Cancer took the life of Jon Pemberton, 73, who died at his home in the hills above Los Gatos on March 19. Jon was born on Jan. 17, 1936, in Albia, IA. His family moved to San Jose, CA when he was an infant.
His mother, Patricia, managed a restaurant, while his father, Charles, worked as a mechanic and eventually became vice president of Anderson Motors. Jon attended Campbell District Schools, San Jose City College and San Jose State University, where he majored in fine arts. Painting and sculpting were left to the status of hobbies, while Jon took on various occupations, such as dance instructor, tile setter, and hotel manager.
Ultimately, his love of nature and the mountains resulted in a long-term stint as a lumberjack. His daily view of the beautiful Pacific Ocean while working for Big Creek Lumber Co. in Davenport influenced his desire to join friends to build a 40-foot trimaran and go to sea. He married his college sweetheart, and they set out for ports in Mexico and finally Hawaii, where he supplied the crew of eight people and two cats with fish and sea turtles he speared while diving.
Upon returning to California, he joined his brother-in-law to purchase land, and built a hand-made house in the Santa Cruz Mountains where he lived with his wife until his death.
Jon is survived by his wife, Kristeen, and cousins Jan Price of Redding, CA, Richard Sickler of Tallahassee, FL, Annette Brodigan of Seaside, OR, Betty Riccio of Johnson City, TN, and Vincent Riccio of Santa Clara, CA.
A Memorial Service for Jon will take place Saturday, March 28 at 12:30 at Darling Fischer Chapel of the Hills located at 615 N. Santa Cruz Avenue in Los Gatos, 95030. Their will be a reception to follow the service at the families residence. In lieu of flowers, a donation may be made to Pathways Hospice or the Diabetes Society of Santa Clara Valley.
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