John William Vanderwall Jr.

May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief.

My sister Deon brought me and my sister to meet her new boyfriend. I don't know if it was a Foster Freeze or what in Santa Paula. All I remember is seeing this tall guy with dark hair. Deon said to him these are my baby sisters Penny and Robyn. I was never called Robyn by big John just by my nickname Bert. I loved Big John. He could be a real Prankster as anyone that knows about the melting of my Indian doll Lol So many memories with Big John to recall. He was larger than life. And I loved...

To the Vanderwall family,
Words alone cannot express the loss you must feel. Big John was such an intragal part of the whole family. The service and speeches you made at his funeral were so heartfelt and beautiful. I am honored to be a part of your family and my love and support are with you forever.

Although it has been 15 years since I left
Simi Valley, I'll always hold fond memories of
Big John occupying his reserved bar stool at the
Treehouse and our many discussions about every imaginable topic. Big John ("Tree") was truly a giant of a man with a heart of gold. My thoughts and prayers are with Deon, Mary, Johnie, John Paul and the entire Vanderwall family.

The service was beautiful and the Treehouse was standing room only. It was nice to see some ole faces, but such a great emptiness was felt without the presence of the "Tree". Simi Valley will be aching for a very long time. We know, we will. You will be missed so very much.

I see Judy and Don posted, and I agree with you about that rafting trip, I believe we have memories of the same one. The rafting trip in the 90's to that Reedy, CA place where the skunks ate most of the...

My uncle John was the world to me. He was a tremendous husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle, and friend. I learned so much from him. He was one of the most generous and loving people I have ever been blessed to know. He was a huge influence and inspiration in my life.