John Baines Willey's Obituary
John Baines Willey died peacefully on January 5, 2024, in Daly City at the age of 75.
John is survived by children Michele Steinmetz (Stan Walusz) of Greenwood, IN, Danny Steinmetz (Marie) of Rocklin, and Lenny Steinmetz of Pacifica, as well as granddaughters Danielle Steinmetz of San Anselmo, Mariah Steinmetz of Petaluma, and Madison Steinmetz of Rocklin. He is also survived by nieces Nicole McKay and Jennifer Garrett and nephew Joel Garrett, all of Clearlake. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jean Batey Willey, father, John K. “Jack” Willey, mother, Mary Elizabeth “Beth” Willey, and sister, Mary Jo Garrett.
John was born on August 6, 1948, in San Francisco, and grew up in Pacifica, graduating from Terra Nova High School in 1967. He joined the United States Navy soon after, serving during the Vietnam War in the Gulf of Tonkin on the USS Yorktown (CV-10) and USS Constellation (CV-64). Christmas of 1968 was spent aboard the USS Yorktown recovering NASA’s Apollo 8 capsule from the Pacific Ocean.
After the US Navy, John met Jean, both sharing a love for the music of Bob Dylan. They married in a small ceremony in 1979 and were devoted to each other until her passing in 2009. After transitioning from the US Navy, John worked for the Navy Public Works Center (PWC) as a pipefitter at several Bay Area shipyard facilities and military bases.
John enjoyed a love of music, hobby collecting, target shooting, fishing, and cruising around California in his red Pontiac Firebird. He had an outstanding recollection of details of the past, and was passionate about capturing photos, videos, and memories of friends and loved ones as well as significant moments in history. The Pacifica Fogfest was an important celebration, and family and friends always made sure to stop by to say hello on the way in or out. Over the years, he took many opportunities to travel across North America with his family, developing a particular fondness for the Wild West. He was fiercely dedicated to his family, always there to offer a helping hand, an ear to listen, or some sage advice. John loved his granddaughters dearly and made sure to have an adventure waiting for them when they came to visit. He didn’t take life too seriously, and always made the people around him feel special. How do you summarize a life well-lived? “The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”
John was a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion in Pacifica, and the Disabled American Veterans. A celebration of life will be scheduled for a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to any of the organizations mentioned above. Condolences may be sent to the family at 15 Santa Maria Avenue, #1, Pacifica, CA 94044.
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