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BORN
1958
DIED
2019
John Raifsnider Obituary
John Dean Raifsnider went home to be with our Lord on November 8, 2019. John was born on October 4th, 1958 in San Diego, California, to Charles LeRoy and Missouri Lillian (Craft) Raifsnider. He was the youngest of four children. When John was a teen, he went to live with Reverend Richard Francis and Alice Ann Ashley and their two sons, Dean and Bryn. The Ashley's welcomed John with open arms.
John is survived by Tammy (Lemke), his wife of 41 years, as well as his son Daniel (Danielle) and his daughter Sarah (Chris) Barclay. In addition, he leaves behind his biggest blessing in life, his five grandchildren, Christian and Riley Raifsnider, and Harper, Asher, and Micah Barclay. He is also survived by his dad, Richard Ashley, brothers Dean (Marianna) and Bryn (Ruth) Ashley, half-sister Jane Phipps, sister Sandra Jordan, as well as a number of cherished nieces, nephews, and sisters and brothers-in-law.
John attended Kennedy High School in Barstow and entered the United States Navy in 1977. While enlisting in the Navy in Los Angeles, he met and fell in love with his wife, Tammy, who was entering the Air Force. They got married in San Angelo, Texas, in 1978 and moved from there to Berlin, Germany. John's next move was to Monterey, where he worked in the auto parts field and began his life-long love for working on cars and all things automotive.
In 1987, John and his family moved back to Berlin, Germany, where John worked on the Flight Line at Templehof Airbase. His proudest moment during that tour in Berlin was being able to tour Air Force One while President Reagan was in Berlin to give his famous speech in which he urged President Gorbachev to "tear down this wall." John and his family moved to Fallbrook in 1994. John started on a new career path photography and writing. He wrote and took pictures for the Fallbrook Village News, The Scout newspaper at Camp Pendleton and The North County Times. His favorite type of story to write were the human interest stories. He loved talking to people and hearing about their journey in life.
John's memorial service will be held at Life Pointe Church in Fallbrook on November 23, 2019 at 2:00 pm.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Raifsnider
5 Entries
Estela
October 28, 2023
My dear friend after all these years that I decided to look for you to share with you the legacy of my late husband Nick Hardwick. And sadly find that you have joined him. Always will remember you and your sweet kindness. Estela
John Batson
January 10, 2021
To Tammy, Sarah, And Daniel.
I was surprised and saddened when I ran across the obituary regarding John's passing! I saw it today. I will miss him and our friendship back in the 70's when I left for UC Santa Barbara. He always brought a warm heart and a caring smile with him when we visited each other. What a great man he was. I was fortunate to know him and then his full life began so we both were not good about keeping in touch. Just know how much I loved him as a friend and and please know my life was enriched because of him.
My condolences to you. I know what it is like when losing a dear family member!
Feel free to email me if you wish to email me.
Peace be with you even through the grief.
John Batson
Karen Ossenfort (formerly Colterman)
December 12, 2019
I'm saddened by the news of John's death. I was fortunate to call him friend from the first time he went to shoot news photos for the Fallbrook edition of the North County Times. He was passionate about the news, and his photos and stories shared that.
My heart and prayers go out to you Tammy, your children, and all the family. Thank you for sharing John with us all. Blessings and hugs!!!
Brenda Jaleel
November 19, 2019
Sending hugs to the family. Gary and I attended Sarah and Chris's wedding and we saw the joy that filled the family. We will remember John's humorist speech and cherish his love of family and friends. Brenda Jaleel and Gary Sherman
Barbara Oleksy
November 17, 2019
Tammy, Sarah & Daniel
My heart goes out to you ! Please accept my deepest condolences, love and prayers!
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