John Zinser

John Vincent Zinser, 63, reluctantly conceded to his long, valiant battle with colon cancer on March 12, 2001, at his home with his loving family by his side. John was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on Feb. 21, 1938. He attended and graduated from Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pa., where he learned the values of hard work and discipline. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1955 and proudly served his country for 20 years. John and his family first moved to George Air Force Base in 1967. His love of golf was a big factor in the family's decision to buy a home and retire in Apple Valley in 1975. The family purchased and ran Merrill's Garage Door business for a short time, but then John took a job with Northrop Aircraft Corp. and accepted a position in Taif, Saudi Arabia, for three years. He continued to work for Northrop in the states and was involved in the B-2 Stealth Bomber program in Hawthorne, Pico Rivera and Edwards Air Force Base. He retired from Northrop and looked forward to many years doing what he loved best: golf, hands-on participation in Alderac Entertainment Group (his son John's gaming company), and going to Lake Tahoe to spend quality time with his son Glen. John was a member of the Apple Valley Country Club, actively participating in board and committee work for over 20 years. His passion for the game was noted and admired by all. Among his proudest achievements were the Club Championship and later the Senior Club Championship. John leaves his loving wife, Mary; sons John of Riverside and Glen of South Lake Tahoe; 96-year-old mother, Ida of Pennsylvania; brother Robert of Auburndale, Fla.; numerous other family members and many grieving friends who knew and loved him. Services will be at 10 a.m. Friday at Our Lady of the Desert Catholic Church in Apple Valley. Visit from 9 a.m. to service time Friday. Burial will be private at Riverside National Cemetery. Victor Valley Mortuary is in charge of arrangements.