John Holmgren
Dec. 2, 1923-Jan. 30, 2015
Menlo Park, California

John Dwight Holmgren passed away peacefully at his home in Menlo Park, California, on Jan. 30, 2015, surrounded by family, at age 91. He was born on Dec. 2, 1923, in Evanston, Illinois, the beloved son of Swedish immigrants Joel and Agnes Holmgren. After his father suffered an untimely death when John was 4 years old, his mother moved with him to Pasadena, California, where close family friends lived. John was predeceased by four half-brothers Einar, Irving, Stanford, and Myron, from his father's first marriage. He graduated from Pasadena Junior College and California Institute of Technology in 1947, where he was on the tennis and debate teams.

He served in the U.S. Navy from 1943 to 1946 as an electronic technician. While stationed on reserve at Treasure Island in 1951, he met the love of his life, the former Helen Benson. Their first date was, of course, on the tennis court. The early years of their marriage were spent in Palo Alto until they moved to Menlo Park in 1964. John and Helen shared a love of sports: running, biking, swimming and tennis, which he played competitively most of his life. After retiring at age 68, he had more time to travel to tennis tournaments and was nationally ranked 17th in the singles 70 to 75 age group. He and his doubles partner won the Nationals at age 75 at Forest Hills, New York.

John spent most of his professional life working at GTE as an international marketing manager, a job he loved. He relished the worldwide travels and friendships that came with his job. The tennis racket was always tucked in his suitcase, ready to hit the courts with business partners everywhere.

He lived life with a passion.

Along with tennis, he enjoyed the arts, playing piano and bridge, traveling, yoga, tai chi, and keeping up with the news and politics. He enjoyed a full and happy life. When making a toast he always talked about how he felt like the luckiest man alive. We were the lucky ones.

He met challenges with enthusiasm and a positive attitude. Always felt concern and supported those less fortunate. His outgoing nature, constant optimism and patience have served as an example to his family and others. He will be missed by all who knew him. A special thanks goes out to the Etu Family whose love and care made getting old not so bad.

Devoted husband, father, grandfather and uncle, John is survived by Helen, his wife of 63 years, their four children David, Gary, Gail, and Keith and spouses/partners, and three grandchildren Lars, Trevor and Aaron.

Tags: business, sports