John Maccoun

MACCOUN, John June 13, 1927- February 6, 2013 John was born in San Mateo, Calif. on June 13, 1927 to Mabel (Spraggon) and William E. Maccoun. He was raised on the shores of Marin County and as a boy witnessed the construction and opening of the Golden Gate Bridge. This likely influenced his lifelong love of major civil engineering projects and his career choice as a Civil Engineer. He left high school during World War II and served in the U. S. Merchant Marine in the Pacific War Zone. He was later inducted into the U.S. Army and took part in the early occupation of Japan. Upon return to the States he attended Purdue University and later graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a degree in Civil Engineering. John then worked on several highway and bridge construction projects throughout California. In 1961 after marrying Betty La Sarte, he accepted employment with Placer County as an Assistant Civil Engineer. He would live the rest of his life in Placer County and retired in 1987 as the longtime Placer County Director of Public Works. John believed strongly in the value of quality public service, safe roadway design, and well designed public infrastructure. He generously shared his values, love, skills, and attention with his children. He flew private planes in his younger years, built and flew elaborate radio controlled model planes in retirement, was a longtime 49'ers and Giants fan, and loved any fishing trip that passed under the Golden Gate. John is survived by his wife Betty La Sarte Maccoun; children James ( wife Tawnya Zuckswert), Jerry (wife Denise), and Monica; brother William E. Maccoun and sister in law Marge; grandchildren Curtis, Brandon (wife Jeanee), Meghann Nepil (husband Steve), and Skyler; great-grandchildren Ryder and Jaxson. John was predeceased by his parents, brothers Andrew and James, and his sister Caroline. There will be a private, Catholic, graveside service in his beloved Sierra Nevada Mountains at a later date.