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John Walters Obituary
December 25, 1943 - May 19, 2020
Passed on Tuesday May 19, 2020 peacefully at home with his beloved wife and dog beside him.
A native San Franciscan, John attended Lincoln High School, worked for the Public Works Department as a gardener, and was a 30-year veteran of the San Francisco Fire Department--retiring in 2002.
Born on Christmas Day to Thomas and Evelyn Walters, John was a lifelong resident of the Sunset District. Summers would find him with family among the redwoods by the Russian River at Odd Fellows Recreation Club.
He shared his contagious smile, razor sharp wit and zest for living life to the fullest every day. John had many friends and a large, loving family across his 76 years. His personality was almost as large as his heart!
John is survived by his loving wife Laura, his two daughters, a son and his six grandchildren. He will be deeply missed by all who had the pleasure to know and love him.
A memorial service will be held in John's honor once social gatherings of this type are permitted.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Walters
Suzie Larsen
May 17, 2023
Danny and I are missing the Big Guy. Thankfully he left us with lots of wonderful memories. Thinking of you Laura. Love from the Larsens
Peter Schembri
May 17, 2023
John was a kind, funny and giving person. Always willing to help and support anyone who needed it. His smile and laughter were infectious and made everyone's day better by it. When I think of John I immediately think of his million dollar smile. Honoring John is honoring his life. His presence made many people's life better and he will not be forgotten.
Diane Papaconstantinou
June 18, 2020
I have know John for many years as a customer from Bank of America Parkside. Suzanne Yee and I have spent many a happy moment at BofA with John, and of course Laura. I always enjoyed hearing about his fun times with Buster and his summers at the Russian River. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Suzanne Yee passed along the information to me yesterday. I am shocked and deeply saddened. To Laura and family, you have my deepest sympathy.
Tony Garibaldi
June 18, 2020
Whenever I was detailed to Sta. 18 or when temporarily housed there when my other station was being retrofitted, I always looked forward to working with John. He had a plethora (John liked big words) of job knowledge and a mischievous wit. His favorite time of day was sunset when he would build everyone up to watch for the Green Flash Phenomenon through Sta.18's ocean view windows. He regularly exercised his previous City gardener skills by mowing a little patch of rectangular grass (now a planter area) in front of the Station. Simply because nobody else could do it just the right way. Gentlemen like John will be missed but fondly remembered.
George Conway
June 6, 2020
Mary and George Conway really enjoyed John's company as well as his wit. WE found him to be sincere and a really good man. The River is where we met John and Laura thru Mary's sister and brother in law Linda and Paul O'Kane. Some people you meet do not require a memory of them, but a sit down/dinner was always a lasting memory and of course memorable. Enjoy your memories of your husband/father/grandfather as he is surely looking down with a smile. Thanks for the opportunity. George Conway.
Cliff Merrill
June 5, 2020
JW, Big John.. always a grateful pleasure to work with and along side of John. Thank you for taking me under your wing and teaching me about life, people, good times, gardening an truck-work. Peace be with you.
Suzie Larsen
June 1, 2020
He was more than a friend. He was family. A huge void is left and impossible to fill. The Larsen's feel so fortunate that we were able to spend so many happy moments with you both over the years. Much love to you Laura and the kids and grandkids.
Albert Orengo
May 31, 2020
I met John at a Native Sons of the Golden West St.Patrick's Day dinner through my brother Buz. When he heard that I had gone to Lincoln High School,we became instant friends.
R I P Mustang
Chuck Farrugia (alias - the prince)
May 30, 2020
John always had a larger-than-life personality. I worked with him at Station 14 and 18 in the early 90s. What a truckman! I would pay the city to work with guys like John. God bless Big John!
Marty Mc Guinn
May 27, 2020
John was quality guy, that I always enjoyed
hanging out with. John and I would talk about our time at Lincoln High School (home of the Mustangs). Always a few laughs at the Union meetings. John had a great wit about him and he enjoyed being a member of the SFFD. RIP John.
Gary Gautier
May 26, 2020
Loved John and working with him. Sharp wit, funny and always friendly. Very good fireman. Worked a lot of watches with John at Sta. 14 & 18 and many days at 22 when T-18 relocated during their station renovation. He was Foghorn Leghorn incarnate. Will miss you John. RIP.
Mike & Kristin Carruth
May 26, 2020
He will be remembered by us as a charming, happy, gracious man. Many wonderful memories at Oddfellows!!
RIP John. ❤
Ron Morehen
May 26, 2020
Another good guy, gone to soon.
May he forever, Rest In Peace....
Bob Burrowes
May 25, 2020
The many years we worked together at Station 14 were always good days with John. Lots of great meals and fun and a great firefighter. I'm gonna miss you at our next 14 Lunch.
John Beckerley
May 25, 2020
Always enjoyed the times I worked with John, both West Mariners. Got to know him via WM Little League. Great smile great since of humor, just an all around good guy. RIP Brother John
kevin callanan
May 25, 2020
I met JW while unassigned at Sta.14. Another Sunset boy who loved to laugh. We became friends. He taught me to dive for abalone. He was good to my daughters when they were small. Just an all around good guy. Rest well JW
Tom Doudiet
May 24, 2020
I had the privilege of working with John at Station 14 in the SFFD for several years, before he moved to Station 18. He was a gentleman, a great firefighter, could always be depended upon when responding to an emergency, and did his best to make every 24 hour shift a pleasant one. For what more could a fellow firefighter ask? May he rest in peace.
Joanne Hayes-White
May 24, 2020
Thank you for your service to the SFFD and to the City.
We worked a few memorable shifts together at 18.
It was good running into you and catching up in March at Marcello's.
Rest in Peace John.
Jim Connors
May 24, 2020
I remember getting detailed to 18 and when you walked in and saw and John and heard his voice, you knew it was going to be a good day. God's Speed John!
Peter Schembri
May 24, 2020
I worked with John for a few years. Infectious smile and laugh. Generous, kind and a good friend to all who knew him. He will be sorely missed by many.
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