John M. WEDEMEYER Jr.

I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing today. I worked with John at the June Burnett Institute. When I first came to the Institute, I was a young professional, and petrified of John. As time passed I learned so much from him. I came to understand and know him as a brilliant man, a compassionate heart, and a generous spirit. May he rest in peace knowing he touched the lives of many through his works, and ignited the spirit of service in others through his example. My condolences to...

I happened to be in San Diego and was attending church at St. Andrew's in Encinitas. An announcement was made about John's death. I was shocked and stunned. Marianne and Anne, you both have my deepest sympathy.

John was a great guy. He and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on things political, but I always respected his opinion and enjoyed his company. Larry and I considered him one of the best parts of St. Luke's. We served together on the calling committee that brought...

I served on the Board of the National Network for Youth in the 1970s with John and knew him when he was Executive Director of San Diego Youth Services. I always loved how he would look at the big picture of youth services and draw all these charts and pictures. He had a great sense of humor and I always remember him commenting that his kids would play "meeting" instead of "house" when they were little. He was a great guy that left his mark on the world.

I was saddened to read about John's death. He was a very special human being. My condolences to the family.Art Letter

I lived next door to John and his wife for almost six years. He was a great guy and made a great neighbor. He always had time to say hello. We will miss his presence in the neighborhood.

I learned so much from John- as I know many others did. May we all leave this world knowing that we have contributed as much as John Wedemeyer did... I can barely stand thinking about how much more he had to give, but love to think of him smiling down on us from above as he is in this photo.

John was my boss, mentor, teacher, colleague, and valued friend. For years I have passed on to my Social Work Administration students the practice knowledge and passion for service that I learned from him. His influence and legacy will endure through the work of countless social work administrators and policy advocates. He will be missed and always remembered.

John was a huge gift to the community and the Social Work profession. He worked at all levels of social work to make progress, the individual the organization, the community (building institutions and advocating for changes in laws). He developed creative models to address unserved people and advance the approaches of the profession. He was a mentor where ever he worked and he brought out the best in people, often times helping them realized they were more capable then they had dreamed. ...

I met John back in his Community Congress days. He was a charismatic and brilliant leader who inspired everyone around him. I was delighted when he became Director of the June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth, and Families at SDSU. John made a lasting impact on the Human Services field and, by doing so, he improved the quality of children's lives. He will be missed.