Jan Curtiss Walkup

Jan Walkup passed away peacefully at his home on his ranch in Newberry Springs, California, surrounded by the loving presence of his family.

Born in Peoria, Illinois, Jan was raised as a military child and traveled throughout the United States with his parents and siblings. The son of a dentist and a nurse, he grew up alongside his sisters, Janine and Julia. Of the many places he called home, Hawaii held a special place in his heart, as did the time he spent on his grandparents’ family farm in Illinois.

Jan proudly served his country in the United States Army, with assignments in Germany, Georgia, and Colorado. A skilled marksman, he earned recognition as the top sharpshooter in his regiment. He also served with distinction in a recovery vehicle specialty, bringing discipline, capability, and unwavering commitment to every mission.

After completing his military service, Jan attended Loyola University in Illinois, where he studied psychology. He went on to build a successful career with Harley-Davidson, first in customer service at the company’s corporate headquarters, and later in California at Harley-Davidson locations in Glendale and Fullerton. It was during this time that he met the love of his life, Cynthia.

In 2003, during Harley-Davidson’s 100th Anniversary Celebration, Jan and Cynthia were married in a memorable ceremony that was televised and featured on the Discovery Channel.

Following a life-changing accident, Jan moved to the Mojave Desert, where he continued to pursue learning and personal discovery. He studied Mesoamerican anthropology at the University of California, Riverside, under the guidance of Dr. Karl Taube and Professor Scott Fedick.

Around 2015, Jan faced profound health challenges, including acute scoliosis and stage IV cancer. With the support of a devoted team of specialists and researchers at City of Hope, and through surgery, advanced treatments, and participation in clinical trials, he experienced a remarkable recovery and was ultimately declared clinically cancer-free.

Jan lived with curiosity, courage, and a deep love of adventure. His interests included extreme rock climbing, the ancient craft of flint knapping, model trains, motorcycle riding, and playing the harmonica, at which he was quite accomplished. A longtime member of the National HOG organization, he rode both BSA and Harley-Davidson motorcycles for more than 60 years.

Jan was preceded in death by his parents, Phyllis and John Walkup, and by his brother, Gregory. He is survived by his beloved wife, Cynthia; his daughter, Anne; his sisters Janine and Julia; his godchildren, Keri and Eric; and his extended family. He will be remembered for his devotion to those he loved, his adventurous spirit, his resilience, and the lasting impression he made on everyone whose lives he touched.

Jan’s legacy lives on in the memories of those who knew and loved him. Jan is now at peace.

Please join us in remembering Jan Curtiss Walkup life by visiting our memorial at www.meadcares.com

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