John Alden BRISTOW

BRISTOW, John Alden
September 16, 1922 - August 5, 2010

Passed away peacefully in his home at the age of 87. Preceded in death by his wife of 61 years, Betty. Survived by daughter Susan Bristow, sons Richard (Sue Joy), Jim (Dagmar), and John (Kathi), 9 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. Grew up in Martinez, CA. Graduated from Alhambra High School in 1940. Upon graduation enlisted in the Army Air Corp and was stationed in the Philippines when WWII began. Member of the 20th Persuit Squadron. Captured in April 1942 by the Japanese and survived the infamous Bataan Death March. Served 5 years in the Army of which 3 1/2 years were spent in Japanese prison camps.

John returned to marry his high school sweetheart Betty on January 20, 1946. Moved to San Luis Obispo where he enrolled and graduated from Cal Poly in 1948. Met his business partner James P. Lewis and relocated to Sacramento to officially form Lewis and Bristow Builders. L&B Builders became a prestigious corporation; building and designing custom homes and commercial facilities. Became President of the Building Industry Association of Superior California in 1957. Received Industry Association Past Presidents award in 1986 for overwhelming dedication on behalf of the construction industry. In 2007 he was featured in the WWII documentary, The Inheritance of War that was presented at the Palm Springs film festival in 2008.

Very active in community service and a member of the Sacramento Suburban Kiwanis since 1967. John and Betty were major contributors to the construction of the Kiwanis Family House. One of his many projects was helping to feed the needy and continuously kept the food closet full at the Kiwanis Family House.

Loving husband and father, a kind gentle soul, a survivor, a hero. He will be greatly missed.

Memorial services will be held on August 18, 2010 at 10am at the East Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary, 5757 Greenback Lane, Sacramento. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are welcomed by the Kiwanis Family House, 2875 50th Street, Sacramento, CA 95817.