John Russell Maher was born Sept. 27, 1962, in Garberville, Calif. He passed away May 18, 2008 after a long battle with cancer. John was a wonderful husband and great father.

John spent the past 10 years doing what he loved most, being a stay-at-home father and husband. John lived his life for his son, Jacob and daughter, Haley. John was always there for his children’s sporting events watching them succeed was the highlight of his life.

John’s favorite past time was golfing with all his special friends in the Beau Pre morning game. John was nicknamed Johnny Wilson by his children, Jacob and Haley, niece and nephew, Dustin and Taylor Schilling. Who knows where they came up with the name, but he would always answer them when they called him by Wilson. He will be greatly missed by all of them, but never forgotten.

John loved going to family get-togethers, especially Thanksgiving at his uncle Ron and aunt Cathy’s. Easter at his uncle Ray and aunt Terry’s. He also enjoyed many happy times at Fort Seward with his aunt Jean and uncle Norman and cousins Tami, Kim, Matt, Brett, Brett-Norman, Courtney, and Whitney. John is survived by his loving wife, Angela, and children, Jacob and Haley. John’s family will never forget the years of care and devotion Angie has spent in John’s battle with cancer. She was his strength in surviving all these years.

We will forever be grateful to her and the kids for their endless days spent in making every day a happy day for John. John is also survived by his mother, Jane and step-father, Ralph O’Hanen, father Russell and stepmother, Arleen Maher. Sisters, Lisa Schilling, Leslie Ruden and her husband, Jimmy. Nephew Dustin Schilling, nieces Taylor Schilling and Heaven Coleman. In-laws Margaret Price, Ron and Angie Martin. Special great-aunt Angie Huff. Angela’s grandparents Pat and Betty Gordon. Numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Special thanks to his nurse Angela from Hospice of Humboldt. She was the greatest. Friends and family are invited to a celebration of his life at the Samoa Woman’s Club on Saturday, May 24, 2008 starting at 1 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Hospice of Humboldt at 707-445-8443.