John Zaitz, 81, of Canyon Lake, CA sadly passed away on May 20, 2024. John was born to
Albert and Emma Zaitz on February 3rd, 1943 in Los Angeles California. After high school John
generously served as an Army Military Police Officer and received his CPCU after attending Los
Angeles City College as well as Van Norman School of Law and went on to work for the
Automobile Club of Southern California as an Underwriter and Reengineering Manager for 45
years. John utilized his talent and skill as a four-year board member and President of the Los
Angeles Chapter of the Chartered Property and Casualty Underwriters.
John was a man who loved his community, so much so, he had served on the Canyon Lake
Chamber of commerce, and as a board member and President of the Canyon Lake Property
Owners Association. He also shared his time and energy as a Canyon Lake City Council
member, served two years as mayor, and actively participated as Chairman of the Canyon Lake
Public Works Committee and member of the executive boards of Riverside Conservation
Authority, Western Riverside council of Government, and Public Agency Risk Sharing
Association of California.
John also dedicated his time in community involvement, you could find him barbequing at fiesta
days, running booths at Oktoberfest, playing the Tin Man in Wizard of Oz, or helping out at the
Marine Corp Band Concert.
John was a devoted husband to his late wife Cathy, a loving father of his two kids and their
families John (Mingbi) and Kristen (Liam). John was also a beloved brother to his siblings Albert
(Karlyne), Fred (Andrea), Robert (Donna) and Joseph (Sherry), with whom he shared a special
bond and many cherished memories. John was known by his family for his sense of humor,
generosity and unwavering dedication.
John has made lasting friendships and touched the lives of those he knew. His commitment to
his work, his community, and his family was admirable and his legacy will live on in the lives he
touched.
John's wishes were for cremation. The family will have a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu
of flowers the family is asking that you can make a donation in John’s name to the American
Cancer Society.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.11.0