Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1948
DIED
2022
John DeHaan Obituary
John was born in Chicago, IL to Peter and Honore (Martin) DeHaan on 13 August 1948. John is survived by his sister Shirley (DeHaan) Anderson and sister-in-law Jeanne (Pociecha) DeHaan McCarthy, nieces, nephews, cousins, and scores of close friends worldwide. He was preceded in death by his parents, his brothers Norman R. DeHaan and Fred Busse DeHaan, his grand-nephew Erik J. Collette, his cousin and close friend David Martin, and many other loving souls.
John had a lifelong quest for success. As a child he was found training his pet rodent to type his name on a typewriter. That determination followed him his whole life. He thrilled at the science of solving the mystery of fire, crime and mayhem. His expertise, and systematic and methodical approach, in fire- and explosion-related forensic science made him a most sought after private consultant. He accepted investigative cases in the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand and the U.K. He authored books on fire investigation and published his research in many fire and forensic publications. John also earned numerous awards for his contributions in arson investigations, fire investigation and criminalistics.
When John had down time he loved working on his many unique antique cars, racing some of them on various circuits. He enjoyed collecting model trains and making friends with other hobbyists who shared his passion. Another of John's favorite things in life were his Irish Wolfhounds, Greyhounds, rescue and other dogs.
John was incredibly blessed with amazing friends and fellow conspirators who shared his adventures in life. Neighbors and co-workers were drawn in by John's enthusiasm, positive and upbeat personality, his infectious laugh and overall kind character. John quested the Joy of Discovery and shared that joy with everyone he encountered.
Interment will be private. Please remember John by supporting fire and law enforcement communities as well as your local dog rescue organizations.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John DeHaan
Vivian Garcia
August 8, 2025
John DeHaan was a brilliant & amazing guy. It was an honor to know him. With DOJ's CCI, I typed many of his class materials & book manuscripts. He shared his knowledge all over the world and was so dedicated and passionate to his work. He also loved his dogs and his automobiles. I still have the Pewter Wombat he bought for me in Australia. I admired him greatly & his memory lives in forever in our hearts.
Christina Wilkin
March 29, 2024
My dear friend,John D DeHaan,saved my life. I am eternally grateful to have had the honor of knowing him and having him in my life. I love you forever.
Gary L Haun Jr.
November 16, 2023
John became my work czar in 1987 when I first got into fire investigation and was a great help and teacher over the years. John was very keen in the fire investigation industry and would stop and take the time to answer any questions you had about a fire. John would also admit that he didnt always get it right which most in this industry wont do. But John was that great of a person. We had dinner various times over the years and he always enjoyed hearing a good fire investigation story over telling one of his own which were wide spread. His many books will live on to help teach future generations of young up and coming fire investigators and his contributions to the fire investigation community we stretch into the future. John you will be missed sir.
Marissa Phillips
October 26, 2022
Dr. DeHaan helped me with my 5th grade science project out of the kindness of his heart. I was really proud of that project and inspired by him. I just went to see if I could follow up with him later as an adult and I am so sad to hear he has passed.
Thanks for your help Dr. DeHaan!
Bruce Schryver
October 6, 2022
John was an outstanding instructor, mentor and educator who gave tirelessly to the fire investigation community. His work will live on for many years, embedded in all of us who learned from the amazing breadth and depth of is knowledge, which he so freely shared. At every fire and training seminar, your legacy will live on. Rest in peace, John
Bill
October 4, 2022
What a terrible loss for all of us. You were such a positive and motivating person on top of a genius of fire science. Thank you for all you taught me and the wealth of knowledge you shared. Kodiak will have your back up there...
John de Boer
July 14, 2022
Another friend gone. A better friend than most. I am missing my "brother John" ... his salutation to me beginning sometime during the 1970´s at vintage car racing events.
Harry H. Hatch, Retired Detective San Bernardino Sheriff
June 21, 2022
I just got a copy of the IAAI Magazine which had a photo of John on the cover. I had not known of his passing until today (6-21-22). I met John at several CCAI Conferences over the years and had occasion to have several meals with him, had spent time talking Fire Investigation. I used Kirks and his updates for years as many have. His passing is a great loss to our community. I say this to all who may read this, John will be missed, and his loss will only make our jobs harder. Semper Cop John, and God Bless All Here
Dave Ruben
June 17, 2022
I met John as a young fire investigator in the 1990´s and was fortunate to see him at Sac Roundtable meetings throughout the years. He was always gracious and willing to help you whether you were a new investigator or a seasoned veteran. He will be missed.
Ron Wheatley
June 6, 2022
I have had the pleasure of knowing John for about 10 years, first through our common love of old model trains, specifically American Flyer, then came our mutual love of vintage automobiles and vintage car racing. What a wonderful spirit John had and always a great smile and warm attitude, which were always part of his presence. I enjoyed stopping by his place in Vallejo, getting overwhelmed by his dogs, and seeing his toys......cars and trains. I will really miss his friendship......RIP John
Ron Wheatley
Michael Merriken
May 29, 2022
John, as so many others in the world of fire investigation have already stated, you were a mentor, a colleague, and a friend. Your knowledge of the world of fire investigations made a huge difference in how I conduct fire investigations. Thank you for always taking my calls and being available to discuss fires with me and answer any questions I may have had. Your presence will be dearly missed. Sympathies and prayers to his family!
Russell lee Bohse
May 24, 2022
I will always remember John's willingness to share his vast knowledge and expertise. I will remember him most by his kindness. He will be missed by all but his legacy will not be forgotten.
Elliott Byall
May 24, 2022
My old friend, so sorry to hear of your passing. Every time I have a sip of Laphroaig I will drink a toast to you. We became friends and colleagues in the 1970s and you came to work with me in the ATF Laboratory in Walnut Creek in the 80s. A wonderful guy, full of energy and knowledge, and a true professional to work with. Even after leaving ATF and going to work at the Sacramento DOJ lab, we kept in touch and saw each other at various forensic meetings. I will miss you and your cars, your BIG dogs and most of all your forensic knowledge and professionalism. RIP.
Kristin Denning
May 23, 2022
Not only did I share a birthday with John, but we also shared a passion for forensics, dogs, and cars. I so enjoyed the many hours spent chatting with him at various AAFS meetings over the years. I will miss his easy nature, and that twinkle in his eye when we spoke about our passions. He will be truly missed by everyone he touched. Keep the pedal to the metal my friend as you navigate your way through the great beyond.
Mike Schoenecker
May 22, 2022
You have my deepest sympathies for your loss.
Michael Schoenecker
Chicago Fire Dept. Ret.
Office Of fire Investigation
Vivian Garcia
May 20, 2022
I am sad to hear of John's passing, but will think of him as a bright star shining from above in the evening sky. Luckily I was one of the few that could read his writing, so I was able to type his forensic reports and drafts of some of his papers. When he travelled the world, he always brought me a momento. I still have a Pewter Wombat from Australia. I fondly nicknamed him "Johnny DeHanny" but I never shared that with him. His brilliance & his generosity were astounding. May his spirit live on in the universe.
Raymond Davis
May 20, 2022
John had the greatest impact on my career generously sharing his vast knowledge of everything forensic science. His contributions to the profession are innumerable. I will miss his laugh, his kindness and his friendship. Goodbye my friend.
Skip Palenik
May 20, 2022
I just learned of John's passing. He was one of the real experts to whom careful work and an open mind were not chores but simply the way that an investigation was carried out. John was also one of those increasingly rare individuals who strove to understand anything he studied or was called upon to examine to the greatest extent possible not because it was required or he had to but because it was fun to figure things out. I will remember our conversations as among the most enjoyable and penetrating that I had with anyone of our generation. I was saddened to learn of his passing and will miss knowing that I will not have the opportunity to enjoy his presence, wit and conversation again in this life.
James Keeley
May 20, 2022
Always a smile and ready to what had to get done.
He will be missed by all.
Tanya DuLaney
May 19, 2022
John was an amazing criminalist, a task master as an instructor, a quick wit, and a wealth of knowlege he was always willing to share. I feel so lucky to have learned from a true master. Rest in peace my friend.
Jeff Carle
May 19, 2022
I am deeply saddened to learn of John´s passing. H was a true scientist and formidable teacher. He affected so many in the field of fire investigation, and his hobbies just made his eyes spark. He will be truly missed.
Fairfield Funeral Home
May 21, 2022
Offering our deepest condolences during this difficult time.
virginia theresa rynearson
May 17, 2022
Dearest John,
There are no words to describe the deep sadness and emptiness felt upon hearing that you left us. It doesn't seem possible and it is a great loss to our world without you.
You were at Alameda crime lab with Joe when I first met you - a young and ambitious criminalist just out of Berkeley with so much promise. You rose far above others in your field and your legacy will never be forgotten.
Thank you, dear John, for your friendship through the years with Joe and the support you gave not only to him but to so many, many others. Perhaps you two are together again enjoying memories of long ago.
Rest in peace, dear friend. With love, V Rynearson
Showing 1 - 24 of 24 results
Make a Donation
in John DeHaan's name
Memorial Events
for John DeHaan
How to support John's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor John DeHaan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
