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John Sharber Obituary
We are deeply saddened to announce the death of our brother, John Paul Sharber, August 2, 2022 at the age of 67 from complications of lung cancer. John was born January 24, 1955, raised in Flagstaff, and graduated from the University of Arizona with degrees in Electrical Engineering and Philosophy. At the time of his retirement, he was the Lab Manager for the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at NAU.
We will miss his brilliant intellect, his love for children and compassion for misunderstood canines, his many bird feeders (17, at one count), and his cheerful flower gardens.
Preceded in death by parents, Norman and Rayma, and brother Joseph. John is survived by his former wife Sharon, children Steven (Jae, and daughter Isabelle), Jesse (Ryan) Garman, and John "JM" Michael; and siblings Mary, Rayma (David) Lee, Jean (Kaign, deceased) Christy, Jane (Steven) Black of Tucson, Roberta (Wayne) Wallace of Cottonwood, William, and Frances Holmes, and many extended family members.
"... and I will leave. But the birds will stay, singing:
and my garden will stay, with its green tree,
with its water well.
Many afternoons the skies will be blue and placid,
and the bells in the belfry will chime
as they are chiming this very afternoon.
The people who have loved me will pass away,
and the town will burst anew every year.
But my spirit will always wander nostalgic
In the same recondite corner of my flowery garden. "
("El Viaje Definitivo," by Juan Ramon Jimenez. In, Journey to Ixtlan, by Carlos Castaneda)
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Sharber
Nicholas Finch
April 10, 2024
John was a man who really pushed you to a certain level of excellence. I was referred to him back in my early days of building out the robotics club at NAU. He was skeptical of the things I said I was going to build but he helped me with getting the tools and devices I needed. And when I followed through and built those things, our mentor/mentee relationship became even stronger. I always enjoyed talking to him and hanging out in his workshop and seeing what fun new trinkets he had that day. I will miss John, his wit, and his intellect. My condolences go out to the family.
Jack Kons
May 7, 2023
Jane
My condolences to you and your family on the passing of your brother John. I saw his passing in the Winter 2023 Arizona Alumni Edition.
Jack
RK Nimmons
August 22, 2022
Remember young John as Joe and Mary's little brother. Always saw him either on Havasupai or at the park as I went to High school.
Patrick Kelley
August 19, 2022
For a period of time, my office was across the hall from 'The Cage' (the storage area for the labs and the center of Professor Sharber's domain). We would encounter each other often and chat on all manner of topics. I miss those conversations and offer my sympathy to all his family and acquaintances in our shared sorrow for his loss.
Niranjan Venkatraman
August 18, 2022
I always enjoyed John and his wit and interject when I taught at NAU. He will be missed by generations of engineering students who will treasure their memories of him. My heartfelt condolences to the Sharber family.
Joanne Reddoch Cox
August 18, 2022
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived. May John´s memory be a blessing to all who knew him.
Love, cousin Joanne
Jennifer Wade
August 18, 2022
As a fellow colleague, I can say he was a gift to our students. He was always sharing his time to troubleshoot their visions. Sharber, you are missed.
Singne Slayton
August 15, 2022
I looked forward to seeing John in the hallways in Engineering as I knew there was a wonderful conversation coming which usually centered on turquoise, plants and animals. A kind sole and a ton of knowledge. Best to the family
Bill Riordan
August 14, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Sharber Family for your loss.
Jan McCoy
August 13, 2022
My sincere condolences to the Sharber family, The birds, the angels and the family members in heaven are singing now. Please allow the wonderful memories to fill your hearts.
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