John Shelton, son of Leonard and Frances Shelton, brother of Tom, Robert, and Jane passed away January 2, 2011 at his sister’s home in Virginia after a sudden battle with cancer.

John was a close friend and classmate (Pomona College class of 1963). We grew up in Claremont and were friends since age 4. John’s sister, Jane, and my sister, Karin, were also classmates and good friends.

After college, John joined the Peace Corps and spent two years in Peru. During most of his life from then on he traveled the world, taught English in Japan, crewed on ships, and eventually spent most of his later years living in Southeast Asia and Australia.

Among my friends and acquaintances, John was always one of the fittest, both physically and mentally. He loved to read and to analyze politics and world events and to have lively discussions and arguments over these subjects. Almost daily, he would be off on long runs, doing pushups and pull-ups, and staying in great shape.

For him to pass away at such a relatively young age is quite a surprise to those who knew him. What we learn from this is that your health is truly the wild card in your life. Sudden illnesses or accidents can never be predicted and can turn your life upside down or end it very quickly.

Although he was out of the country for most of his adult life, there were visits back to the States. He would stay in Claremont to spend time with his mother or would come out to Manhattan Beach to visit with David Ronfeldt. I would join them when I had the time and would stay up most of the night listening to John talk about his latest adventures.

I miss those times and I miss John. David and I are both very grateful to John’s sister, Jane, and to his brothers for all the care and attention they gave him during his last months. After a family gathering at Tom Shelton’s place in Idaho, John’s ashes will be scattered in the rugged mountains nearby.

GEOFF ARMOUR