John Warren Poole

October 12, 1923 - September 29, 2017

John Warren Poole was sometimes so quiet that you didn't know he was there. Yet, he maintained a wit that made others easily laugh! On Friday, September 29, 2017, when John took his last breath surrounded by family and close friends, there was no doubt that his memory would not be forgotten by the lives he touched near and far.

John was born October 12, 1923, on a very small farm outside of Forest River, North Dakota. Every day living wasn't easy in the 1920's especially during the depression. His young mother Ruth McKechnie passed away when he was only 4 years old so John's father William Warren Poole was left with the care of the farm plus three young children including Bob (deceased), John, and Dorothy (deceased).

John's dad caught the eye of the kids' teacher, Clara Siverson who knew the family well since the kids were taught in the same one room school house. Though shy, it was obvious that John was smart since he later became the Valedictorian of the local high school in Johnstown.

Warren and Clara eventually married then added five more children to the household - Pat Poole Kavadas (deceased), Dick Poole (deceased), Kathleen Poole Fischer, Don Poole and Sharon Poole Jaeger (deceased). With the on-going challenges of a large, blended family compounded with difficult land conditions and no indoor plumbing, Jack set his sights on leaving this rural area as quickly as possible.

Choices were limited after World War II started. Even though he didn't swim, the Navy ships looked more appealing than Army trenches so John enlisted in the US Navy on January 26, 1943. The service recognized his talents and trained him in radio technology plus engineering. He served in the Navy as a Chief Petty Officer until 1946 then was called up again in 1950 after the Korean War broke out.

John spent time in the "big" town of Fargo where he met his first wife Mary Burfening and they married on August 20, 1948. He attended the Agricultural College then later the U of MN. Many of those summers were spent at Pelican Lake in MN at the Burfening cottage with lots of friends and family. The couple then moved around the country in exotic places like Kansas with John doing various radio jobs.

John's first born 1950, Barbara Poole Galyen, enjoyed the luxury of sleeping in a dresser drawer then traveling across country in a packed sedan. "California Dreaming" became a reality in 1952 when the family moved to Pacoima in beautiful So California. Second child Russell John Poole was born soon after on Halloween.

Being quite bright, John became gainfully employed as an Electronic Engineer at Lockheed Aircraft Company in Burbank where he worked for 35+ years. He took great pride in being connected to the famous "Skunk" works. He enjoyed a lot of fun with his co-workers playing badminton, taking vacations plus getting together with the "Stardusters." An annual fishing trip to Mexico with his Lockheed buddies was a highlight of many years!

In 1958, John moved his family to Granada Hills. Youngest son Larry Warren Poole was born shortly after on October 21. The area that is now filled with condos and a park was covered with cornfields where the kids played and neighbors enjoyed each other's company.

Most holidays were spent with Mary's sister Rita Burfening Brouillard and family. The most vivid memories included charades, board games plus hysterical laughter over tall tales. Other fun times included John's sister Pat and brother Bob's families. The Pooles felt very lucky to have many relatives move from the cold plains of North Dakota to sunny California!

One of John's best memories with Lockheed was moving the family for 2 years to Munich, Germany, in 1964. Even though the ship sunk that held most of the Poole's possessions, the whole family was excited about living in a foreign country. Everything from October Fests to Ski Trips brought new adventures!

After returning from Europe, the family was involved in various activities that kept them busy. Attending air shows with his dad is what inspired Russ to become a pilot for Delta Airlines. Daughter Barb developed a lust for travel and works as an International Consultant. Youngest son Larry followed John's steps in the math world and works in technology. John always felt proud of all three!

John had two major scares during his lifetime. One was being rattled out of bed in the '71 earthquake when most of his major furniture crashed to the floor. Another was dealing with Stage 4 Cancer in 2006. John was lucky to find a Cancer Trial which included Melacine that saved his life.

It was always a joke that even with John's extremely conservative nature (always voted Republican), one of his few vices was jumping naked into a Jacuzzi. Eyebrows would lift if he wasn't in his own backyard! He also enjoyed his traditional "7 and 7 " plus his favorite food fried shrimp. These delights seldom changed over John's 93+ years!

In 1990, John's wife Mary died from cancer which was a shock for the whole family. John started spending time at the LaCabana condo he owned in Carpinteria and that began a new chapter in his life. While very sad at the loss of his wife, John was fortunate to connect with neighbor Elaine Rauch. Summer gatherings took place every Friday night at La Cabana since the 1960's. The condos weren't just rental properties for John and Elaine, the complex became a source of close friendships.

Elaine was a "go-getter" and got John out to concerts, plays, operas plus other activities that he seldom enjoyed previously. John was inspired by global travel throughout his life and he started to do it even more with Elaine. He was always a fan of cruises and also loved visits to Australia, Europe, Guatemala, Belize, Africa, Costa Rica, and China.

Being a "timeshare junkie," John took advantage of visits to all kinds of places. Son Russ with wife Christie helped him dress up "spiffy" to look right at home at the Kentucky Derby and Hearst Castle. John was lucky to have son Larry and wife Meila in San Diego which offered lots of fun times. With daughter Barb living mostly overseas, there was always an excuse to travel to exotic locales. A favorite trip which often included the Poole and Rauch kids was visiting the Tennis Club in Palm Springs.

John and Elaine were married in April 2001. "The Living is Easy" described John's wonderful later years in Summerland. During the day, John played on his computer, read his "Reader's Digest," rocked in his swivel chair or worked on some project. Evenings were spent watching TV shows including Doc Martin and 60 Minutes. John's kids were amazed to see how many answers he often got right on Jeopardy and Wheel of Fortune.

One of the most common sights outdoors was John walking hand in hand with Elaine down Summerland Beach. They enjoyed spotting schools of dolphins and occasional whales. The beauty and serenity of those daily jaunts became a routine that the whole Poole family looked forward to when they visited. John was blessed to have the most beautiful views imaginable from every room of the home in Summerland.

John leaves behind his wife Elaine Rauch Poole, their children plus spouses Barbara Poole Galyen, Russ and Christie Poole, Larry and Meila Poole, Joe and Cyndi Rauch, David and Karen Rauch, Mark and Marianne Rauch, plus grandchildren Joseph Poole and family, Andrew Poole and wife, Lauren Poole and husband, Kayla Poole, Sean Poole, Brian Rauch and wife, Matt Rauch, Chris Rauch, Kaydee Rauch, and Emily Rauch.

Much gratitude goes to the live-in family caregiver, Mary Martinez, who spoiled and loved John dearly over the last year. Hospice was also wonderful about supporting him in his final days. Passing just two weeks short of his 94th birthday, John lived wonderful life.

A Celebration of Life service will be held on October 14 at 3pm Faith Lutheran Church, 1335 Vallecito Pl, Carpinteria, CA. Any friends and family are welcome to attend. Donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association (alz.org)