John W. Dishion

1945 - 2023

November 20, 1945 - December 16, 2023 John William Dishion, 78, of Silver Strand Beach in Oxnard, CA, passed away at home surrounded by family and friends on December 16, 2023 after a 2 year battle with brain cancer. John was born in Los Angeles, CA to William Joseph Dishion, a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Margaret Eileen Dishion née Frits on November 20, 1945. He attended La Serena High School in Whittier, California and graduated in 1963. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts degree in English Literature from the University of California at Los Angeles, receiving his diploma in 1967.

Following his graduation, he worked in administration for LAPD. Coordinating their Fleet Safety and Shooting Boards, as well as working as a staff writer for the Administrative Services Bureau. He was subsequently drafted into the United States Army, serving from July of 1969 to June of 1975.

After basic training he was sent to Vietnam where he served from January 1970 to July 1971. While in theater, he initially worked as a Vessel Supply Officer helping the Harborcraft Company transition its records and inventories to computer systems.

He was next posted to Saigon and the United States Information Agency as a reporter, unearthing and pursuing stories for the International Press Service (wire). Mr. Dishion wrote and reported extensively on the Vietnam War from the ground and in country, while in uniform. This allowed him a unique point of view and granted him the opportunity to not only observe but to record history. His articles have been archived and preserved by the family.

He was transferred back stateside in Fall of 1971; his last posting was to the US Army's Public Information Office at Fort Story, Virginia in the capacity of Editor, then Publisher of the post (base) newspaper. After an honorable discharge in July of 1975 Mr. Dishion returned to his native California.

In 1977 Mr. Dishion moved to Santa Barbara, California where he began working in sales for a scale company and began his entrepreneurial era. He eventually acquired that scale company and began selling and distributing metrology devices such as jewelry scales, three beam balances, floor scales, etc. along with postage meters and time clocks. In the 1980's Mr. Dishion worked with a programmer to develop an automated net-weighing system for the packaging of coffee. This early invention, The ME109TM was the start of ActionpacTM. Over the ensuing decades Actionpac has become known for precision weighing technology, innovative approach to material handling and cutting edge automation solutions as well as its commitment to US manufacturing. He was issued 3 patents over the course of his career as an engineer and entrepreneur.

Mr. Dishion is survived by his only child, daughter Amelia T. Dishion of Ojai, CA who carried his legacy into the next generation. Ms. Dishion succeeds him at Actionpac and his many other commercial interests, she is married to Mr. Michael A. Garcia of Los Angeles. Mr. John W. Dishion leaves behind a beloved, only grandchild, Felix Bear Pence; a former wife Caroline Keogh; his close confidante and brother Donald Dishion, married to Cathy Dishion, as well as a nephew Jacob Dishion and niece Brianna Dishion, children of his brother Dr. Thomas Dishion, phD who preceded him in death. Mr. Dishion leaves behind all of his many employees past and current who he boldly led from the front and who he served faithfully until the very end.

He is preceded in death by the previously mentioned brother; his father William J. Dishion; mother Margaret Malgren (née Frits, prev. Dishion) and stepfather Lynn Malgren.

The family wishes to extend their deep gratitude to Ms. Victoria Antenor for the dedicated care she gave Mr. Dishion in his last days, as well as her family for their assistance and support.

John W. Dishion leaves behind a legacy of leadership and innovation that will live on at his companies into the next generation. Funeral services will be held at the Los Angeles National Cemetery on February 9, 2024 at noon. Mr. Dishion will be interred as a US Army veteran with full honors as performed by the U.S. Army Honor Guard from Fort Huachuca, AZ. Arrangements are under the direction of SFC Michael A. Garcia, MBV (U.S. Army Veteran).