John Camp

1947 - 2015

John Camp

October 29, 1947 - May 26, 2015

John Camp, a remarkable man who touched many lives, died on May 26th.

John dedicated himself thoroughly to what he valued and believed. This passion started early in life, and solidified while volunteering with VISTA, serving low income developmentally disabled adults in North Carolina during the 1960's memorable Civil Rights movement. This experience led him to Friends World College where he pursued a degree in psychology and social services while living and working in India, Africa and Europe.

John gave many years of service to both the Developmentally Disabled and HIV Communities through work, volunteer and board roles. He started his career working with the developmentally disabled, and in the early days of HIV/AIDS provided leadership and training for the Contra Costa Health Department. John was instrumental in the formation of services for people with HIV and AIDS in Contra Costa County as the executive director of both the Diablo Valley AIDS Center and the AIDS Community Network. He used these positions to bring much needed services to the community with the same passion he pursued in all his work developing programs, raising money, and enhancing the lives of clients. His creativity inspired others in program development and in wonderful, unusual and remarkable fundraising events; once one attended, one wouldn't dare miss the next event.

Throughout John's career he also volunteered extensively. He served on the Board of Directors of the Contra Costa Association of Retarded Citizens and Coming Home Hospice of San Francisco as well as connected personally through service with the clients of Project Open Hand, Visiting Nurses and Hospice of San Francisco and the Special Olympics. He received many awards for his life's work, too numerous to mention; all in recognition of his outstanding leadership and selfless contributions to others. John's huge heart emphasized the capacity to love those in need.

John's essence was reflected in the exquisitely crafted, creative and individually centered thank you cards he created; they reflected his thoughtful, sensitive, appreciative, and loving nature that also embodied the life he led. A simple birthday dinner in his honor evoked a two page thank you; attentive to even the smallest details, with genuine and effusive appreciation.

John had long lasting friendships met in all walks of life; this included his large extended family, many of whom, like John, grew up and remained in the Bay Area. People gravitated to John and would not let go. John created amazing energy in friendships, being a faithful and reliable friend who cared about people deeply. He was considered the favorite cousin in his very large family and brought such warmth, connection and strong ties to many of his cousins' children. As much as people were drawn to John, John was pulled to his nephew Christopher. Chris was the light of John's life. John's favorite time was undoubtedly the time he spent with Chris; being together brought John great joy. John had a lifelong connection, sympatico and very close relationship with his sister, Marianne. To John, Marianne was not only a sister, but a best friend and constant companion. John, with, Marianne, Marianne's partner Marta and Christopher, had a deep family bond of love.

John had HIV for many years; often downplaying the toll it took on him. This past year, it became much clearer how much pain and discomfort he was in; never wanting to burden anyone, he didn't talk about this much. John was particularly appreciative of and relied on the wisdom, guidance and kindness of both Dr. David Jull-Patterson, his Psychologist and Dr. Mark Higgins, his Physician, without whom this journey would have been so much harder. He was so thankful to be cared for exquisitely during two stays with Maitri Hospice. John could not thank enough the many people surrounding him, who offering a token of giving, as people were honored to be a part of his life.

A Celebration of Life for John will be held on July 25th from 1:00-4:00pm at the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco in Kanbar Hall: 3200 California Street. Directions can be found at www.jccsf.org/the-center/general-information/directions. For more information contact Karen Latham, (415) 637-2858, kflatham@gmail.com or Jamie Moran, jammoran@aol.com. John requested in lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity.