John Harvey Weidinger, Jr.

John Harvey Weidinger, Jr. was born on March 2, 1941 in San Francisco, California to John Harvey Weidinger Sr. and Elsie Elizabeth Weidinger. He left this world on August 10, 2017, preceded in death by his brother Warren and sister Shirley Ferris; leaving one sister, Bobby Hyer and two brothers, Charles and Richard and Richard’s wife Stephanie. He also left several nieces, nephews, grand nieces and grand nephews.

John was a graduate of Cleveland Elementary School, Balboa High School, City College of San Francisco, Fresno State University and the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy. He was a veteran of the United States Army, California State Police and a retired Lieutenant of the California Highway Patrol.

After his retirement, he spent several years volunteering for the Cleveland Elementary School. During that tenure, he discovered the existence of a time capsule that was buried in the wall of the school and led the effort to recover and open the capsule. In 2006 he was recognized as the San Francisco Unified School District’s Volunteer of the Year. In 2011 he was the recipient of San Francisco General Hospital’s Heart and Heroes Award for his work at Cleveland Elementary School. Most important during this time, however, was the help and guidance he gave to the students of Cleveland School.

John was a long time 49er fan and season ticket holder who traveled and witnessed several of their Super Bowl wins. His great passion in life was his running, starting in high school and continuing throughout his life. He reached his zenith in 1972, qualifying for the United States Olympic Marathon Trials. In subsequent years, he won many races and athletic awards, including many championships at the World Police and Fire Games. He set multiple world records for age classification running events. Most often, these achievements were witnessed by his long time best friend Yvette Cordero. In 2012, he became the first person in Balboa High School history to be inducted into both their athletic Hall of Fame and their Hall of Merit. He led an exemplary life, and now he will lay in rest with his father, John Harvey Weidinger, Sr.

There will be a “Mr. John” Day at Cleveland Elementary School to celebrate his life, September 9, 2017, Saturday 10:00am to 1:00pm at 455 Athens St., San Francisco. COLMA CREMATION & FUNERAL SERVICES colmacremation.com 650/757-1300