To the reference about John’s ability to swim.

Drowning in the Delta–Mendota Canal has nothing to do with being a ‘good’ or ‘poor’ swimmer.  It is known for being a very dangerous canal.

Even an expert swimmer would be overwhelmed by a 3-ft/second current, pitch-black conditions, freezing shock, and the disorientation of a vehicle crash plus injuries sustained at the of the crash.

In those conditions, survival isn’t a measure of skill — it’s a matter of physics and darkness.
John didn’t die because he ‘couldn’t swim.’
He died fighting to save one person and then turning back to reach another.

That’s not weakness.
That’s courage & bravery beyond what most people will ever understand.
John’s selfless actions on that evening likely catapulted John to Paradise the moment he died.

I'm sorry what happened to John. I saw him  months  ago. He was  a great guy.

John Boy, all due respect brah, we all knew you rode a bike WWWWAAAYYYYYY better than you surfed.  But at least you tried! Went out like a Good Man, a bad swimmer but a good man. Love your life Cuz.  When you manage to get in, you better tip St. Pete for me! I'll be along eventually.

-T

I miss you so much,you are my son.you always told me that I could never get rid of you.no matter how hard I try. Boy! When you go , you GO., n damnit,damnit, damnit, is what I miss hearing around me. Til we meet again.
😰😓😥🐀🐶🐶🫅

All are invited to a Mass of Christian Burial 
for John on: 

Friday, October 24, 2025 
11:00 a.m.

St. Catherine Catholic Church
17400 Peak Avenue
Morgan Hill, CA 95037
408-779-3959

RIP John Doyle:  my protector and friend.   Your glorious finale will inspire me always!

I will miss my cousin.  I moved away from the Bay Area and then out of state. We lost touch over the years but somehow connected here and there. 

I will always remember growing up with you, John. Although I was 2 years older, I always felt the same age. I will always remember “pee pee”. 
The times we had are so memorable and I will cherish them forever. 

Love you, cuz!

John was a  gentle giant who appreciated the good in people. His wonderful smile, that could light up a room, was infectious.  John's willingness to help others will always be remembered.

John Doyle & David Conti 1st Holy Communion, June 1979

I was so sorry to hear about John’s passing. It’s been years since we’ve connected but he was such a pivotal part of my growing up. It doesn’t surprise me one bit to hear that he passed while selflessly trying to help someone in need. At his core, he always had an amazing soul. My absolute most heartfelt condolences and love to his mom and family, who always included me as one of their own.

John was the first person who showed me how to survive when I was on my lowest point in my life and he was a for the most part a genuine person. We did have our ups and downs but john was always kind and had a soft heart. 
RIP JOHN DOYLE

John was always willing to lend a helping hand. He helped me with many housing projects including painting and trenching for a french drain. Couldn't have done it with out him..Miss you much cousin. Thanks for all your help over the years.

Mike

I was blessed to get to know John this last year, and what joy and happiness he always brought to our weekly lunch bunch.  He always had the biggest smile, with a sparkle in his eyes, and was always asking how he could help others, genuinely looking out for his friends.  I will always cherish his hugs, laughter, and our most recent enjoyable conversation in the parking lot before he left for this trip.  I am so saddened by this news, and he will be dearly missed. Hugs and love to his family.

I met John only once at week long Catholic men’s expedition in southern Wyoming. John was probably the hardest worker I have ever had the privilege of working with,  he went hard and fast all day long. I have this image etched forever in my mind of John smiling ear to ear and Levi (the name he gave to his trusty aspen pry log). But John also had compassionate, empathetic side and yearned to know  more about Jesus. 
Eternal rest grant unto John, O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.

I will miss you brother!
Steve Ford

My deepest condolences to this family and his mother who JD loved dearly. John "JD" was one of the most well rounded, caring, genuine human beings I've ever known. He lived and loved with integrity, honor and true goodness in his heart. He was a dear friend that I will hold in my heart forever and I know that he and Roland had developed a very good friendship as well. From the stories JD head shared I know he was a very strong very athletic skilled swimmer and I that he he's his own life trying to save his friend and me. . I will never forget him or the love he showed Roland and myself. 
Rest in peace my friend, with all my heart and prayers, Caroline Galli

So sad to hear about John's passing. He was such a kind and thoughtful person, always appreciative, and willing to help others.  I always enjoyed talking with him and will miss his big smile and hugs. He will be missed.

My heart is broken. I knew John for over 20 years and loved him like a son. He will always have a place in my heart and be remembered for his warmth, kindness, respect, gratitude, willingness to help others and his warm and heartfelt hugs! Rest in peace, dear friend. You touched many hearts and made the world a better place.

I'm so saddened to hear about John's passing.  I met him briefly at St. Luke's Food Pantry.  He was always kind and appreciative and I  enjoyed talking to him.  He was a big presence - full of life and energy. 
Rest in God's care John.

W at St LukeS Church Los Gatos Pantry   served John for almost two decades and he never failed to thank us and offer to help. His was a warm and caring spirit as well as an adventurous one. John built a deck and crated a garden for parish friends. He will be greatly missed by both volunteers and our local unhoused community. 
Rest In Peace, dear Warrior.   Jo Greiner. Outreach Director

Just received the news of your tragic passing.  You deserve to be resting in Jesus’s arms & looking out over the expanse of Paradise right now.  You were a best friend and model human being in the "soul" category.  A tragic loss to so many of us who loved you.  May you get the heavenly life in Heaven that you so deserve.

John was such a kind and thoughtful man. You will be dearly missed my friend. Rest in peace

I will miss you JD! Love you brother RIP!

John Doyle had one of the biggest most gentle hearts I have ever known.  Always helpful and caring and a beautiful smile. I will miss our warm hugs.

My condolences to his family. He was at hero. He died trying to help someone else survive unfortunately they both passed. He was a very brave man. Im sorry for your loss

I’m sorry this happen to you and my father  I met you 2 days before this stupid accident and you were playing tuff with my 3yr old and she never plays with no one at that moment i knew you were a good guy. All evidence shows you went down trying to save my father John in my heart I will believe it you both tried your best. I tried my all to bring “both” you home

OBITUARIO

William John Doyle

5 marzo, 1973 – 21 septiembre, 2025

Oak Hill Funeral Home & Memorial Park

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