John Chisholm

1923 - 2011

John Peter Chisholm

John died peacefully from natural causes in Reno, NV on June 24, 2011. Born in Poughkeepsie, NY, on Dec. 1, 1923, he spent his childhood in Nova Scotia, Canada, and attended St. Francis Xavier University. He later transferred to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston, where he earned a master's degree in electrical engineering. He was a brilliant student and accomplished athlete, and as a boxer he earned the moniker Red Chisholm, which reflected both his actual hair as well as his tenacious, gritty spirit.

Upon leaving MIT he began his aviation electronics career with Bell Aircraft, and quickly earned a name for himself by developing an electronic landing system for air craft carriers, whose basic concept and design is still in use today. After leaving Bell he co-founded Sierra Research Corporation in Buffalo, NY, named so because John, an avid skier, was already researching a move west.

John married Doris Backlund in 1956, and the following year they bought their home in Squaw Valley, where they raised five children and began a love affair with the natural beauty of the Sierra. Together John and Doris founded Sierra Nevada Corporation in Reno, and for twenty years they commuted there from Squaw Valley. The family traveled extensively, living for periods in Hawaii, Boston, the Philippines, and Africa. John also worked in Alaska, Antarctica, Russia, Europe, and Israel. He and Doris were married for twenty-nine years, until she died of cancer in 1986.

Considered a true engineering genius by many in the aviation navigation industry, John was elected to the Nevada Inventors Hall of Fame in 1991. But beyond his plethora of career accomplishments, he was a loving dad, an engaging storyteller, a friend to the downtrodden, and a defender of the wild places he loved. He participated in the establishment of the Granite Chief Wilderness Area, and he was instrumental in preserving Shirley Canyon from development. He served on the Squaw Valley Mutual Water Company for many years.

John is survived by his five children, five grandchildren, his sister Nancy, and many dear friends from Squaw Valley and around the country.

A Celebration of John's life will be held at the Squaw Valley Chapel on July 30, 2011 from 11-2, followed by an optional hike up Shirley Canyon. Dress is casual. In lieu of flowers, please send donations in John's name to the Mountain Area Preservation Foundation. Please visit www.chisholm-family.com to view photos and share memories.