Obituary of John Kihorany

John Kihorany, 72, passed away in San Francisco on November 8, 2017 surrounded by his wife and three daughters. John, a resident of Santa Cruz County for more than 45 years, was born on May 20, 1945 in Los Angeles, California. Due to his father's job, John and his family moved around the country to places such as; Manhattan Beach, California, Limestone, Maine, El Paso, Texas then returned to California, graduating from Marina High School in Huntington Beach. He attended Orange Coast Community College; and then obtained a B.S. in Agricultural Science from California State University, Chico. In high school and college, John was an avid runner, joining the track team and completing a 50-mile marathon. He joined the Peace Corps and served in Ghana for 28 months where he taught and assisted with water purification methods. After returning from Ghana, he obtained a Teaching Credential in Special Education from University of California, Davis. It was here that he met his wife, Gaye. In 1971, John moved to Santa Cruz and taught Special Education in an agriculturally focused program at the Farm School in La Selva Beach. He continued teaching Special Education for Santa Cruz County High School students until his retirement in 2005. John loved the Lord and was a member at Twin Lakes Church for more than 40 years. He was a passionate Christian, modeling his character after Jesus Christ. He was devoted to God and strived daily to be patient, humble and charitable. He put others before himself, especially his family. He was a general contractor and talented craftsman; remodeling his two homes himself by working on everything from electrical to plumbing, tiling to brick work, stained glass to painting. He loved working on cars; restoring two Mustangs, a '64 Falcon, and a Ford Model A. He was also passionate about horticulture and gardening. He is survived by Gaye, his wife of 43 years, their daughter Katie and son-in-law Joshua, grandchildren Charlotte (7) and Nash (4), daughter Lora and grandson Moses (2), daughter Shannon and fiancé Jonathan; his sister Donna, brother-in-law Roman, twin sister Joanie, brother-in-law Kent, sister Peggy, brother-in-law Luis and many devoted nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Louise Wilhelm, and his father, Harland Grover Kihorany. A memorial service will be held to honor and remember John at 2:00pm on Saturday, November 18, 2017 at Monschke Hall, Twin Lakes Church located at 2701 Cabrillo College Drive, Aptos. Flowers may be sent directly to the church prior to the service; but in lieu of flowers, contributions will be accepted at: https://www.youcaring.com/johnkihorany-1005754.