John Pitcairn

John Rodger Pitcairn 76, lost his impressive 9 year battle with cancer on Feb 27th. He passed away with his wife Maria at his side. His son Rodger was visiting at their home in Ross at the time. John had a long, successful career as a Chartered Accountant in the U.S. and his native Canada. In the 1960s, John prepared U.S. tax returns for foreign artists who sang at the SF Opera. These included Margaret Price, Teresa Berganza, and Luciano Pavarotti. During much of his career, he served as an expert witness in economic damage cases throughout the world. John had been married for 46 years when his wife Bernice passed away in 2001. The following year, he met Maria Van Buskirk, a recent widow. They married in 2003. John and Maria supported many cultural, educational and humanitarian organizations. John served as President of Marin Symphony from 2007-2009 and was Chairman of the Board 2009-2010. He served on the board of both the SF Opera and Santa Barbara Opera from 2010 until his passing. He was a very active member of St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross, the St. Francis Yacht Club, Rolls Royce Owner's Club, and Il Cenacolo (a men's group devoted to Italian opera and culture). Beloved husband, father, "bonus father" to Karen and Kristina, friend and mentor, John will be remembered for his philanthropy and his passion for music, travel and life. A service will be held at St. John's Episcopal Church in Ross at 2pm on Sunday, April 1st. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity in his memory would be lovely.