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John Wedemeyer Obituary
John M. Wedemeyer, Jr. died in San Diego on February 17, 2010 with his family at his side after a three-year battle with cancer. He began his career as a Child Protective Services Worker with San Diego County. In the 1970's, he was the founding director of two influential community agencies San Diego Youth Services and the Community Congress of San Diego and advocated for Federal legislation, which was passed to assist runaway youth. In 1985 he became the director of the June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth, and Families in the SDSU Research Foundation, where he managed over fifteen youth service projects and a Faculty Fellows program. After retirement in 2009, he became an adjunct faculty member in the School of Social Work at SDSU. Recently, the Board Room at San Diego Youth Services was named in his honor and he was selected to join the Social Work Hall of Distinction. John was an active member of St. Luke's Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife Marianne, his daughter Anne, his sister Karen, his mother, and his niece Kandy. A service will be held this Friday February 26th at 3:00 pm at Saint Luke's Episcopal Church in San Diego. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that donations may be sent to either the San Diego Youth Services 3255 Wing Street, SD, CA 92110 or Saint Luke's Refugee Network 4305 University Ave, SD, CA 92105.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Wedemeyer
Kim Brannon
March 17, 2010
I was deeply saddened to hear of John's passing today. I worked with John at the June Burnett Institute. When I first came to the Institute, I was a young professional, and petrified of John. As time passed I learned so much from him. I came to understand and know him as a brilliant man, a compassionate heart, and a generous spirit. May he rest in peace knowing he touched the lives of many through his works, and ignited the spirit of service in others through his example. My condolences to his family.
Nan McGonagle
March 1, 2010
I happened to be in San Diego and was attending church at St. Andrew's in Encinitas. An announcement was made about John's death. I was shocked and stunned. Marianne and Anne, you both have my deepest sympathy.
John was a great guy. He and I didn't always see eye-to-eye on things political, but I always respected his opinion and enjoyed his company. Larry and I considered him one of the best parts of St. Luke's. We served together on the calling committee that brought Father David to St. Luke's. That was when I really got to know John. Those were good days. God bless you and keep you. Maybe John and Larry will run into one another in heaven and relive old times.
Sparky Harlan
February 26, 2010
I served on the Board of the National Network for Youth in the 1970s with John and knew him when he was Executive Director of San Diego Youth Services. I always loved how he would look at the big picture of youth services and draw all these charts and pictures. He had a great sense of humor and I always remember him commenting that his kids would play "meeting" instead of "house" when they were little. He was a great guy that left his mark on the world.
February 26, 2010
I was saddened to read about John's death. He was a very special human being. My condolences to the family.Art Letter
Steve Rosenberg
February 26, 2010
I lived next door to John and his wife for almost six years. He was a great guy and made a great neighbor. He always had time to say hello. We will miss his presence in the neighborhood.
Robin King
February 25, 2010
I learned so much from John- as I know many others did. May we all leave this world knowing that we have contributed as much as John Wedemeyer did... I can barely stand thinking about how much more he had to give, but love to think of him smiling down on us from above as he is in this photo.
Tom Packard
February 25, 2010
John was my boss, mentor, teacher, colleague, and valued friend. For years I have passed on to my Social Work Administration students the practice knowledge and passion for service that I learned from him. His influence and legacy will endure through the work of countless social work administrators and policy advocates. He will be missed and always remembered.
Chip Atkin
February 24, 2010
John was a huge gift to the community and the Social Work profession. He worked at all levels of social work to make progress, the individual the organization, the community (building institutions and advocating for changes in laws). He developed creative models to address unserved people and advance the approaches of the profession. He was a mentor where ever he worked and he brought out the best in people, often times helping them realized they were more capable then they had dreamed. He was a good friend and wonderful person. Chip Atkin, Petaluma, CA
Dennis Doyle
February 24, 2010
I met John back in his Community Congress days. He was a charismatic and brilliant leader who inspired everyone around him. I was delighted when he became Director of the June Burnett Institute for Children, Youth, and Families at SDSU. John made a lasting impact on the Human Services field and, by doing so, he improved the quality of children's lives. He will be missed.
Jim Beatty
February 24, 2010
My sincere condolences to the family and friends of John Wedemeyer. He was a true soldier of social work, dedicated, caring, and tireless. His work ethic was beyond imagination. Among his many other accomplishments, he provided leadership to the June Burnette Institute, was instrumental in bringing the Faculty Fellows Program into the Institute, and worked continuously for youth and family. May he rest in peace, knowing that he made a difference in the lives of many and that he will be remembered for his efforts.
Nancy Fastenau
February 24, 2010
He will be missed. He had a great impact on me as a youth worker and networker. He always, always, made me see the big picture. He continues to be an inspiration.
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