John Francis Nash

John Francis

NASH

John Francis Nash, 87, passed away in his sleep November 20, 2008 at his home in Reno, Nevada. He was the son of Edmund Witherell Nash and Esther Judson (Auchincloss) Biltz. He was born in New York City, March 31, 1921. As John used to say, his mother pushed and pushed to prevent her son from being an “April Fool“.

In 1929, John, age 8, along with his sister, Anita Nash Harkins and brother, Edmund Witherell Nash, moved to Reno with their mother, who was obtaining a divorce. Shortly afterwards, his mother, Esther met Norman Biltz, whom she married and they had two children; Sheila Biltz O'Brien and Esther Biltz Langham. Norm Biltz daughter, from a previous marriage became John's stepsister.

John was attending Georgetown University when W.W.II broke out. Determined to help defend his country, John enlisted in the US Navy and became a 1st class Aviation radio man for a torpedo squadron while on the aircraft carrier, USS Suwannee stationed in Guadalcanal. While in the service John met and married his bride Mary Elizabeth Gough, October 11, 1944 whom he was married to for 64 years, until Mary passed away in July, 2007.

John is survived by his six children, Mimi Nash McNaughton of Honolulu, Hawaii, John (Jock) Francis Nash Jr. of Bethesda, Maryland, Geoffrey Jennings Nash of Lake Lurie, North Carolina, Norman Henry Biltz Nash of Reno, Nevada, Lisa Nash Williams of San Diego, and Esther (Tina) Nash Daniel of Sacramento, California; 16 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by sister, Anita Harkins of Olympia, Washington and stepsister Jeanne McNaughton of Palm Springs, California.

In his early years, John was a rancher and owned the Toll Ranch, a 4000 acre ranch near Fort Churchill. In 1958, he moved his family to Honolulu, Hawaii and was involved in real estate sales and later started and ran retail import business. In 1971, he returned to Reno to assist his stepfather, Norman Biltz with real estate management and development activities until he retired in 1980. John was a personable person who truly enjoyed people. No matter if it was one of his many grandchildren telling him their adventures of the day, a stranger on a walk along the Steamboat Ditch Trail, or a fellow shopper at the market; he treated each and everyone with the same courtesy and warmth. He was a true gentleman and the epitome of unconditional love.

We all leave this world with nothing other than our spirit. What is important to mankind is that we leave behind something of value. John showed us all unconditional love and the ability to give and forgive. Our society would not have the problems we experience today if there were more people who followed those principals and qualities of human behavior. The world is truly a sadder place without him, but all of us who knew John have been blessed by his all encompassing love. One of the comforts the family has is knowing he is now joined with his loving wife, as she opens her arms and says “Here I am“.

At his request, there will be no funeral service. Some of the organizations John supported were The Northern Nevada Food Bank, The Humane Society and St. Mary's Hospice. Arrangements entrusted to Walton Funeral Home, 875 W. 2nd St., Reno, NV 89503

John Nash shall be remembered most by his witty humor, his optimistic attitude and foremost his generosity.