John Gordon Studebaker

John Gordon Studebaker March 4, 1912~April 2, 2009 Resident of Rossmoor, Walnut Creek, California Beloved husband to Janice A. Fulton, he was the devoted father to daughter, Stacy Studebaker of Kodiak, Alaska and son, John Thomas Studebaker of Sacramento, California. Known as "Gordie" to his family members and close friends, his ultra generous, gentle spirit and positive outlook on life touched the lives of countless people. He was born in Mason City, Iowa to John Ward Studebaker and Eleanor Regina Winberg. He headed west to college after a year at Dartmouth University and finished his business degree at Stanford University in 1935. After serving his country in the Army Air Force in WWII, he created the radio station KSON in San Diego, and later pioneered the west coast branch of the Scholastic Magazine and Book Company where he worked until he retired in 1975. Gordie was a passionate nature-lover and appreciated all living things large and small. He loved oak trees, stars, whales, oranges, blueberry pie and lamb shanks. His favorite outdoor activity was fishing, especially salmon fishing in Alaska although he was also an avid gardener and generous supporter of many service organizations, charities and conservation organizations. Gordie is one of few people to have a whale named after him. His daughter reassembled the bones of a 40ft. gray whale for a museum display in Kodiak, Alaska and named the whale for him because of his enthusiasm and support for the project. Some of his happiest days were his summer visits to Alaska over the last 30 years to visit his daughter and son in law. His daughter, Stacy Studebaker and son-in-law Mike Sirofchuck of Kodiak, Alaska, his son John Studebaker of Sacramento, and cousin John Scott of North Fort Meyers, Florida, survive him. A remembrance celebration of his life will be held in his honor at the Grace Presbyterian Church in Walnut Creek on Saturday, April 11th at 2:00. Anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in his name can send it to: The Studebaker Family Environmental Education Fund, The Alaska Conservation Foundation, 441 West Fifth Ave., Suite 402 - Anchorage, Alaska 99501-2340.