John Race

John Race passed away on October 13, 2024 after complications from kidney surgery. He was born in Modesto, CA on June 1, 1949, to Richard and Genevieve (Triplett) Race. When John was 14, his family relocated from Modesto to Aptos. He graduated from Watsonville High School in 1967 and attended Cabrillo College.

John, along with his brothers, Rick and Chuck, and their eleven cousins, spent their summers at their grandparent’s home in the Sierras, ten miles west of Markleeville, CA. An older cousin introduced him to fishing and he was hooked for life! They spent their summers climbing mountains, exploring in the old mines, camping, fishing, and creating havoc in the small town of Markleeville. He was also an avid hunter, abalone diver, surfer, enjoyed doing home improvement projects, and generally tinkering around. 

John had a huge heart and was always willing to help anyone. He volunteered every year for Aptos- Adopt-A-Family presenting gifts to deserving families and playing Santa for the children. For 17 years he and his wife, Cathe, spent four days every July cooking at 4H Camp up in the mountains at Camp Loma. He volunteered at several events at Resurrection Church in Aptos, always in the kitchen, cooking up a storm whether it be a spaghetti dinner or a seafood feast. He loved to cook and was happy to pitch in and help at any time. 

At a young age, John went to work for Aptos Pizza, eventually becoming a co-owner. After leaving the pizza parlor he went on to work as a truck driver in the Food Service department for Pajaro Valley Unified School District. He made many friends at both places and always enjoyed spending time with them to share a fish story or two.

John is survived by his wife, Cathe (Donatini), son Jonathan, daughter-in-law Shana, grandson Lucca, and Gage Munyon. He also is survived by his brothers, Richard and Charles (Joanna), his many nieces and one nephew, three grandnieces, and his loving brother and sister-in-laws. He was preceded in death by his son, Michael Race.

John and his good friend, Barry, volunteered for many years with the Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project. If you would like to donate, please send to: Monterey Bay Salmon and Trout Project 825 Big Creek Rd, Davenport, CA (831) 458-3095

There will be a Celebration of John’s life on November 16 at 2pm at the Aptos Grange located at 2555 Mar Vista Drive in Aptos.