John Bezayiff's Obituary
John Bezayiff Obituary
After enduring a long illness, John Bezayiff Jr, at the age of 85, passed away at
home on September 17th 2024 with his family by his side. Among other things he
was a father, friend and loving husband. Born as a sole surviving twin to Grace
and John Bezayiff Sr. in Los Angeles California on October 29th 1938. He was a
rare and unique human being with vast interests and knowledge. You could say
he lived up to the ideals of a renaissance man. With a sportsman's interest in
hunting and shooting. He was equally delighted to have his nose in a book or
enjoying classical music and fine art.
John graduated from Clovis Union High School, Clovis California in 1957 and
received an Associate's Degree in Art from Fresno City College in 1960. He then
attended Fresno State College majoring in history. In October of 1962 he joined
the United States Army during the Berlin Crisis. During his active service, he
performed as an illustrator for the Joint Communications Agency at the Army’s
Nuclear Attack Center, site “R” Fort Ritchie Maryland. Where he held top secret
clearance during the Cuban Missile Crisis. After separation from active duty, John
served as an illustrator for the Psychological Operations Reserve Unit based in
Fort MacArthur California. Where he was involved in the preparation of leaflets
for the South East Asian Theater.
John was at times a very lucky man! While based in Maryland he was invited on
a blind date with a young lady named Susan M. Pack. As fate would have it, the
two were married on July 6th 1963 in McKeesport Pennsylvania. They had two
sons Michael and Chris.
John joined McDonnell Douglas Aircraft in 1965 as a staff illustrator. Maintaining
his military security clearance, he was able to work on projects such as the A1
SkyRaider, the A4 SkyHawk and on commercial aircraft. Most importantly the
DC8, DC9, DC 10 and the C17. He also created graphic art for the Blue Angels
A4’s and helped restore the Douglas M2 mail plane now on permanent display at
the Smithsoian. He was especially proud of the work he did creating the cockpit
instrument panels for the DC10. While working in the aerospace industry, John
earned a Bachelor's degree in history at California State College, Los Angeles in
1970. He later did graduate studies at California State College, Long Beach
California and Advanced Human Factors studies at University of Michigan School
of Engineering. He taught art for Clackamas College’s Community Education
Program and has consulted on graduate student projects at the University of
Ohio’s School of Transportation Design. By invitation he has also been a speaker
at numerous Portland Oregon Schools.
In 1978 John and his family relocated to West Linn Oregon. Where he worked as
an Industrial Designer for Freightliner Corporation’s Styling Studio. He went from
aircraft design to long haul trucks. He was responsible for both exterior and
interior design concepts across a broad range of Freightliner, American LaFrance
and Sterling vehicles. John's artwork in connection to transportation is both
displayed and in the collections of some major institutions and museums. These
include the Museum of Flight, Seattle Washington, the Smithsonian’s Aviation
Museum in Washington DC, The United States Navy’s Aviation Museum in
Pensacola Florida. The Mercedes Museum Stuttgart, Germany and the Oregon
Truck Museum Salam Oregon. He was not only an artist but had an interest in
literature. He wrote two published novels, Drummers Luck and Beyond The High
Blue Mountains.
John more than once said of his professional life “My entire life, I just drew things
and they paid me for it”. He retired from Freightliner in 2004, with a real zest for
life. With Susan as his partner, they committed themselves to world travel. With
trips to the Mediterranean, Spain, Morocco, Great Britain and Egypt, to name a
few. John was not a selfish man, his commitment to service continued into his
retirement years. During this period, he worked as a range safety officer for the
Tri County Gun Club. Yet he found mentoring young people to be the most
rewarding aspect of his life. He joined the United States Civil Air Patrol and
served the Columbia Composite Squadron as their Aerospace Education Officer.
John later earned a national award for his work in Aerospace Education and
retired as Lieutenant Colonel.
John was by no means a sum of his resume. He was much more than even an
artist, writer, historian, sportsmen, mentor, friend, leader, father, and husband. He
was a renaissance man and a person who contributed to his times.
John is survived by his wife Susan and children Michael ( Theresa and Tristen )
and Chrstian Bezayiff, extended family Dean, Julie, Jasmine ( Bryan ) and Aaron.
Brothers Matthew and David.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society in his
memory.
Service Schedule
Private interment at the Willamette National Cemetery on Tuesday, Oct.15th.
Celebration of Life
Saturday November 2nd 2024 2pm to 5pm.
1387 Tamarisk Drive
West Linn OR 97068
What’s your fondest memory of John?
What’s a lesson you learned from John?
Share a story where John's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with John you’ll never forget.
How did John make you smile?
