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BORN
1946
DIED
2025
John Kauffman Obituary
July 21, 1946 - July 11, 2025
John William Kauffman, 78, unexpectedly passed away on June 11, 2025 on vacation in Norway with his wife and friends. He was born July 21, 1946 in Trenton, NJ, to John Samuel Kauffman, and Olive Combs Kauffman. He was preceded in death by his parents. He is survived by his wife of nearly 51 years, Mathilde "Pinkie" Sargeant Kauffman of Free Union, VA; sister, Kathy Richkind of Cerrillos, NM; son, John "Jack" William Kauffman of Charlottesville, VA; grandson, Jackson Kauffman; son, Daniel Kauffman of Blounts Creek, NC and wife, Elizabeth Kauffman; daughter, Katherine Kauffman Currier of Winthrop, MA husband, Sean Currier; grandchildren, Mattie, Caroline and Casey, as well as many beloved nieces, nephews, and lifelong friends. John was a kind, loving, patient and very involved father and grandfather who attended all events he could and passed on his love for the outdoors. Words can't describe how fantastic he was.
John spent his childhood in Massachusetts, Arizona and California. He attended Humboldt State University where he graduated with a B.S. in Fisheries Science and a M.A. in Biology. While in college he spent summers in Alaska participating in salmon research. He spent his career as a fish biologist for the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. John is a coauthor of "Instream Flows for Riverine Resource Stewardship, Revised Edition" and many fish research articles. After retirement he started his own pond management business.
John loved spending time outdoors, hiking, fishing, camping, skiing, biking, river floats, and tending to his garden. He enjoyed traveling to many National Parks, going on family beach trips to the Outer Banks, NC. He loved all sorts of music- Cajun, Country, Classical, Irish and Rock, going to live music events.
Lieu of flowers his family asks that you donate to your favorite charity and spend time outdoors.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kauffman
Dennis Riecke
August 13, 2025
John was a true champion of protecting Virginia´s aquatic stream resources. He developed water withdrawal guidelines for Virginia stream and rivers. He was kind, friendly and good natured. I will really miss him
Bob Graham
July 27, 2025
John was my graduate school hero, having authored a paper that was of immense help to my research. Years later, I was fortunate enough to call him a colleague and friend. John had the best laugh, and I loved to hear it.
Carol Jean
July 26, 2025
When John and I returned from a trip we were so saddened to learn of John´s death. We would see him at recycling or Costco fairly often and it was always a delight chatting with him. We are very sad for you and your family.
Carol Jean
Ronald Pierce
July 24, 2025
I worked with John from 1972-1976 with the then Commission of Game and Inland Fisheries. We were young fish guys back then. We had a lot of interesting and enjoyable days at work as well as during our time off. That began an enduring friendship that has lasted all these years. I was so sorry to hear of his passing.
Sue plaskon
July 23, 2025
I remember how involved John was with troop 114 when Dan and Jack were scouts. We could always count on John going hiking and camping with the boys. Even 50 mike hikes! John was a good man and will be missed. Sue and Steve Plaskon
Jeff Sitler
July 22, 2025
Pinkie, Kate and Family,
I was so very sorry to hear of John death. He was such a wonderful and full of life person. We shared many stories of your travels and he was always interested in hearing about ours. We first met many years ago when Kate was in school with our kids. You have our sincerest condolences.
Jeff Sitler and Janet Herman
Elizabeth and Michael Spivey
July 21, 2025
Dear Kauffman family we are so very sorry to hear of John's passing. This was shocking and heartbreaking news. Sending
hugs and love to all of you and
praying that you feel God's love, care and peace.
John Sidorski
July 18, 2025
So sad and frustrated by the early passing of John! Always enjoy his wonderful sense of humor and great chuckle. We cherish the time spent in Free Union, McCall Idaho and the fun Christmas 2025 European excursion.
Mark Dusci
July 18, 2025
Pinkie and family
My condolences on your loss of John
I got to spend some time with John, especially around the house when we harvested so.e trees off of the property.
He surely had a love of his family and was a proud owner of the land.
He always had a funny thing to say about everything that passed in front of him. I love my memories of him.
Take care
Mark Dusci
Anne Geraty
July 18, 2025
Sending my love, Pinkie. Holding you all in my heart.
Annie Nichols
July 17, 2025
I´m sorry I didn´t get to Charlottesville to meet him. Loved looking at all your travels. Sending love.
Jim Faulconer
July 16, 2025
Dear Pinkie and Family,
My deepest condolences to you and your Family for the loss of John. I always enjoyed seeing John, usually in a work situation, including pond consultation, but we usually spent most of our time together talking about Peavine Hollow and the Free Union crowd, where you and I have many good friends.
I plan to go on a hike soon in honor of John, and I hope that the many great memories that you and your Family have of John will give you comfort.
You are in my thoughts and prayers, Jim Faulconer
Allison
July 16, 2025
Dearest Pinkie
So heartbroken to see the post about John. I so enjoyed spending summers by the pool with you and John. My love to your entire family.
Mary-Elizabeth Via
July 15, 2025
Dear Pinkie and family,
I am so surprised and sad to see this obituary. I will miss seeing John at the gym. Sending my deepest condolences and heartfelt prayers to all of you! M-E
Peg Lascano
July 15, 2025
I was saddened to see this notice today. I often think that passing quickly might be easier for the individual but very hard on the loved ones. I will keep all in my prayers and hope that your love will help you through. With love Peg Lascano
Demi Strother Runkle
July 15, 2025
Dearest Pinkie,
I was saddened to read of John's passing. Please accept my heartfelt condolences for your loss!
Fondly,
Demi
Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results
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