John Alexander Conlin Jr.

John Alexander Conlin Jr. age 76, son of Captain John Alexander Conlin Sr. of the Los Angeles Fire Department, and grandson of renowned vaudeville entertainer and magician Claude Alexander Conlin (aka “Alexander the Man Who Knows”) passed away in Farmington, Utah Sunday morning, March 22, 2015. 

After an evening of dinner, laughter and games with his family and square dancing with his beloved wife, Claire Conlin of 47 years, John awoke early Sunday morning and in preparation for church succumbed to heart failure.

John is known for his dry wit, competitive spirit, friendliness, strong family values, love of golf, traveling, bowling, dancing, and a diversity of intellectual pursuits… as well as an accomplished 6’3” 1970’s roller skating fanatic. He is survived by his loving wife Claire Terhorst Conlin, daughters Heather Conlin, Shannon Jensen and Colleen Campbell and their loving spouses, grandchildren Spencer Lovell, Ava, Sienna and Emily Jensen and pups Pippin and Maddie.  John was preceded in death by his loving parents John and Ann Conlin, daughter Erin Conlin Lovell, and brother Alexander Patrick Conlin.

John served in the Vietnam War for the U.S. Air Force and journeyed to Alaska with the National Weather Service (newlywed Claire in tow) to pursue his life-long career as a Meteorologist, while subsequently obtaining his bachelors of science in mathematics from California State University, Long Beach.  A pursuit that extended beyond Alaska, to Long Beach, California and finally to Salt Lake City, Utah.  John retired as manager of the CWSU, National Weather Service at the Air Traffic Control Center, suspending his retirement briefly to report on the weather conditions for the 2002 Olympics. He enjoyed teaching Sunday school and singing in the choir.

John lived life with humor, vigor and a joy that was limitless  – from theatre, musicals, plays and symphonies to bowling, golf and square dancing.  He was always up for a fun game of cards and shared his love of dancing with his daughters.  He cherished his wife, family, friends, laughter, and love – and as such will be missed by so many.  While his passing may have been quick and unexpected, his legacy will live on for generations to come.

John was known by many names: Daddy-o, Pop-pop, Jump, Johnny, Johnny-Cakes, Coach and Paparuski – all of which extolled the love and familiarity with his loved ones and the jovial manner in which he related with each of us in his own way.  You will be missed, but never forgotten. We love you.

Funeral services will be held this Saturday, March 28, 2015, at 11am at Grace Lutheran Church, 835 North Main Street, Bountiful, UT 84010. Online guestbook available at www.russonmortuary.com. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Salvation Army.