By JASON GOLDMAN-HALL

John L. Corstorphine Sr., who lived for 20 years on Bernardo Street in Sunnyvale and was a longtime member of the Los Altos Police Department, died on Feb. 2, leaving behind a large family. He was 77.

Corstorphine was born and raised on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, and spent his childhood playing in sugar cane fields, spear-fishing and getting into mischief.

After moving to the mainland as a teenager, he married Katherine Lee Langley at age 21; their marriage lasted 56 years.

After working as a lifeguard, Corstorphine became a police officer, commander and detective for the Los Altos Police Department.

He was commended for his sense of duty and believed that if he "worked that street a little more often, [bad things] might not happen."

He retired in 1982 as a lieutenant after 30 years of service.

In retirement, he shared stories and lessons with his grandchildren, often sitting in "papa's chair" and eating Crispix cereal with honey.

Memorial services were held Feb. 11 in Crescent City.

His wife died previously. Corstorphine is survived by his children John Corstorphine Jr. of Newark, Deborah Odenhal of Roseville, Joan Adams of Ripon, James Corstorphine of Alamo, Cecily Dennison of Crescent City, Heather Martin of Santa Rosa and Evan Corstorphine of Alamo; and his brother James and sister-in-law Honey in Kaneohe, Hawaii. Other survivors are his grandchildren Colin, Erin, Sarah, Holly, Robbie, Kimberly, Crystal, Deanna, Jordan, Kirsten, KJ, John, Hannah, Alex, Katherine, Kevin, Marissa and Amy. He is also survived by six great-grandchildren and many friends.