John Espejo Villarin

love you daddy

Hello Barbara: I was sad to hear Johnny died recently. He and I know each other from La Jolla High 1949 on. He was a wonderful friend, always with a smile on his face and interested in me. His sister Lily was best friends with my foster sister Frances Tomlinson; our family lived on Eads in La Jolla. Johnny will be missed by me and many other Vikings. Wally Robertson Jr.
email: [email protected].

JV you made both my athletic experience and my coaching experience at UCSD great. As an athlete you helped the fledgling women's basketball team make it through the first tough years as a club. As a coach I looked forward to seeing you every day. You always had a smile on your face, you were always willing and eager to help me and my team. I know what you did for me at UCSD, you did for countless other students and coaches. You are one of the kindest people I have ever known. You have such...

I remember Johnny as the guy who made sure all of our equipment and uniforms were nice when I played basketball at UCSD. We were DIII then and didn't have much funding, but Johnny always made us feel like we were playing for a top notch program. So sorry to hear of his passing, but I know he touched many lives and cared for all.

John Villarin: He WAS the Dream Team at Sports Facilities :). He was always there to make things happen on the fields and everywhere else, ensuring that UCSD sports facilities looked great for the visiting teams and NCAA events we hosted. It was always a pleasure to see John at events we would attend, as spectators :). My world was a better place at ICA because of you, John.

John - We remember you as a very special person and friend. Always smiling - always ready to help. We will miss you so much but will never forget you. Much love to Lily and the family from Carol and Mike Moore

I was thrilled that John agreed to work in the newly formed Sports Facilities Department at UCSD when I was appointed the Director. He began each day with good humor and a can-do approach to the sometimes rewarding and sometimes frustrating business of making our mark on the UCSD campus. I'll never forget his critical contribution to the wonderful experience of having The Dream Team on campus in 1992. David Robinson, the brilliant graduate of the Naval Academy, was so shy that he would...

I would see John at all the UCSD sporting events. He was always smiling, positive, and an awesome booster. He was a good guy and will be missed. Cheers, John!

Johnny and I were born in the same month and year and I remember his popularity and graciousness in elementary, jr and early high school. May his sister, Lily, whom I remember most vividly and his family, find meaning in his departure. RIP, Johnny. Mary Jean (Vlahos) Kalin.