John Bristow

1937 - 2022

John Ernest Bristow was born in Wolverhampton, England, on Jan. 4, 1937. He lived with his parents and three siblings in Bilbrook, where as a youth he enjoyed soccer, singing in a local boy's choir and at youth club. John's love for music and musical theater continued throughout his life.
John served in the RAF, then joined in the Territorial Army, serving for eight years and achieving the rank of sergeant with the Staffordshire Yeomanry (Queen's Own Royal Regiment).
When John was 20, he met a dancing partner at the youth club who also became the love of his life, Barbara. They wed on Sept. 17, 1960, and had three children: daughters Suzanne and Lindsay, and son Chris.
Seeking a better life for their family, John and his family immigrated to the U.S. in 1969, following Barbara's parents. Settling in Millbrae, CA, John and Barbara supported the community as scout leaders, band booster parents, and singing in the local church choir. In addition, John and Barbara helped form small musical groups with friends and family members which raised funds for the Soroptimist club's scholarship program and other organizations.
John worked in the sheet metal industry as a materials manager and sales director for several companies up until his retirement in 2000.
John loved travel, especially cruise ships and camping with his family in a custom travel trailer he made by hand. It was during these happy times he and Barbara grew especially fond of the California Gold Country region. They eventually decided to retire to Sonora, California, in 2002, regularly hosting barbecues and pool parties for friends and family alike.
John and Barbara quickly became part of the community. John was involved with Meals on Wheels, Sons in Retirement (SIRS), the Edelweiss Club, the Tuolumne County Newcomer's Club, and the Lions Club where he was a member of the Millbrae, San Bruno, and Sonora chapters for a total of 35 years, serving as president three times. John could also be seen speeding to British car club gatherings in his beloved MG Midget.
John passed away peacefully on March 27, 2022, with Barbara and Lindsay at his bedside. He is survived by his wife, two daughters, 10 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.
Above all else, John had a wonderful sense of humor and a quick wit. His smile will be deeply missed and his jokes will be in our thoughts forever.
John's life will be celebrated with friends, family, photos, and stories from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, May 14, at Faith Hall, 11155 Jackson St., in Columbia.