John R. Mock

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of John R. Mock, a renowned architect from San Diego. John passed away on February 5, 2024, at the age of 89. John was a man of great talent, humor and integrity who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.John grew up in Detroit, Michigan with his sister Marilyn and his parents Reginald and Virginia. He attended the University of Detroit where he earned his Bachelor of Architectural Engineering Degree in 1957. Following his studies, he served in the U.S. Army as Reserve 2nd Lt. at Fort Lee in Virginia. In 1958, he married Margaret "Peggy" Keeley and they moved to San Diego and started their family.John's architectural career began when he worked for Frank Hope (1958-1963) before co-founding Hendrick and Mock Architects (1963-1994). Under John's guidance, his firm designed a host of modern hotels, restaurants, churches, and meeting facilities. His most notable works include the Timken Museum of Art (1962), Hanalei Hotel and Islands Restaurant (1964-1981), Town and Country Hotel (1968), as well as the Mock Residence (1969), Ullman Residence (1964), and Hindman Residence (1961). John's architectural legacy will always be remembered for his outstanding Mid-century and Polynesian works.John's work was widely recognized and received numerous design awards throughout his career. His impressive contributions to the architectural community were featured in books such as "90 Years of Classic San Diego Tiki" and his career documented online at ModernSanDiego.com. An Instagram page dedicated to his architectural legacy, @johnmockarchitecture, is a testament to his creativity and vision.In his personal life, John was an avid reader, golfer, poker and bridge enthusiast, watcher of old Western movies and champion of the family fantasy football league. He loved to travel and was passionate about researching and sharing stories of family and architectural history. John's love for his wife and family was evident in everything he did. Peggy, his wife of 61 years, passed away in 2019, and he is survived by his five children: Dennis (Lynn) Mock, Karen (Dennis) Becker, Norine (Robert) Kjolsing, Brian Mock, Kevin (Alison) Mock. He leaves behind twelve grandchildren: Eric, Ryan, Jason, Sean, Matthew, Michael, Erin, Caitlin, Madison, Rielly, Sloane and Clare and three great-grandchildren: Lucas, James, and Hailey.John's legacy will continue to live on through his impressive designs and the love and memories that his family and friends have for him. He will be missed dearly.A memorial mass to celebrate John's life will be held on March 8th at St. Therese Catholic Church in Del Cerro at 11 am. Contributions in his honor may be made to the Timken Museum of Art or the University of Detroit Mercy.