John Hauf (known as Jack to those in the East, Radj to those in the West) was born to Helen and Jack Hauf in Wildwood, New Jersey, and he spent his early years there. He was president of his Wildwood High School senior class and a member of the track team. He received a political science degree from the University of Florida.
He worked for General Electric, taught in an all-Black school in St. Louis, served in the Peace Corps in Morocco, and was an independent painting contractor for many years. Later in life, he received a library associate certificate from San Francisco State and worked in the libraries of the Graduate Theological Union in Berkeley and Dominican University in San Rafael, where he became close with many colleagues. He retired at age 74.
Radj was creative and intelligent, highly inquisitive, and a voracious reader and lifelong learner. His was a life of many passions and commitments, including social justice and political activism, which led to many marches, lots of advocacy, and even a jail term in San Luis Obispo for nuclear protest.
He shared deep compassion for all beings in this world. He seemed to be a modern-day St. Francis of Assisi. He had a particular fondness for cats (17 in Morro Bay) and birds, which he nurtured throughout his life.
He loved the outdoors, exploring and photographing many cherished spots throughout the West. Particular favorites were Mt. Tam -- where he hiked every trail at least twice -- and Yosemite. After his Peace Corps service, he built a teepee in Montana for himself and his wife, Leigh. They spent a summer on an archaeological dig in Manitoba, camping on islands and traveling by canoe. In Marin, he faithfully hauled water to a 100-year-old “grandfather” tree at Pilot’s Knob, with only one living shoot left, to keep it alive during the drought. He volunteered for One Tam.
He loved music from around the world. He attended chamber music concerts and taught himself to play the harmonica and recorder.
Radj was a deeply loving, devoted, compassionate, nurturing, patient partner and best friend for his partner, Ann, for over 31 intimate years. They shared warmth, joy, unwavering support and celebration of this precious life. He was a loving and exuberant buddy to their granddaughter, Alexandra. Per his wish, he died at his beloved home in Fairfax.
He is survived by a loving circle of family, friends and colleagues who tirelessly supported him and Ann throughout his three-year saga with cancer. He remained a friend to his high school sweetheart, Barbara, and former wives, Leigh and Nicky. He cherished lifelong friendships with Jim Dzierwa and Michael Bechard. He will be deeply missed by many, and it is hoped that his caring and gentle nature inspires many acts of daily kindness in his memory.
A private memorial service is scheduled.
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