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John Booth Obituary
John W. Booth was born March 13, 1930 in Detroit, Michigan. He passed away peacefully April 8, 2016.
He and his beloved wife Gayle moved to Palm Desert in 1983. Together they opened the first of thirteen Video Depot Stores in the Coachella Valley. John was an icon and a mentor to all of his employees. His determination and work ethics reached and inspired his family and friends.
Before moving to the desert he was a successful real estate appraiser in the Long Beach area. He was a graduate of UCLA. John was proud to serve our country and was commissioned in the Navy in 1952.
John will always be loved and remembered and cherished by his family, his friends and all who knew him.
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Memories and Condolences
for John Booth
Sponsored by thedesertsun.com.
Diane and Andy Cora
May 23, 2016
John was such a sweet man and had a great sense of humor! When he came around the video stores to check up on things, everyone else was on edge but I just cracked open a huge smile and always got one back in return!
Susan's Daughter
May 1, 2016
John is survived by his baby sister Susan who looked to him not only as a brother but the head of the family for it was he who walked her down the aisle and fufilled the role of their deceased father. It was he who comforted her when her husband and their sister Mary Booth died the same day. He continued to comfort his widowed sister Susan up until his own death. He will be forever fondly remembered by his nephew and niece Susan's children and will live in those who survive him as an example of a man who truly loved family and new the meaning of unconditional love.
April 30, 2016
John was my mentor, uncle, dear friend and father figure. Thanks for so many years of laughter, love, guidance and making me feel so special. I love you so much, you are in my heart forever. You made my Aunt Gayle the happiest lady ever. I will miss you, love Diane
Christa Butler
April 30, 2016
Big John,
As I sat with Gayle last night, we laughed and cried reminiscing all the great times we had. The two of you were my second parents and had an incredible influence on my life. This photo of you is how I will remember you, so happy and positive, a great leader and good man. All my love and I know that you are watching over all of us who adored you.
Deborah Hulslander
April 26, 2016
I am very sad to hear the news of John's Passing. Heaven now has one of its most cherished Angels I am sure. I can only imagine the work he will do in heaven will be as fantastic as the work as he did here. He was a great mentor and an amazing person.
John was a very influential person in my life. He guided me, he taught me and he made me a better person. I will always remember him as a very positive leader who really inspired me with his nurturing and encouraging manners. He was treasured and loved. He had a great sense of humor and I loved his smile. Even though I had not seen him in over 25 years, I thought of him often.
He will be very missed but always fondly remembered.
Bill Carver
April 26, 2016
When I reflect on the stores that became part of one of our shopping centers a smile always comes on my face when I remember you - Gayle just went after De Smith when he put Video in his supermarket which was adjacent to your new store in Cathedral City. It was just pricelss! It is a great feeling when a business relationship ends up being very personal and that is how I will always recall my feeling with you and John.
April 26, 2016
Daddy I love you and I so miss you . Because of you I was able to raise my 3 boys and your grandsons properly to become good men.. Thanks for all the wonderful water skiing days .. I truly know you are keeping care of your beloved Gayley.. See you again dad .. I know it.. Love Cathy
Briana Morales
April 25, 2016
Gayle,
John will be missed. You guys were the best people to have worked for. Video Depot taught me so much about myself. I am a better person today because of those 7 years I worked for you. John was a great encouragement to me and always took care of us fellow Video Depot-ans. We really were a family. My prayers are with you all.
With lots of love
merry dornon
April 25, 2016
Sending my heart felt love to Gayle & her family.
RIP John
Love,
Merry & Dave Dornon
merry dornon
April 25, 2016
Sending my love to Gayle
Ruthie Furst
April 25, 2016
My sincere sympathies to Gayle and the entire family. John was one of a kind and I just adored him.
May he rest in peace
Jacob Mcmeans
April 24, 2016
John Booth, you taught me so much about how to be a leader. I have an amazing career as a logistics manager for a Target here in colorado thanks to the skills I learned while working for you and Gayle as a manager of the Cathedral City Video Depot. Your business andy life started on the same day 2/21/1983. I'll never forget you. -Jacob McMeans
John Dagneau III
April 24, 2016
RIP old friend and leader.
John and I may have disagreed on methods to operate the his Video Depot locations. But I feel that due to mutual respect we were able to arrive at decisions beneficial to all parties.
John taught me much of what I know as a manager and I am in eternal debt to him for those lessons.
Fair skies and a following sea, John!
Other words fail me.
May he rest in peace.
Scott & Julie Whitmer
April 24, 2016
Dear Gayle,
You and your family are in our thoughts at this difficult time. John was a wonderful man who had a positive impact on so many people. Our lives were enriched for having worked with the two of you and for having had the opportunity to be a part of John's extended Video Depot family. He was an innovator, who lead ethically and put people first. His legacy is one of kindness and empathy. We are better for having known him.
Love, Scott & Julie
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