John Messenger

Dr. Messenger was a fabulous teacher and friend.
Maureen E Haas MD

I just found out Dr John Messenger had passed in 2014 when I was researching him in 2023. Dr. Messenger was my cardiologist and took part in two or three of my lead extractions when my Medtronic defibrillator needed to be replaced due to a recall each time. He was the best cardiologist and a very caring man. My family told me he came out during one of my extractions and talked to my family. They said he was drenching wet due to complications but luckily he told my family all was good and I was on the road to recovery. He was one of the best surgeons with a kind and loving heart. He will be missed and will always hold a special place in my heart

I had the good fortune to work for John as a nurse practitioner in the early 1980s. I learned more about the art and practice of medicine from John than I did in subsequent training in med school and residency. He was a true mentor in diagnostic skills and gentile but timely care of patients. He touched many lives.

Dr. Messenger was one of many angels that touched my Family's life. My Mom was dying (we didn't know it at the time as she did not believe in medical care - Mom passed April 26, 2012), my Dad, on the other hand, had the most amazing physician, Dr. Lyon. Dad collapsed one Friday in 2011, lucky for us, a friend of a friend called Dr. Messenger, who was on call to visit with Dad. They were all WW2 Veterans, Air Force, Army and Dad who served in the Navy on the USS Iowa - Dr. Messenger diagnosed Dad almost immediately that he needed a pacemaker. He made sure Dad received that pacemaker the following day, Saturday.
Dr. Messenger was the kindest soul I have ever met. He gave us a good two and half years more with Dad. Daddy passed August 29, 2014.
I missed seeing Dr. Messenger during the last year of Dad's life during our regular visits to Dr. Messenger's amazing clinic.
You will forever in my heart.
Thank you Dr.Messenger.
With much love,
Susan Hinton and Carolyn Hinton

Dear Lynn, John Jr., Joel, & Kathleen,

I am saddened at the loss of John, who will always have a very special place in my heart, as will all of you. Growing up on the same street two doors down from you, and being the chosen babysitter during my teens, I still feel a close bond with all of you even after all these years.

John's gentle manner, wonderful laugh, sense of humor, and caring ways will remain in my heart forever.

My thoughts and prayers reach out to you during this difficult time. May God wrap His arms around each one of you, comfort you with His Love, & send flights of angels to keep you in His Light.

With many fond memories, & much love always,
Terri Pearson Smith

Dr. John was my physician for over 20 years. I owe him more than I could ever repay. He helped me through some very complicated circumstances, and I am forever grateful. I always felt he was a strong advocate and a friend. I will sincerely miss seeing him, and I offer my deepest condolences to the family.

Dr. Messenger and his team gave five children more than 20 years of additional quality years with their father. Our dad had a doctor who cared about his patients as people first. Dr. Messenger was a great man who did God's work on earth. Bless him and his family. Our sincerest condolences.

Sitting on the dock of the bay, I will always remember giving you a musical birthday card with this song and you tapping your hand to the beat and the big Dr. Messenger laugh as you leaned back from a long day of work on your birthday. Such a hard worker always, always caring and helping any way possible. Family first he always said, he loved his family tremendously. It was an honor working as your secretary and allowing me to learn things I couldn't have learned in the classroom. Cheers to a wise chief.
My regards to Mrs.Messenger and family.
God Bless

RIP Dr Messenger,
I was a nurse at Long Beach Memorial during the 80s and 90s and knew Dr Messenger very well. He was always a great resource and a great support to the nursing staff. He taught me many things, but most of all to be noble and do the right thing. Thank you Dr Messenger...you will never be forgotten. My thoughts and condolences to his friends and family.

John was a wonderful person. He played a major role in my training as a cardiologist. We were partners for 12 years. He was loved and admired by his patients and piers. He was a giant in cardiology and pioneered pacing. I had the honor of coauthoring several papers with him. My sincere regards to his family.
Paul S. Greenberg, M.D.

Dr. John Messenger was a giant of a man and legendary in Long Beach. He was a warm, compassionate Doctor with his patients. His extraordinary expertise was second to no one! I had the good fortune to have him as my cardiologist until he became too ill to continue his practice. I feel blessed! I want to thank his wife, sons and daughter for sharing him with all of us who had him for a physician. I only hope that he and his family had quality time together before he passed on! My prayers are with him and his wonderful family of whom he spoke with such pride. God bless!

I was a neighborhood kid with John and Joan. We would watch his Mom give Uncle Pete his insulin shot each morning. I always deviled John as being his FIRST surgery patient as he
swung a toy rake and cut me across the nose! One side is still numb to this day.
When the Messenger kids had whooping cough, I remember passing a harmonica back and forth. I've ever had whooping cough.

Dear Lynn,
Please accept my heart felt sympathy for your loss. I am so proud to know someone, who from a common childhood, rose (Mother with Nan's genes)to such heights of public service.

A sister-in-law from Los Palos Verdes, CA sent us the obituary.

God Bless, Jim Ferguson

[email protected]

My deep condolences to his wonderful family, friends, and patients. He was an inspiration to all of us in medicine and his legacy lives on in so many ways.
Dr. John Carroll and Family

So sorry for your loss. May the God of all comfort grant you peace at this difficult time.

God Bless Dr. Messenger,a very caring and gentle man.My father, Dr. John Barry, was a colleague,friend and patient of this special man. After my father's 1st bypass surgery he was reborn and for 7 years had a new love of life. Due to health complications he didn't survive a 2nd bypass. Dr. Messenger was very consoling and spent time with us. I also was a patient for a brief time and will never forget how he took time explaining my condition as stress related and assured me I would be ok. May you Rest In Peace Doctor.

He will always be here, and never gone, one big heart is who John is and he will always beat in all who loved and cherished this bigger than life Man. Love to all Margie Queen and Mack, and Famliy

a dear friend, a great physician, a loving father and husband, his memory will always be a part of us. with love to Lynn and the family, Karen and Jim wells

It comforts me to know that you and my Dad are laughing, having fun and sailing together. RIP sweet John.

Happy Sailing! Bon Voyage!

RIP Dr Messenger...... Always grateful for those nights you were working in SBH ER and backed up this novice cardiology nurse in CCU with arrhythmia interpretation. My condolences to your family.