John Rafter Obituary
John was a Tai Chi instructor, calligrapher, artist, and an ancient rock art investigator.
John is survived by his loving family: Marion Doolittle and Mark Wilson. John will be greatly missed by everyone who knew and loved him.
Condolences for the family may be sent through our website.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
People and places connected with John
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Mary Jespersen
August 15, 2025
I find that I frequently think of John. His loss has had a tremendous impact on me. We loved spending time with him and sharing things. When we heard he was in the hospital I thought for sure he would be okay. I couldn´t image losing such a kind innocent soul. No matter where we travel I have memories of him being with us. I am grateful we became friends and will always be impacted by his loss. He was the kindest, gentlest soul one could ever know. The world is better because he was here.
Jerri Walton
August 14, 2025
I know it's late but i just found out about John's passing. He was an Awesome teacher, and I'm grateful to have made his acquaintance. Thank You for being a part of so many lives..Restful Peace..
Martín and Mary Jespersen
August 12, 2025
John was a good friend of my wife and me. We share a common love of Native American archaeology. We spent many a time hiking and documenting sites. He was a smart and kind friend. He will surely be missed. Rest in peace my good friend.
Charlee Reasor & Gina Harrell
May 5, 2025
Thinking of John today on his birthday
Thank you John, for all you shared with us while you were here
You will be Remembered & Missed Always .....
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Janice Guzman
February 15, 2025
Just woke up thinking of John Rafter on this day, February 15, 2025 for some reason. I had him as my Tai Chi instructor at the Irwindale Senior Center and loved this man. He had so many interesting hobbies that he shared with his class. He always talked about the lovely Polish family that invited him to Thanksgiving Dinner each year which sparked my interest since I am Polish too! As a student we were all so disappointed when John stopped teaching Tai Chi because of Covid and wearing masks. See, he was deaf and no longer could read our lips to speak openly to his students which hindered his story telling that he enjoyed so much. You are an amazing and beautiful person that I had the pleasure to meet. You are truly missed and I'm saddened by your early death. Hope to see you again my sweet friend!
Charlee Reasor & Gina Harrell
January 9, 2025
We just learned of John's transition.
We first met when he asked to explore our Native American historical sites in the Antelope Valley. He returned many times over the years, sometimes bringing others to share his joy. John was a Kind , Intelligent, Curious & Determined human being with many interests. John actually made a difference in so many people's lives. What a beautiful legacy to leave behind.
Thank you, John, for including us in your wondrous journey on this earth. You will be missed by All who knew you.
James P. Shirley
January 22, 2024
I just found out about the passing of John on Saturday, January 20, 2024. My sincere condolences to the family. I will keep the family lifted up in prayer. John was a kind and caring teacher, who valued his students.
He was a great teacher and will be miss. His classes were educational, Informative, fun, and interactive. I am glad that God allow our paths to cross. John was a friend and I will always remember the good times I had in his classes, friendships that I made, and the talks we had. John RIP my friend.
James P.Shirley
Mary Nunez
January 18, 2024
I was in John's Tai Chi Class and had so much fun learning from him. It was amazing how he would jump on and off the stage without groaning. He took his class so serious. There won't be another teacher like him. RIP John.
Louise Cronk
January 11, 2024
John was an amazing teacher. He loved people and was an incredible tai chi teacher. His classes were so big. everyone loved John . he was so much fun and he created a family with his warmth and concern. He is truly missed. He introduced me to a practice I didn´t think I would like. He changed my life in such a quiet and lasting way.
Joe Maresh
December 11, 2023
We knew John for over 15 years through his TaiChi classes and Calligraphy.
So very sorry to hear of his passing.
Joe and Sally Maresh
Shelby White
December 6, 2023
I worked with John at MtSAC for over 15 years and I am so saddened to hear of his passing! We have never been able to find a calligraphy instructor to replace him! He was one of a kind.
Jenny Allen
December 4, 2023
John Rafter was my first calligraphy teacher. He studied under Donald Jackson, the creative director of the St. John´s Bible. John was a great calligrapher, teacher and resected by his students. He will be truly missed.
With deepest sympathy.
Kristi Darwick
November 24, 2023
John encouraged his Mt SAC calligraphy students to visit the Society for Calligraphy's February 2018 exhibit at the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. I'm in the front, demoing brush lettering and John and my fellow classmates are gathered behind. John was a beloved instructor--we took his class year after year. Some had been with him for over 33 years!
Conchi Jorge
November 24, 2023
I just now this moment found out that John passed away. It was a shock to me to read that news. He was my Tai-chi and calligraphy instructor prior to COVID. I'm very sorry to hear he has left our world. My sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.
Lilian Adea
November 24, 2023
It was when John, I and my 3 collegues Lanny, Steve and Lee went to Ikea to have lunch
Janet M
November 24, 2023
I first met John in Donald Jackson's year long Calligraphy class as a fellow student. I remember him as a very nice person. He and I both went on to teach Calligraphy to adult students. When everything went online because of Covid, he decided to stop teaching Calligraphy and to concentrate more on his Tai Chi and such. I inherited some of his students who were sad that he wouldn't be their teacher anymore. We had been in touch since then. He will be missed.
Showing 1 - 16 of 16 results
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