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John Chiles Obituary
July 3, 1948 - January 12, 2020
John Seaborn Chiles was born in San Francisco on July 3rd, 1948. He spent his early years in Hong Kong, Hawaii and Australia. John attended Medical School in Bologna and did his Emergency Department residency in New Orleans. He returned to San Francisco in the early 1980s, where he practiced ED medicine for ~36 years. He continued to surf the City's home breaks while building his version of paradise in southern Baja- where he spent an abundance of time with his son, girlfriend and their dog. John channeled the colors of the beach and ocean with water color paintings and drawings. Dr. Chiles was known to be a master of pranks to those whom he loved; yet he could always be counted on for medical advice or interventions to anyone. He was self-taught in both Italian and Spanish, as well as being the second surfer to ever adventure out at Fort Point. John was a loyal member of the Pedro Point Surf Club for the past few decades. John's seal-bark impression will always be heard echoing across the waters even though he and his red longboard have since departed.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Chiles
S
January 14, 2025
Susan, your BFQ forever
January 14, 2025
Five years, but you live in my heart, baby. Listening to the playlist you made for me and re-reading all the cards. Miss you.
Cindy
July 3, 2024
Happy heavenly birthday JC
Susan
January 13, 2024
Four years absent - Pepper and I miss your sweet soul so much. I remember giving you that Chilli shirt-made for you! Love always, Your BFQ
Cindy
July 4, 2023
Happy Heavenly Birthday JC.
Susan,
I hope you and Pepper are doing well! It´s still so hard to comprehend that John passed. I am so sorry for your loss! Not sure if you remember me, we met at the house long ago. He showed photos of the house in Baja. You were both so excited.
Best regards and take good care,
Cindy Jung, Brantingham Lake, NY
Susan Kare
July 3, 2023
Susan Kare
July 3, 2023
Susan Kare
July 3, 2023
Susan Kare
July 3, 2023
Susan Kare
July 3, 2023
Today would have been your 75th birthday. Wish we could have celebrated. Love you forever, baby. Susan
Susan Kare
May 24, 2023
Susan Kare
May 24, 2023
Susan Kare
May 24, 2023
Susan Kare
May 24, 2023
Five years ago, we traveled. May your light never stop shining, my love.
Lesleigh
March 23, 2023
Dear Susan,
Am so sad that this note is so after the fact...
My heart is with you for your loss of John. These pictures are so beautiful and the love between you is palpable.
We have never met. My name is Lesleigh Tolin.
I flew for Pan Am and met your sweetheart, John, in my 20´s. He was flying to Hawaii on one of our jets that I was working which was piloted by his amazing father, Captain Seaborn Chiles.
We began dating in San Francisco, shared some wonderful adventures for a short time and amicably went our separate ways.
For the brief time we knew one another, I so admired his huge heart and brilliant mind. I couldn´t believe that he studied in Italy to become a doc!
Some years later we met again just to catch up and he told me about his great love, you! I was so happy for him.
Captain Chiles became my friend while I flew the Pacific and told me some colorful stories about his years in the air.
Given that I am now a youthful senior, I think about special people and wonder how they are doing in this crazy adventure that we each call life.
I was so stunned and saddened to read of John´s death! Such a shock. He seemed like he would be 100 and still loving his passion for being in the waves on his board!!
Please accept my sincere condolences for your loss of your loving partner.
I hope this finds you healthy and happy.
Every warm wish,
Lesleigh
lesleighjtolin.com
Susan & Pepper
February 6, 2023
Susan & Pepper
February 6, 2023
Susan & Pepper
February 6, 2023
Miss being in Baja in February together. xS
Susan, who loves you always
January 26, 2023
Susan, who loves you always
January 26, 2023
Susan, who loves you always
January 26, 2023
Susan, who loves you always
January 26, 2023
Oh baby, three years since the most terrible night. Doesn´t get any easier. Love you and miss you so much. xoxo
Cindy
January 11, 2023
Still think about you often. Had I known you were ill..I would have come back to CA to say thank you again for helping my mom. Appreciate everything you did and the friendship we had.
Cindy
July 4, 2022
Happy heavenly birthday!
Susan
July 3, 2022
Susan
July 3, 2022
Susan
July 3, 2022
Susan
July 3, 2022
Happy birthday, my ! Pepper and I miss you every day.
Theodore j Weiner DVM
May 26, 2022
Wow, I was a friend of John´s in bologna while he was attending med school. He was larger than life ,full of positive energy,charismatic and s pecial person. A few years back I actually spoke with him and talked about one day meeting up I am sure it is a great loss for all his family,friends and patients . Be safe my friend. Love
Susan Kare
January 13, 2022
It´s been two years. Still miss you every day. xS
Laurie B. Callies
October 8, 2021
Aloha Susan,
Purging files took a very sad turn after finding photos of and letters from John that prompted an online search of his whereabouts so I could return to him some of the memorabilia of our time together, including photographs of his father, "The Captain." This led me to this site and the stunning news of his death.
I am deeply sorry for your loss, Susan. John looks so happy in these posted photographs and I am certain your presence in his life brought him great joy. Clearly, from comments on this site John´s exuberant personality, his kalohe (rascal) ways, brilliant mind, big heart and a champion for those in need continued to define him.
John and I met on Waikiki beach in the early 70´s. This bronzed and blond curly-head surfer with exquisite eyes, infectious laugh, a swag and oozing confidence, captured my youthful heart. We were together for several years but ultimately the romance waned and we went our separate ways. I lost track of "Chili" after our last conversation about seven years ago.
Susan, if you are in touch with Hunter would you kindly convey my condolences and the message that if he would like what photos I have of his father and grandfather, I am happy to send them to him - or you.
I can be reached at [email protected]
Warm Aloha,
Laurie Breeden Callies
Cindy
July 4, 2021
Happy heavenly birthday!
Susan Kare
July 3, 2021
Happy (what would have been your 73rd) birthday, baby
Susan Kare
June 22, 2021
Love you, baby.
Marlene Perez
June 10, 2021
He was an amazing father, doctor and such kind loving person. Love the pictures.
Cindy
June 10, 2021
Susan,
Love the photo memories.
Hope all is well.
Susan Kare
June 9, 2021
Miss you always
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
John and Pepper loved each other. She was our constant companion, and he always covered her at night with a little blanket. Now she sleeps with one of his old jackets, and I dream of her reaction if only she could see him again.
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
I miss all our trips in the van.
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
John helped me install this board where I worked in 2015.
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
Our Valentines Day, 2013
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
The day we got our dog, Pepper.
Susan Kare
January 24, 2021
I miss my sweetheart every day.
Kelly King
January 23, 2021
I met John through my husband Austin , friend and fellow surfer at Ft. Point. Had the good fortune to spend time with John in the Baja with our family. I was just thinking of him. His charm, his energy, his wittiness, his kindness and inclusive nature. He was so endearing and sweet with our kids on that trip. I will always think of him and remember him so fondly. He was a true gem of a human being. Hunter , you had a good mentor for sure. Your Dad is thought of often .
Kathy Arnold
September 24, 2020
I worked with Dr. Chiles at JMH. He was always approachable & pleasant. He was a good physician, as well as a good person. He will be missed! RIP Dr. Chiles!
Marlene Perez
August 25, 2020
He was an amazing person, loved surfing and the water, But he loved his work.. He was an amazing Doctor. The best ER Doctor, working with him in the ER, as a nurse was a privilage. He truly cared about his patients.I will miss him
Cindy Jung
August 18, 2020
Hunter,
Just seeing this and I’ve lost your email! Saddened to hear about your dad. Met him just before his 50th birthday while assigned to Summit Hospital. lLast saw him in 2014, when he was so helpful with my mom. We spoke about your mom,Sally..he had tears in his eyes because he finally understood! What a special person he was..always willing to help others. His love of the water and surfing. Something that has been instilled with you especially with the surf city program! You’ve made your dad proud! Water was his peace...and he will always be with you! Ride that longboard in paradise JC! Take good care Cindy...aka Itchy.
Marlene Perez
July 28, 2020
The best ER doctor that I have ever worked with! He truly loved his work and was so compassionate with his patients.
Marlene
July 28, 2020
John was amazing. I worked with him in the ER at John Muir for many years, He was my boyfriend for many years, and he helped me go to school so I could get my masters in Nursing and my FNP. He was amazing.. So kind and smart. I will miss him every day.
Barry Gustin
April 18, 2020
1988. Providence Hospital. My second year in ER practice. John was signing out an Medi-Cal Ob patient to me. It was a busy day, a hot summer day. The nurse didn't give him what he asked for, and because he was John, full of life and passion, and totally dedicated to his patients, he promptly took the speculum that was in his hand and threw it against the wall. Classic Chiles. I lost touch with him after two years in this ER, but I never forgot. For sure, he was one of the most original ER docs I've worked with over a 35 year career. - Barry Gustin, MD
Jim Gallagher
March 13, 2020
John was an excellent surfer and generally a fine athlete. As well as surfing Ocean Beach, Pacifica, etc., he ran from his home through Golden Gate park on a regular basis.
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