John Richard Serdar

Saw John at the June 19, 2024, Jaycee Mixer at the Mixx. The monthly gatherings are just as loud as ever. We went outside to be able to talk. John´s smile and keen interest in the success of others once more was a wonderful gift. Learned that Keagan and Kelleigh will be seniors this fall. Thanks to Laura for having pointed me in the right direction for a retaining wall. John will be a loss to all of the many, many of us in whom he had a sincere interest in our success. He made that Rose Parade float happen while reuniting with Illinois kin and appreciating others. He made our lives, and our souls, better. Cindy and I say thanks John.

John was such an enthusiastic father and community member. He was not only a skilled woodworker, but a generous one. I remember when he donated his time and effort to make charcuterie boards for a CHLA Guild fundraiser- his projects were loved by everyone and his kindness did not go unnoticed.
The Buchanan family

John meant a lot of things to a lot of people, but I will always remember him as the personification of a dedicated Dad. We were fellow Y Tribe members when our kids were young, when we all were young, and John stood out as a guy who just clearly loved being a fun Dad. Every year for Pinewood Derby, John opened his home and workshop at any time or day to dads and sons and helped us produce racers complete with spoilers, fins and little drivers - well beyond the limited woodworking skills of most of us. He was giving with his time and talent, but especially with his enthusiasm.

Another fond memory was when we had snow in the hills above La Canada and John went up the Crest, filled his pickup with snow and brought it to his front yard hillside and made a sled run for all to enjoy. Kids came from all over to slide and dogpile down that hill, but no one had more fun than John. So many small yet significant moments that me and my son Kevin carry with us today.

Laura, thank you for sharing him with us. Jarrick, Keagan and Kelleigh, I know your Dad´s love and generous enthusiasm for life will live in each of you and will shape who you might become as parents one day. He´ll have fun watching.

What a terrific guy. So curious about everything and a totally devoted dad. He adored those kids and was so good to their friends. This breaks my heart. Love to Laura, Jarrick, Keagan and Kelleigh

John came to work at Totum in 2014. We were managing the Beverly Hills school district project and we loaded him over for our three year run. Smart and absolutely caring and conscientious construction manager with his design background. I have often thought about how I’ll get him back to Totum, but I guess time has run out. I think of him now and then over the last few years and of course in the future it will be fondness and some sadness. i’m sure he is up there managing projects for God. he was too young to go. xxx

I met John as we volunteered at a camp for children with Muscular Dystrophy near Bloomington, Il., in 1979. He was caring and respectful, with a great sense of humor, and strong work ethic. The children at the camp loved him. I am so sorry to hear this. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.