John Detrick

Detrick, John
John Samuel Detrick, 85, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2020. John was born in Worthington, Ohio to the late Margaret May and Forrest Roedel Detrick. He attended Worthington Public Schools until the seventh grade at which time he transferred to Columbus Academy, graduating in 1953. A member of Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, Theta Alpha Phi national theatre honors fraternity and Wesleyan Players, John graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University in 1957 with a BS in Mathematics. John began his career in 1957 working on the A3J Vigilante at North American Aviation in Columbus, OH and Palmdale, CA. In 1960, he started teaching at Olentangy High School and in 1961 he became the first alumnus to join the faculty of Columbus Academy (CA), then located on Nelson Road. While at CA, he chaired the Math Department, taught Calculus, Geometry, Statistics, Algebra, received the 1992 Alumni Service Award and retired in 1994. John was actively involved with Camp Kawanhee for Boys in Weld, Maine. His association with Kawanhee began in 1946; despite having his two front teeth knocked out by a bat at home plate during his first year as a camper, the love affair continued over the next 74 years as he served in many capacities including Counselor, Director of Activities, Contractor/Builder and Board Member. John was predeceased by his brother Forrest William Detrick and sister Cynthia Detrick Oldmixon. He is survived by his wife of 38 years, Helen Legg Detrick; children, Lucia Weihe of Columbus, John (Jennifer) Detrick, Jr. of Denver, Samuel (Audrey) Detrick of Indianapolis, Andrew (Elizabeth) Detrick of Snowmass Village; niece, Cynthia Oldmixon Jamison of Charlottesville; grandchildren, Keeley, Gordon, Georgiana, Forrest, Erika, Andrew Jordan, Alexandra; and extended family and dear friends. John's guiding principle was to "leave the world a little better place than when you found it." His family feels, with all the love they can muster, that he succeeded. A celebration of John's life will occur at a later date. A debt of gratitude is owed to Ohio Health Hospice for their care and The OSU Body Donation Program. For those wishing, contributions may be made to the George and Raymond Frank Foundation at Camp Kawanhee and/or Columbus Academy.