JOHN LIN DUBOIS
John Lin Dubois passed away on March 16, 2021. Throughout his life John spent time in California, Maryland and Florida. In his youth his family knew him to be artistic, musical and his love of reptiles caused a constant source of trouble for his family and amusement for him. After an unsanctioned experiment created a big stink in the Science lab at Northwood High School in Wheaton, Maryland, John found his way to the Randolph Macon Military School in Front Royal, Virginia. John’s musical talents led him to play guitar and sing in a band in his teens and early twenties; skills he enjoyed the rest of his life playing with friends each week. John served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Orion, a Fulton-class submarine tender.
In 1996 he followed his friend, "Skinny Richard," to Cohasset, CA, where he created a life he loved. While working for Chico Unified School District as a Computer Tech, he met his wife, Tami Early. Upon meeting him, Tami decided she needed a lot of in person tech support, John quickly agreed. He continued his career as a “computer guru” combining it with his love of community radio when he took his "dream job" as the Operations Manager for KZFR, 90.1. Over the 25 years he was a part of the Zepher family, he hosted many radio shows; most notably “The Kitchen Sink” and “Two Penny Opera” where he was known as The Bad Penny. One of the highlights of his life was getting to know the members of his favorite band, Little Feat, and being able to give them a personal introduction when they played at Laxon Auditorium. In retirement, Tami and John spent quality time working in their yard and traveling in their RV to some of their favorite places in Arizona, Utah and the coast. At the end of the day, John liked nothing better than sitting on the deck with Tami, overlooking their meadow, eating chips and homemade guacamole while drinking margaritas.
Thursday afternoons John could be found participating in the Citizens Advisory Board at Sierra Nevada Brewery and was also a valued member of the Cohasset Brew Club. Volunteering with Hog Ranch Radio of the Strawberry Music Festival was one of his favorite gigs, as was California WorldFest where he wore many hats such as Chair Police, Main Stage Manager and Computer Wizard. John also used his computer skills to help the North Valley Animal Disaster Group.
John will be greatly missed by his wife, Tami Early, daughter Dawn (Kevin) Dubois Patti, step-children Steven (KJ) Fercho and Megan (Mike) Hernandez, brother Matthew (Tom) Dubois, sister Michelle (Lee) Sweeny, Granddaughters Eleanor Mae and Mia Grace, extended family and many friends.
A live radio show memorial will be held on Saturday, April 3, 11:00 am - 2:00 pm, KZFR, 90.1. In lieu of flowers, please donate to John’s beloved community radio station KZFR, 90.1.
John left the following advice - "Listen to music you love despite the genre, mow around poppies, and stay off the roof! Feat! Feat! Feat!"