ever-present love and peace were fueled by his strong faith and his desire to be used by God to love others. Born in San Francisco on July 22, 1942, John was the third child of Sam and Sally Shenk. He attended Lick-Wilmerding High School, Menlo College, and graduated from U.C. Berkeley with the Class of 1964.His business career took him from Dole Pineapple Co. to a career in banking and commercial mortgage finance culminating with the purchase of Argus Financial Corp. The company grew to become one of the most trusted boutique commercial brokers serving the broad needs of national and local real estate professionals.
A steadfast Cal Bear Backer, John never missed a football or basketball game and supported his favorite team, Cal Rugby where he was a high point scorer on the iconic "Old Blues."
John's faith in the many Biblical promises that speak of death and afterlife paved the way to his peaceful passing. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests gifts in John's memory to the Bonnie Addario Lung Cancer Foundation (www.lungcancerfoundation.org) in San Carlos, or Oak Grove Christian Ministries in Menlo Park (P.O. Box. 105, Menlo Park, 94026) Beyond financial donations, John will smile to see you love another by performing an act of kindness, sharing a laugh, giving a hug, sending a note, or saying "I love you."
He is survived by his wife, Sheri, his four sons, John (Stacey), Geoffrey (Vivianne), Andrew (Jillian) and Peter (Ashley), his nine grandchildren (Audrey, Mia, Reynolds, Ava, Anthony, Milla Marie, Robert, Victoria and Valentina), his sister Jody Petersen (Richard) and brother Robert Shenk (Mary).
The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support from so many and for the compassionate care he received from everyone at El Camino Hospital Cancer Center. You made this journey unexpectedly pleasant.
A Celebration of Life is scheduled for Friday September 16 at 1 PM at Menlo Church, 950 Santa Cruz Avenue, Menlo Park.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Shenk
5 Entries
John Martin
September 21, 2016
I had the pleasure of knowing John only briefly, but was immediately impressed by his easygoing personality, huge smile, family history, love for his wife and children, and his successful family business. I only wish I could have spent more time getting to know him, as he was clearly a rare person with exceptional qualities. I am inspired to hear the other comments on this page on how he affected many, and now look forward to seeing him in paradise.
Ryan Jameson
September 16, 2016
I'll never forget when Mr. Shenk looked me in the eye at the Bohemian Grove and asked me, so, kid, are you in love?
David Larwood
September 16, 2016
John was such a wonderful, kind, strong and supportive gentleman. We will miss him.
John and Charlene Dorman
September 16, 2016
We are in New York and will not be at the funeral. John's sons and our son both agreed that John would definitely say that we should instead watch our grandsons play soccer here!
Hard to miss tho - blessings on all of you there!
Sharon Groenendyk
September 11, 2016
I'll miss John's big smile and twinkling eyes. He was very diligent and determined in his business but always took time for a laugh. I always felt that he understood the true meaning of life and wanted to make the most of every moment. He loved and enjoyed his life, family and friends. He will be deeply missed but I am so grateful for the opportunity to have known him. The way he lived his life is an great inspiration to me all who knew him.
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