Obituary of John Humphries

John Humphries, a New Jersey native and resident of Canton, Ohio and Carpinteria, California, was born on March 2, 1937 in Patterson, New Jersey, the eldest child of the late Katherine Ehrentraut and Stanley Humphries. He died on June 26 at the age of 77. John loved to swim and centered his life around water. His work as a lifeguard began at age 17 and at 64, "Big John" became the oldest rookie ocean lifeguard ever in the state of California. He spent ten years working at the beach in Carpinteria, California keeping its residents and visitors safe and secure. His energy was evident in his work, and even in retirement he and his beloved wife Bette walked the beach daily. John attended Miami University on a competitive swimming scholarship and earned All American status by placing seventh in the nation in freestyle. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree but even graduation and work didn't replace his desire to swim. After college, John worked as an insurance broker then opened his own insurance agency in Canton, Ohio. He was a founding member of the Canton Masters Swim Program and worked out with that team for many years. He also served in the United States Air Force Reserves. In 1985 John moved to California to start a second career as a travel agent where he owned the Montecito Village Travel Agency. He and his wife Bette traveled extensively in Europe, Hawaii, and the Caribbean Islands, swimming in oceans and pools all over the world. When they were home they enjoyed being members of the Coral Casino and living within walking distance of the ocean in their Carpinteria condominium. John and Bette were married for over 20 years. They met through their common interest in swimming in Canton, Ohio in the 1970's and their friendship eventually resulted in a long and wonderful marriage. John leaves his wife, Bette Humphries, his brother Stanley Humphries, and daughters Kris Humphries (Doug Reed); Karyn (Per) Sandstrom; Laura (John) Ross; and grandchildren Sean Reed; Sofi, Maja, and Bjorn Sandstrom; and Yanci and Alba Ross. He also leaves his niece Courtney and nephew Colin Humphries. John was preceded in death by his sister Diane Miller. He will be missed by Bette's daughters, Marlene Beierle and Sheri Perlman (Andrew McKenna) and their children, Jeni (Ryan) Lucas, Eben (Jamie) Beierle, Edward (Hannah) McKenna, and Aaron McKenna, grandchildren (Maddox and Quinn Beierle; Rowan, Riley, and Rhys Lucas; and Clara McKenna) and many local friends. A private burial was held at the Santa Barbara Cemetery on Monday, June 30, 2014 but the community is invited to celebrate John's life at a memorial service to be held in Carpinteria at the Veterans Memorial Building, 941 Walnut Ave. on Sunday, July 20 from 2:30 - 5:00. In addition, the McDermott Crockett Mortuary will host a web site www.mcdermottcrockett.com for condolence messages to Bette and the families. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the City of Carpinteria, 5775 Carpinteria Ave, Carpinteria, CA 93013. Please earmark the contribution to the Carpinteria Pool in memory of John Humphries. John lived a full and active life, and will be remembered for many things including his sense of humor, his apple pies, avocados, deviled eggs, the famous spaghetti meals that he shared with his neighbors, and his ability to make everyone he met feel like a friend. Here is a tribute video for John Humprhies: http://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/NN3SF8343SQJDZSW