John A. DeWit, of Carmel, California, passed away peacefully on Thursday May 16th, 2013. John was born on June 23rd, 1928 in Asuncion, Paraguay, to parents John Eelco and Gilke Westra. He also had one sister, their daughter Ina Miltenburg who passed away a few years before John. After completing high school in Paraguay he moved to Southern California where he graduated from UCLA in 1952. Shortly after this he secured a job at Home Savings and Loan Association. In 1964 he married a beautiful young woman from Kitzingen Germany, who captured his heart. This coming November 21st would mark their 49th wedding anniversary. With their only daughter the young couple found a home in the Monterey area in 1976. Immediately wooed by the beauty of the Peninsula he never wanted to move again. He was more than content with his little piece of paradise along the banks of the Carmel River. After working over thirty years with Home Savings-where it was said he was a fair supervisor and wonderful mentor-he retired in 1991. Never one to be lethargic he found himself a volunteer opportunity with Meals on Wheels where he proceeded to serve for 16 years. He delivered more than meals; he delivered honest kindness and usually exchanged a joke and a laugh before he felt his job was complete. A long time lover of latin-style music and Spanish female vocals, as well as Big Band era tunes, he also was an aficionado of crime-drama both in literature and film.
He is survived by his dedicated wife Sabina Dewit, daughter Kim DeWit-Detamore, son-in-law Brad Detamore, brother-in-law Hans Korfin, and sister-in-law Kathleen Jeckot. He is also survived by five adult nieces and nephews and their families, which includes eight grandchildren. His ashes will be dispersed privately by his immediate family at a later date. He was always fond of the yearly trek -for over 30 years!- to the High Sierras so this is one option that he would be fond of. At the request of the deceased no funeral or memorial services will be held. However, a simple Celebration of his Life will be held on Tuesday, May 28th, from 5 to 7 pm at the Carmel River State Beach at the intersection of Carmelo and Scenic. Please come for a glass of wine and light appetizers while taking in one of his favorite views looking to the west out Carmel Valley from the lagoon, or out across the water towards Point Lobos.
Also, we know there are many ads on this website. Please, at the request of John and the immediate family, no gifts of condolence are necessary. Only the gift of your presence on Tuesday if you can make it, or please do sign the guest book below.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
May 29, 2013
Patricia Campell Moore
Sabrina & Kim. When I think of John I think of his strong and quite presence. He was a great man to work for and He will be missed by everyone who came to know and love him.
May 28, 2013
Dear Sabina,
What can I say, I will miss him. John was such an honorable man, great boss, the best and most loyal friend anyone could ever ask for. We walked many miles together over the years. Bob McKenzie
May 28, 2013
phyllis morson
May 27, 2013
My Dear Auntie Sabina and Kim~
I feel truly blessed to have known John since the age of 6. He was funny, gentle, honest and loving. I look forward to seeing you tomorrow at the beach.....we will toast him and remember the wonderful, strong man that we all loved so much.
Love, Deanne Icardi Maschmeyer
May 27, 2013
Sabina and Kim and families....I was so sorry to hear of your loss. John was not only the hardest boss I worked for, he was also the fairest. I will never forget the day he announced his retirement. Not a dry eye in the house. He was so warm, kind-hearted and funny and will be missed. Jim and Sharon Brown
May 26, 2013
kim dewit
May 26, 2013
Sabina, I was so sorry to read about John's passing. I tried to send you a card at your old address but it came back,I am worried about your health after I saw you at the Doctors,and you said John was feeling poorly at the same time, to much for one friend to handle at once.Please call me anytime 2774312,or Email at [email protected], my sincere sympathy to you and Kim,Love Plyllis
May 25, 2013
Rosie McHale
Dear Sabina: I was so sad to hear of John's passing, such a nice man. You and your family have my sincere condolences during this sad time. May he rest in peace. Sincerely, Rosie McHale (Helen's Rosie)
May 25, 2013
Maggie Bates
I will miss John very much. I first met him at the age of 7 when he befriended my parents. Their friendship lasted over 40 years. How I will miss him. Love u John.
May 24, 2013
Tim Love
We are all so sorry to hear of your loss. Having read this obituary makes me wish that I had been able to meet this great man.
Kim, you and your whole Family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
May 24, 2013
kim dewit
For my daddy
May 24, 2013
Gail Twilegar
I so wish that I could be there to honor my dear friend John. I feel blessed to have known him, and he will be missed, but my mind will be filled with good memories, and he was responsible for many of them..Gail Twilegar
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