John Steven Corda

1951 - 2016

John Steven Corda

May 15, 1951 - July 27, 2016

Tahoe City, CA

John Steven Corda, 65, of Tahoe City, CA, passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday, July 27, 2016. John was born May 15, 1951 in Salinas, to his parents, Henry and Lucille (Pura) Corda.

John grew up working in the fields, driving a tractor and loading lettuce boxes. He graduated from Gonzales High School in 1969 with many accolades of sport accomplishments, including the Tony Callup Award and Linebacker of the Year.

After graduating with a political science degree from UCLA, John moved to Lake Tahoe to fulfil his dream of endless powder skiing.

In 1982, John officially started Corda Construction. John's drive and strong work ethic brought him from bathroom remodels to award winning homes. John built his construction business into one of the best in the Tahoe Truckee region; he was humble in his success, filled with integrity and generous in spirit and kindness. Not only did he build spectacular homes, but his clients became his friends with whom he maintained long lasting relationships with. In 2010, John was awarded Contractor of the Year and many of the custom homes he built were featured in Architectural Digest, Mountain Living, and the Tahoe Quarterly for their craftsmanship and quality.

John had an impact on this community which he loved so much. When he asked, "How are you doing? How is your family?" it was because he truly wanted to know. He became an Alpine Meadows volunteer fire fighter in the early 80's; he played an intricate part in the vision and development of the Alpine Meadows pond, he was instrumental in the building of the current Achieve Tahoe Program Center and was a generous donor to the Adaptive Sports Programs. He coached endless sports teams including soccer, softball, and volleyball. He loved to give the play by play announcing for NTHS football games because he wanted the players to receive the praises that he thought they deserved. Everything that was asked of John in the building world or in life he took on readily and with a happy heart.

John was known as the patron of Tahoe. He was always willing and looked forward to teaching, inspiring, and motivating anyone who was willing to work hard and learn the skills of his trade. John employed many locals, both adults and youth, which helped them stay in the area and raise their families in the Tahoe he loved so much. Throughout the years, his assistance, both financially and with moral support enabled them to get through some of the tough times that our little community has faced over the years.

John loved everything Lake Tahoe had to offer. He enjoyed alpine and nordic skiing, waterskiing, golf, tennis and most recently, sailing which became one of his most cherished passions. John always made sure that everything that he loved about Lake Tahoe was shared by his family and friends. He would constantly urge everyone to participate in all of the sports and activities by arranging boat trips, camping trips, and ruckus BBQs at his home with his famous Johnny burgers.

Although John will be missed tremendously, his impact on our lives will last forever. John is survived by his wife of 37 years, Jan Corda; his daughters, Katie Torres (Mario), and Lauren Corda; his grandchildren, Phoenix and Talia; his father, Henry Corda; his brothers, Butch (Nancy) Corda, and Chris Corda; his sister, Valerie Braga (Stanley); nieces, nephews, extended family, and close friends.

John was preceded in death by his mother, Lucille (Pura) Corda, and niece, Karli Johnson.

A Celebration of Life for John Corda will be held at 9:30 a.m. Sunday, Aug. 14, 2016, at the Gatekeepers Museum in Tahoe City, CA.

Donations may be made in John's honor to any local charity in Tahoe City of your choice.