I miss John a lot and think of him often. A wonderful person and he is always in my prayers

To a dear friend
who will always be missed by
myself and those who knew him

Steve Leroy

I met John Alan Rejniak at Clark AB in 1970, we became friends and room mates in this barracks. On 7 Apr 1970, we were sleeping in the early morning about 8:30am (we worked the night shift), and the bunk beds were being shaken. I thought John was pulling a joke on me and I kicked his mattress (he had the top bunk) and told him to knock it off, He said he was not doing anything. We noticed the hanging light was swinging back and forth, and I said "It's an earthquake..." We got up and dressed and went down to the day room and got a cup of coffee and a donut and walked out the building. The whole area was rolling and the barracks was really being shaken. The crowd told us to get out of the building.
John and I almost in unison shouted back "We are from California, we are used to earthquakes..."
I have thought often of my friend over the last 53 years, a news story tonight caused me to look him up on a google search. 
He was a great friend, great guy and is now a companion of the Lord! I will see him soon I do believe. 
Praise the Lord John, I will soon be there I do believe!
John Kirkpatrick
(Formerly of Antioch, CA, now of Ellsinore, MO)

John was a childhood friend from the same neighborhood. He was my older brothers close friend from elementary, middle and high school. I considered John my friend and I will forever remember his great smile his eyes that gleamed when he laughed. He was fun loving but responsible and caring. Your memory will continue in the hearts of those who knew and loved you.
Linda Quezada

Dad,

Even though we have finished the funeral, still can’t believe you are gone.

Been missing you and wished there was a way to rewind, even for a moment. Need to remind myself that you will no longer be there on Sundays for our calls, or many other times. Do have some regret on not being able to see you more often when that time still allowed. However, it’s nice to be able to have reflection when you were here and on those memories…You will always continue to dwell there.

You were an excellent father overall despite some differences we may have had. Didn’t always agree at the time, although your wisdom is better understood with each year that passes. Naturally you had faults like everybody else does, just that the good aspects far outweighed any of those shortcomings. 

Thank you for everything - your teachings; your protection; you always making sure we were well-nourished and nicely dressed; making sure we went to good schools; and so much more. Not to mention the generosity…beyond the material goods, the helping others before yourself and exceeding expectations. Never wanting anything in return, simply from your good nature. Certainly you’ve touched many lives in a positive way, more than you would ever know.

Would’ve been great to have a few more years, if it were meant to be. Sadly, you became sick with cancer the last couple years with great suffering. You put up quite a fight until the end, although your calling came and now live in a much better place. We will meet again on the other side down the road, something for me to look forward to. Goodbye until then.

Love you always.


My Brother John fought a courageous two year battle with cancer.  So many of us have loved ones that have faced similar life end challenges but we hope never to let this define our loved one. 

John was ten years my senior and off to the United States Air Force so my memories of his younger life are limited.  I am able to recall the times he would take myself and some of his to younger brothers and sisters (there were a lot of us!) to the fun and almost now forgotten drive in movies and to the even more fun go-cart racing in good weather evenings which provided me with 
some very cherished memories. John’s, penchant for cool cars was also noted  which translated to I had a cool older brother, too. 

Another fond recollection I can share without going into too much detail is the time he was quick to come to my rescue during a scuffle I had with a childhood friend.  Weather I was right or wrong in that moment, he was the protector that a brother should hope to be. 



As I grew older, I realized Brother John was very talented, intelligent and capable. He always wished the best for me and encouraged me to try to be the best version of myself. 

Eternal Rest Grant Unto Him, O’ Lord.
And May Perpetual Light Shine Upon Him. 





I have many wonderful memories and a few rough ones as I had the privilege of spending a great deal of time the last couple of years with John. He went from being my neighbor to being someone I loved.  John was intelligent, funny, kind hearted, and I will miss him very much! My favorite memories are stopping off at the local donut shop on the way to his treatments, and seeing him enjoy a sweet treat. John had a sweet tooth, and the simple pleasure of a fresh donut  got him through some rough patches. I imagine he’s feasting in heaven! Rest in peace, my dear friend❤️

Brian I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know you and your dad were really close from what I understand like two best friends. And nobody could beat that that is awesome. One of the memories I have of your dad is when he had a really nice bad ass 69 SS Chevelle super sport. Silver with the black stripes going down the hood the top and the trunk. I remember when he used to come to our house you could hear him coming down the road. He was very proud of that car. I was pretty young so I don’t have that many memories of your dad really. But I just wanted to say I’m sorry for your loss. And if you need anything or somebody to talk to you or something feel free to give me a call. This is uncle Phil

Dad, I will think of and miss you every day until I see you again.  

I have found the slightest level of solace in knowing you are no longer in pain and significant comfort from your family in grating you peace, expressing their undying love and gaining closure from past hurt.  Just this morning driving to my next appointment I heard this song come on the radio; the lyrics seem as they were written for you and me :

"I fear the worst, but how could you leave us all behind?
There's so much to say but there's so little time
So how do I say goodbye
To someone who's been with me for my whole damn life?
You gave me my name and the color of your eyes
I see your face when I look at mine
So how do I, how do I, how do I say goodbye?
When I couldn't, you always saw the best in me
Right or wrong, you were always on my side
But I'm scared of what life without you's like
And I saw the way she looked into your eyes
And there's no way you could ever let me down
Gonna steal some time and start again
You'll always be my closest friend
And someday we are gonna make it out
Just hold the light, just hold the light"

We've known one another for my entire 46 years and no matter how much we butted heads, sometimes disagreed and couldn't see eye to eye you were always there for me, always had my back, always loyal and never once did I question your love for us.  I will constantly strive to be as good of a man as you were and make you proud until the day we meet again.  I appreciate all you did for us and the friendship we built over the years.  

Kiss my mom for me, hug all the family who left too soon and never worry about me, I'll be ok!  I'm almost as tough as you were, I love you forever!  B  


John may you rest in peace
No more pain and you are in a better place now  .My dear friend ,you were always there when when we needed you and we treasured your friendship 
You were a good man and best of all a dear friend.  God willing we will meet again when our times comes. 
Miss you already 
Love you 
Steve and Vivann

John, 
I will miss our conversations and the sharing we had between us with our artwork. You were so great at watercolor and it was great to hear in your voice the enthusiasm you had while painting.  You inspired me to try to do more watercolor myself.  It was a blessing to get to know you better these last couple of years and a double blessing knowing that you were right with God and ready to go to our eternal heavenly home with Jesus. You are now with Mom, Dad, Gina, Mitch and Norm along with  extended family and friends.  I know Brian and John are saddened and heartbroken that you are no longer here and are looking forward to seeing you again someday. Jack and I send our love. May God bless each of us as we mourn your passing and yet rejoice that you are no longer here but in heaven out of misery and pain. 

Dads 72nd Birthday celebration at Ocean Club Corona Del Mar 💖

To Brian and other loved ones of John, our deepest condolences.  He will be greatly missed.  He had a great sense of humor and was a highly skilled electrician.  May John rest in eternal peace 🙏🏼❤️🕊️
With Love,
The Varisco’s 

John, I will always remember our conversations , drinking coffee and reminiscing as we laughed and cried and shared so much! I will miss you terribly but I know you are in a better place with loved ones and I know through that quick glimpse of you after you passed that you were letting me know you are ok! I’m so glad I was able to be there with you and Brian , I will never forget that special time together! I love you always, Nancy 

OBITUARY

John Alan Rejniak

July 4, 1950 – May 6, 2023

McAulay Wallace Mortuary Yorba Linda

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