By KATHERINE PETERSEN
As Sunnyvale's director of Parks and Recreation, John Christian spearheaded some of the city's most important recreation programs and the development of Sunnyvale Baylands Park.
Christian continued to work part-time until a few weeks ago, although he was undergoing painful treatments for prostate cancer, with which he was diagnosed less than two years ago. Christian died Aug. 8 at age 50.
People around town praised Christian for forming partnerships with schools and other organizations, including the $3.5 million Columbia Neighborhood Center, scheduled to open next month. The center, funded with money from private businesses, public schools and the city, will provide education, health and other services for youth, families and residents in the north Sunnyvale neighborhood.
Christian has broadened afterschool activity programs from the Community Center to school sites and participated in community events, such as opening-day ceremonies for Sunnyvale's Little League teams, rather than simply sending one of his staff.
"John was one of the most dedicated, loyal employees we've ever had. He accepted every challenge, and his contributions to the community have been far above and beyond the his job as director," said former mayor Pat Castillo, who served on the Sunnyvale City Council when Christian was hired in 1988.
"He will certainly be missed within our community, and by many of us who considered John one of our friends," Castillo said.
City Manager Tom Lewcock added that Christian was a passionate leader who included his staff and the community in the decision-making process.
"John involved interested members of the public in projects such as the renovation of Washington Park or assuming park maintenance from the school district. He involved as many as he could in the process. That was John's way. It's a tragic loss," Lewcock said.
Christian oversaw a department of 107 full-time employees and an annual budget of $12 million.
Three months ago, Christian received the city's Distinguished Citizen of the Year Award, given during the annual State of the City celebration. Seated in a wheelchair, the Elmhurst, Ill,. native watched as his teenage son, Cory, accepted the award on his behalf.
When asked about Christian, those who know him agree he was warm, sensitive and caring.
Vicki Piazza, a city planning commissioner who worked with Christian on the expansion of Fairwood park, said Christian is friendly with everybody.
"No matter where he went, he knew people. When he looked at people, he was very focused," she said.
Carol Butler, Sunnyvale's deputy city clerk, said she treasured her friendship with Christian. The two shared a passion for college basketball and always found time for a Monday-morning recap of the past week's activity.
"He was always there for me. He always had time for everybody. He always saw the good in something and not the negative," she said.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Christian grew up on baseball. He and his brother, Paul, spent a lot of time watching the Milwaukee Braves and Chicago Cubs put bats to balls.
Christian has shared his love of baseball and other sports with his family.
Christian coached in Sunnyvale Southern Little League until his son graduated from the program. Christian and Cory had a long-standing tradition of traveling to Stockton or Lodi on Friday nights to watch minor-league baseball games.
Debbie Seguin, a friend of the family who also works with Christian on Music Boosters at Homestead High School, said Christian constantly gave his time for the benefit of the community.
"There's not a life [John] came in contact with that he didn't touch for the better. He was the most loving, giving person I've ever met," Seguin said. "What you saw was what you got."
A local memorial will be held Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Luke's Lutheran Church, 1025 The Dalles.
A funeral service was held yesterday in Algonquin, Ill.
This article appeared in the Sunnyvale Sun, August 14, 1996.
©1996 Metro Publishing, Inc. All rights reserved.