John Wickham Obituary

Wickham, John
Passed away on Wednesday May 24, 2006 at the age of 80. He is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Joan; his daughter, Marie and his son John and daughter-in-law, Judy. John was born in Forest Hills, New York in 1925 and became an orphan at the age of six. He attended Kings Point Merchant Marine Academy and fought in World War II and the Korean War. John was a self-made entrepreneur in the coin meter laundry industry. The family will have a small private burial. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday June 3 at the family residence.

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Published by Los Angeles Times on May 31, 2006.

Memories and Condolences
for John Wickham

Sponsored by his loving family.

14 Entries

Marie Wickham

June 29, 2006

Thank you to all of dad's wonderful friends for your kind support. He will be truly missed. In going through drawers and scrapbooks we found some beautiful memories which I'd like to share.

Below is a letter written by a friend of his father welcoming him into the world.

" Aug 13, 1925 Dear John Jervis Wickham, I extend to you a most hearty welcome to this old world of ours. I'm sure that you are going to like it ever so much, because you have been wise indeed in your selection of those who are to equip you to make the best of your stay here. I've been here a long time, as we folks reckon time, and I've enjoyed my stay ever so much. Like yourself, I was a lucky fellow in the selection of what's called parents. So knowing just how well you have picked, I can unhesitatingly and enthusiastically predict for you a stay among us that is full of joy and usefulness. Being so pleasant for you, I hope your stay will be a long, long one. Sincerely , David Evans"

Attached is an excerpt from a diary written to him by his mother who died when he was 4. She speaks of his father "I think it is his greatest desire to have you grow into an honest man and he thinks you should be trained young. I hope that he will be spared to you dear, for many years. He is the most honest man that I have known. Abhors lies and deceits of all kinds." I know his parents would be proud of the way he lived his life.

The humor and spirit of his father comes through in a letter written by his father to his uncle asking forgiveness for a belated thank you "Last evening at dinner, as I sipped and enjoyed the delicious aroma of a bottle of "Devon Red" a feeling of guilt so potent came over me that I was almost on the verge of opening a quart of white". Reading that you get a sense of where dad's special humor must have come from. May everyone who met him take a slice of his spirit into their own lives.

Birdie Adame

June 2, 2006

So sad to hear of Mr. Wickham's passing. I have fond memories of the Pollack, Wickham, Steinberg days! He always called me "Bye Bye Birdie". My thoughts & prayers are with you.

Fred & Darlene Welch

June 1, 2006

To Mrs. Wickham and the family of John Wickham, please accept the deepest sympathies of Fred & Darlene Welch.

Fred was privileged to have the honor of working with and for John over many happy years of employment at PWS Inc.

Barbara and Jack Cameron

June 1, 2006

Good Night John,

We hope that in your dreams you will remember all of the good times that we have shared. Tennis, cards, surprise parties and in later years golf. There were a lot of laughs and a lot of swearing! Now you can prepare a place for us when we are needed.

Oh, don't forget your zinc oxide!

Sweet dreams,

Barbara and Jack Cameron

Wm,Lil,Jeff,Tara,Kirk Watson

June 1, 2006

Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.

Mort Pollack

June 1, 2006

John was one of a kind, smart, witty, clever and a great partner. I have always fondly remembered the times John and I spent together. There will never be another one like John. Thanks for the memories.

Clay Pederson

June 1, 2006

I remember John as a friend of my father. A great business man but at the same time he had a great passion for life.

Pat Sullivan

June 1, 2006

John was a remarkable man who mentored many people who became industry leaders. I'll always remember his kindness and wit during personal conversations...

and of course those 3/4 note cards!

Woody Gandy

June 1, 2006

To John's Family. We shared a personal and inside joke for more than thirty years. I now admit he was and always was The "W" I faked it often just for him. Thanks for the memory. Woody

Denny Powers

June 1, 2006

I was certainly saddened to learn of John's passing. This guy was one of the best at bringing humor and a laugh into your life in his very own way! Although I was not that close, I always admired John for just being John...He was definitely one-of-a-kind...

David Horton

May 31, 2006

Many unforgettable memories all combined to become a truly unforgettable man. A friend, a business associate, a mentor and one of the quickest wits I have ever known.

Martha J. Boyd

May 31, 2006

I remember John with fond memories. He tried to be gruff but wit and wisdom made him lovable. He and my husband, Bob, will make Heaven an even better place. My deepest sympathy and compassion to Joanie and the family.

Ethel Pattison

May 31, 2006

Dear Joan and family,

Remember all the good times with John and I shall remember the wild volleyball games at 24th St. and the fun at Clipped Wings parties. And you two little children playing in the shower and sand at the beach. Love,

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