John Morgan Newbern Jr.

John Morgan Newbern, Jr.
John Morgan Newbern, Jr., 75, passed away on January 31, 2020 in Santa Rosa, CA. He leaves his beloved wife Kiyo Okazaki, his daughter Miriam Benetti of Lugano, Switzerland and her husband Fulvio and their two children, and his son Alan Morgan Newbern of Minnesota. Also surviving him are his sister, Alice Newbern Davis of Colorado Springs and her husband John David Davis, and brother William Wyatt Newbern of San Diego and his wife Nora Hom Newbern. John was predeceased by his parents John Morgan Newbern, Sr. and Florence Gossett Newbern of Memphis and his older sister Jan Newbern Renshaw of Memphis.
In addition to John's strong love of his family, he loved music. John was an accomplished twelve-string acoustic guitarist and for many years performed his own compositions under the stage name "Malachi". He was also a devoted student of Tibetan Buddhism under Tarthang Tulku of Nyngma Institute in Berkeley.
He leaves many recordings, such as "Holy Music" (MGM Verve, 1966), "a prayer for the dying" (Malachite Music Publishing, 1995), "just playing for the moon" (Malachite Music publishing, 2000). He also leaves us "Tri-Kaya: Music and E-books for the Mind", available at www.tri-kaya.net
John also was an accomplished wood craftsman and artist. He channeled that skill into building beautiful guitars and ukuleles with intricate inlays which he and his friends and family enjoyed playing.
John and Kiyo lived in Santa Rosa for over 40 years. John also enjoyed studying the Japanese language, martial arts, gardening and taking care of their cats and rabbits.
John suffered from Parkinson's disease and Lewy Body Dementia. His family members and friends were blessed to be able to visit him or speak with him prior to his passing.
There is no formal service planned at this time. Donations to Nyngma Institute Buddhist Center (1815 Highland Place, Berkeley, CA 94709) or your favorite charity are greatly appreciated by his family.