John Charles Chinnock

  December 20, 1949 ~ July 30, 2014

A native of Tucson, Arizona, John was an award-winning landscape architect who loved the desert Southwest:  its culture, flora, and fauna.  In 2008, he relocated to Bend, Oregon, beginning a new adventure exploring the landscapes of the Pacific Northwest.

John took every opportunity to be outside whether working, traveling, or recreating.  He was a competitive runner and cyclist and also loved to hike, kayak, climb, scuba dive, and motorcycle tour.

A lifelong student of science and culture, John read widely and adopted early.  He was fascinated by all things mechanical and technological and could be counted on to have the latest electronic gadgets.

His artist's eye was reflected his photography, paintings, and drawings.  Music permeated his life.

John's sharp intellect and wonderfully wry sense of humor made him a brilliant and provocative commentator on life.

Throughout his illness, John courageously demonstrated the meaning of tenacity, doing whatever was necessary in the fight against the cancer and subjecting himself to medical trials that may help further cancer research.

John was predeceased by his parents, a niece, and older brother.  He is survived by his partner, Ann; sisters, Suzanne and Judith; six nieces and nephews; and many friends.

We remember him dancing and singing; meandering through deserts and forests; exploring oceans and rivers; and laughing in joy at the beauty of it all.

Friends in Bend will be holding a private memorial at a future date.

Donations to honor John's memory may be made to the Union of Concerned Scientists.