John Lee Baldwin

John L. Baldwin, a gentle and humble man whose quiet strength left a lasting impact on everyone he met, passed away on June 30 at the age of 77. Though he was a highly successful businessman, those closest to him knew him first for his kindness, generosity, and deep commitment to uplifting others.

Known affectionately as “Mr. B,” John built a remarkable career developing upscale mobile home communities across San Diego County and beyond. He was the founder of Baldwin Pacific Group and spent over 50 years leading the company with integrity, creativity, and compassion. He led not from a corner office, but from the heart—often in a Hawaiian shirt, conducting major deals over lunch or dinner with the ease and charm that made him beloved by colleagues and friends alike.

“Mr. B was a fierce businessman, but the kindest and most generous person you’d ever want to meet,” said Kevin Fox, a close friend of Mr. B. “He was a father figure to many and always made himself available to help with any challenges one faced.”

Raised in San Diego, John delivered the Evening Tribune as a boy and later attended San Diego State University. Though he left college early to pursue a full-time job in mobile home advertising, he never forgot what SDSU gave him. In his later years, he gave back by establishing a perpetual scholarship for journalism students and financing a full renovation of The Daily Aztec newsroom—projects that brought him great pride.

"I'll be forever indebted to San Diego State," he often said. “That’s where I learned the importance of knowing who, what, where, when, and why—lessons that have guided me throughout my life.”

John bought his first mobile home park at just 22 years old. Through grit, vision, and relentless perseverance, he rose to become a leading voice in the Western Manufactured Housing Communities Association, helping elevate industry standards and advocate for respectful treatment of residents and employees alike.

Among his many proud achievements was the creation of Ocean Bluffs, a high-end community in South County that reflected his passion for quality and dignity in housing.

John’s passions extended far beyond business. He was an enthusiastic collector of rare Scotch, vintage Rolls Royces, and precious stones from remote South American mines. His face would light up when sharing tales of those adventures, even during the later years of his life as he quietly endured significant health challenges.

He had a deep respect for history and could speak at length about the Wild West, often accompanied by stories about the historic rifles and pistols he collected. An avid reader and lifelong learner, John loved to share what he knew—especially with younger generations. He believed in building people up and helping them become the best version of themselves. One of his favorite books was The One Minute Manager by Ken Blanchard, which he often handed out to employees and loved ones alike.

His generosity was both intentional and extraordinary. Whether it was helping a friend in need or mentoring a young professional, John found joy in changing lives. “If you showed promise,” Said Timothy Kuenstler, John’s close Cousin, “he would invest in you—time, trust, and belief.”

Perhaps one of the most telling stories of his quiet generosity came when he arranged to meet Mother Teresa during a visit to San Diego and Tijuana. When he offered to donate a deluxe mobile home for her staff, she humbly asked if he might provide another. Without hesitation, he did.

“How could I turn down Mother Teresa?” he said with a smile.

Though John accomplished much in life, he often said his greatest joy was being a father. He poured his heart into raising his son, Shawn A. Baldwin, and took immense pride in watching him grow into the leader he is today. In December 2023, John passed the torch, naming Shawn president and CEO of Baldwin Pacific Group.

“If I had known how rewarding it would be to raise a child,” he once reflected, “I would’ve had several more.”

John Baldwin’s life was one of vision, heart, and quiet heroism. He taught by example, gave freely, and never sought the spotlight. His legacy will live on not just in the communities he built, but in the lives, he touched—with velvet gloves, a warm smile, and an open hand.

Services: 1PM Thursday, July 17th. Pacific Beach-La Jolla Chapel.

4710 Cass Street San Diego, CA 92109

Interment: After Service. 2:30PM El Camino Memorial

5600 Carroll Canyon Road San Diego, CA 92121