Obituary of John Clarke Stow

A celebration of life will be held on November 19, 2011, in Santa Cruz for John C. Stow, who passed away peacefully at his Santa Cruz home on November 3, 2011, from complications related to a double lung transplant he received last year. His loving family was at his bedside at the time of his passing. Born in Screven, Georgia, he was 64 years old. His family moved from Georgia while he was still an infant, and John has resided in Santa Cruz since 1959. He was employed through Local # 377 and his career as an iron worker spanned over 30 years. John was very proud of his work and the construction projects that he completed as an iron worker which included the remodeling the Lone Star Plant and its conveyor system, Santa Cruz Medical Clinic on Soquel Ave., the Log Ride at the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and additions to Stanford Hospital. John was also involved in the erection of the first 500 kilowatt windmills along the Altamont Pass, and at the time of his retirement, was working at the Nummi Plant in Fremont. John then became active with the retirees of the Ironworkers local #377, and served as the president before his illness. John's hobbies included ocean fishing, abalone diving, golfing, barbequing, and playing cards. Fond memories will be cherished of camping trips, and outings spent with family and friends over the past decades, with Christy and their dog, Brandy, always by his side. Together they went on an elk hunting trip to Idaho, various cruises around the world, and discovered many new places in their motor home together with their friends from the Golden Bears Motor Home Club. John was also a big fan of the San Francisco 49ers and Giants, and loved to watch his NASCAR races. John is survived by his wife of 25 years, Christy Stow of Santa Cruz, his sons, John Stow (Elisabet) of Santa Cruz, Michael Stow of Chico, his daughter, Lisa Headley (Patrick) of Soledad; step-sons, Donny De Pedro (Melissa) of Marin, Idaho, and Mark De Pedro (Jenny) of Santa Cruz. John also leaves his three brothers and two sisters, Bob Stow (Yuri) of Aptos, Dave Stow (Anne) of Capitola, Pat Stow (Martha) of Boulder Creek, Kathy Agnone (Mike) of Santa Cruz and Mary Kelly (Scott) of Angels Camp, and his 9 loving grandchildren, Jacqueline, Jordan, Madison, Paige, Madeline, Nathan, Michael, Peyton, and Cecilia along with a host of loving friends and extended family. John was preceded in death by his parents Ed and Ethel Stow. The celebration of life will be held on November 19th, 2011, at Benito and Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel in Santa Cruz beginning at 11:00 A.M., and in true to John style, Hawaiian casual attire is preferred. There will be a gathering afterwards at the Native Sons Hall on 239 High St. in Santa Cruz. To light a candle and share your condolences with John's family, please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com. A special thank you to the staff of Stanford Hospital, the Transplant Support Group, The H.O.M.E. Apartments, and friends, neighbors and loved ones whose cards and prayers have enriched our lives through this transition. Remembrances may be made in John's name to Hospice of Santa Cruz County or the Santa Cruz County Animal Shelter.