John Raymond Laux

1955 - 2016

John Raymond Laux obituary, 1955-2016, Newbury Park, CA

BORN

1955

DIED

2016

FUNERAL HOME

Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

5600 Lindero Canyon Road

Thousand Oaks, California

John Laux Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Aug. 3, 2016.

John Raymond Laux was the beloved husband of R. Martha (Melendrez) Laux, father of John David Laux and Andrew Mark Laux, brother of Nora Faller, Cass Laux, and Rainy Laux, and son of A. Lorraine (Prus) Laux and Ignatius C. Laux (deceased) and mother- in-law, Frances Melendrez. John will be remembered as a deeply caring, gentle man who devoted himself to his family, friends, and children in his community. He was a man of faith, and had an infectious sense of fun. Highly intelligent, he was an excellent engineer who loved all things fast, including flying, sailing, and rockets.

Childhood

John was born May 2, 1955 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania at Mercy Hospital, son of Ignatius "Nick" Laux and Lorraine Laux. Nick was from Carrick and Lorraine was from Baden, and John was their first child.

John grew up in Rosslyn Farms, Pennsylvania. He spent his childhood playing tennis, hockey, and skiing; building model planes and rockets; reading; and playing the trombone. He spent hours playing in the park and woods near his house with his siblings and friends. Many of these activities were the beginnings of lifelong passions, especially model rocket building, which led to his career in engineering.

Education

John attended Rosslyn Farms School, a four-room schoolhouse, from first through sixth grade. He then attended Mt. Gallitzin Academy, and graduated from Canevin High School in 1973. John graduated with a B.S. with distinction in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University in 1977.

Career

His first job was as a Plant Maintenance Engineer at Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. in Detroit, Michigan. He next worked with his father at Ruthrauff, Inc. in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania as an HVAC Project Engineer. In 1981, he moved to California and took a position at Armtech Criton, in Indio, California, commuting 150 miles to and from Venice Beach on the weekends. He next worked as a Facilities Project Engineer at Micom Systems Inc., before taking a position at Rockwell (now Teledyne) in December 1986.

At Rockwell, he held positions as Senior Facilities Project Engineer, Project Engineering Lead, and then Facilities Manager at the research center in Thousand Oaks, California, and semiconductor manufacturing labs and cleanrooms in Camarillo, California. He was recognized for his contributions many times, including a Team of the Year Award in 1995, Chairman's Team Award in 1997, and Operations Excellence Person of the Year in 2001.

In 2010, John took a position at Baxter Corporation as a Senior Principal Engineer at a premier biopharmaceutical plant with 1,500 employees. Most recently, he received an opportunity with Jones Lang LaSalle, which also allowed him to work much closer to his home in Newbury Park.

Martha and the Boys

John met Martha in October 1986 through a social club, after seeing each other (but not speaking) at a party. In February 1987, he proposed to Martha, and they were married August 29, 1987at Saint Steven's catholic church in Monterey Park, California. After a whirlwind romance, they were lovingly married for 29 years.

Johnny was born September 1, 1988, and Andy was born on September 15, 1989. He coached them and their teams in hockey, took them skiing and snowboarding, and introduced them to the guitar.

Personal Life

John loved music, playing trombone, bass, and guitar. He loved jazz fusion and progressive rock. He was called to share his music talents by playing the worship music at his church.

John loved flying and anything airplanes. He obtained his pilot's license and liked to rent a Cessna and fly from Camarillo Airport. Pursuing a purer form of flying, in the summer of 2015 he started to pursue a soaring (sailplaning) license during vacation in Lake Tahoe (Minden Airport). In early 2016 he earned his soaring license at a small airport near Pear Blossom California. He also enjoyed sailing and obtained his sail boat certification in 2008. On occasion, he liked to rent a sail boat and sail around the Channel Islands in Ventura California.

John was a man of deep faith. He was a man that revered God and sought intimacy with Him. He was a man that put his faith into action, in other words put shoe leather onto his faith.

He led men's group at the church, washed dishes at the Ventura County Mission and many other church volunteer organizations which activities included cleaning yards for the elderly and driving people in need of transportation. He also lent/gave money to those in need. John donated generously time and money to many organizations including Wings of Faith which flies to remote locations in the Western United States bringing clothing, toys and food to needy families, Samaritan's Purse which provides disaster relief world-wide, American Center for Law and Justice ("ACLS") with a mandate to protect and advance religious and constitutional freedoms in the US , African orphanages, Cross International which provides aid to needy families around the world, mentored boys as a Big Brother in Pittsburgh and Los Angeles and many other Christian and non-Christian organizations.

John was a man of honor and integrity. He had an obvious nobility of soul and spirit. He lived and loved well, a very special human being. John was an organ donor which was his last act of kindness and caring.


John is deeply loved and missed by his family, friends, neighbors, colleagues, and countless people whose lives he touched. Now he is gazing in the loving eyes of our Lord and Messiah , Jesus.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Memories and Condolences
for John Laux

What is your first memory of John?

Share a favorite memory you have of John.

Tell us about a special moment you shared with John.

Describe a time when John made you laugh or smile.

What is something you will always remember about John?

Talk about a shared experience you had with John.

What is something you did together that you enjoyed?

Describe a place or activity that reminds you of John.

Tell us about a personal story or anecdote involving John.

What is something you learned from John?

Not sure what to say?

November 23, 2016

Greg Rosenblatt

My deepest sympathy to John's family. John and I were fraternity brothers in Beta Theta Pi at Cornell and teammates on the frat's intramural hockey team. He was a great guy.

August 19, 2016

Paul Dixon

Yesterday was a tough day. Bitter in the loss of such a kind and good man, sweet knowing his faith and promised destination. He is missed here by so many, I'm just one of the many. So fortunate that during these last several years I got to know him better, pray for him, his family, and he in turn was used by God to help me through some challenging times. John was a mentor, friend, example, and brother. He IS now destined for eternity where he will carry the title "Well Done Good and Faithful Servant". God bless, protect, and keep Martha, John, and Andy. Your family will always be part of my prayer life...

August 18, 2016

Bessy Alvarez

Dear Martha,

My deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the strength needed during this difficult time.

August 18, 2016

Pamela Slater

Dear Martha, Johnny, Andy and family, our hearts and prayers go out to you today as we remember the life of your beloved John, what a wonderful man he was here on this earth we temporarily call home. Your hearts may be filled with sorrow now and rightly so for the husband, father, friend that will be greatly missed but we can look forward with even greater joy knowing John Raymond Laux Lives in heaven right now with Jesus where we will one day all be together. May this knowledge bring you the comfort and strength but most of all may it bring you Love in the days ahead.

August 17, 2016

Amelie F.

Dear Martha & Family,

You are in my thoughts and prayer through this very difficult time.

"Those we love don't go away, they walk beside us every day.
Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear."

My deepest condolence...

August 17, 2016

Martha,
God is certainly pleased to welcome John into the Kingdom, as he is a great guy and will be even more of an asset with the Father, even though he was deeply loved and appreciated by us on earth. John was faithful in his love and care of the Native American Children that we serve in the Southwestern U.S. and beyond. We will be praying for you heart that is aching at this time.
Blessings on you in this difficult hour, Jim Yost, Wings of Faith Ministries Inc.

August 15, 2016

Fara Phillips

Dear Martha Words fail me in the face of this tragedy. I know your heart is broken and mine breaks for you. Please know that you and in my prayers as I ask God to be present for you at this terrible time, that He wraps you in his love and comforts your grieving heart.

So faith, hope, love remain, these three;
but the greatest of these is love.

And Jesus said, Amen, amen, I say to you, whoever hears my word
and believes in the one who sent me has eternal life

God Bless You,
Fara

August 15, 2016

Felix Gomez

My thoughts and prayers for John and to his family for their loss. He was an extremely caring person, always a gentleman with unquestionable professional integrity. I am thankful having had the opportunity of knowing him.

Sincerely and with deepest sympathy -

August 14, 2016

Bill Kohout

Martha, Johnny, and Andy,
You are in my thoughts and prayers. I wish for you faith, strength, and peace in this trying time.
I have many great memories of John during our 23 years of working together. He was an extraordinarily capable and knowledgeable engineer, instrumental in facilitating the success of the Rockwell Science Center. Of particular note was John's leadership in designing and constructing the Science Center production facilities in Camarillo. He was also highly considerate of the welfare of his coworkers, consistently and successfully managing our health and safety facilities projects. However, those who knew John well knew that family was his top priority.
John was a proud husband and father, a true professional, a gentleman, and a good friend.

Bill Kohout

August 13, 2016

Nora, Rainy and all John's family, my heartfelt sympathy for your loss. So many memories! What a wonderful life!
Pam Grant, Rosslyn Farms/Vero Beach, Florida

August 13, 2016

David Deklewa

Very shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the passing of John. We were friends during our college years at Cornell and afterwards. I can honestly say that John was one of the nicest, most down-to-earth people I have known. My condolences to John's family.

August 12, 2016

Chris Cordeiro

Hi Martha and family. So sorry for your loss. I have always enjoyed working with you and John. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Chris Cordeiro

August 12, 2016

So sorry for your loss to the whole Laux family. John was a great guy and will be missed terribly. Prayers to you all. Jane Jandreau Rosslyn Farms, Pa.

August 11, 2016

John Pasko

I am so shocked and sorry to hear about John's passing. He was a wonderful person and colleague at the Rockwell Science Center, and I am really happy to have known him during his all too brief time on Earth. To his family, please accept my sincere condolences.

August 11, 2016

Bill Coogan

My sympathy to the extended Laux Family. My brother Jack Coogan was a close friend of Lorraine and Nick.

Lorraine, SR.
My brother Jack asked me to find a way to contact you several years ago. I was not successful in that effort.

You may not be aware of it but Jack died last November 3, after his health continued to fail him over the previous year.

You may contact me in the future at 412 526 1709, if you wish more details.

I still recall dinner with you & Nick at a Pitt Sugar Bowl game in New Orleans. They were great football years for Pitt. I'm happy we participated in their victories.

Bill Coogan Pittsburgh, Pa.

August 11, 2016

The Lokosky Family

Rainy -- Sending prayers for you and your family for your loss. With our deepest sympathy.

August 11, 2016

Esther Glass

Our family is so saddened by the loss of John. He was a wonderful colleague, friend and neighbor. The last time that I personally spoke with John he was out for a walk when my husband Nat and I stopped to talk with him. The last words he had to say were how proud he was of his two sons. He will be missed very much by so many. Esther, Nat and Alfie

August 11, 2016

So sorry to see this. I remember John on the tennis courts as a kid. He obviously did well and was a man of faith. Much as he will be missed, he is with God now and that is a huge comfort. Blessings to the entire family.

Margie (Green) Opp

August 11, 2016

I've never done this before, but upon reading the obituary, I felt compelled to write. How blessed and lucky were the people who called this remarkable man their friend. The world could use more people like John Laux.

August 10, 2016

Condolences and prayers for John's family. May he rest in peace.
From his Canevin High School Classmates on 1973

August 9, 2016

Colleen Wernig

Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Dave, and your family. We are so sorry for your loss. Colleen and Mark

August 8, 2016

Karen O'Neil

John was such a wonderful man. A loving husband and father. I'm glad I got to kow him and he will be greatly missed. My heart goes out to you Martha and Johnie and Andy. Love, Karen and Bill O'Neil

August 8, 2016

Sheri Douglas

I am very sorry for your loss. I will always remember the outstanding work John did getting the Camarillo site built for Teledyne. It was a true pleasure working with him over the years.
John took great pride in his family; sharing the music the boys were making and stories of their adventures. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.

August 8, 2016

Jim Mullen

Martha, John, Andy, Lorriane, Nora
So very very sorry. All our love

August 7, 2016

Walter Rihl

My thoughts and prayers go out to John's family. I have always felt honored to know John from my youth, and will always remember the the stunned look on his face the last time we saw each other, when we ran into each other at the Grand Canyon in the late 1980s. John was one of a kind and he will be missed.

August 7, 2016

So sorry Nora, thinking of you and your family.
Colin & Marian Appleton

August 7, 2016

So very sad. We pray for peace for the family. May memories of John bring some peace in the days ahead. You're in our thoughts and prayers. Hugs and Kisses Felicia and Bud

August 6, 2016

Martha, John & Andy,
We are so very sorry for you loss. Please know you are in our thoughts.

XX00 The Cochrans (Pittsburgh,PA)

Showing 1 - 28 of 28 results

Make a Donation
in John Laux's name

Memorial Events
for John Laux

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Valley Oaks-Griffin Memorial Park, Mortuary & Crematory

5600 Lindero Canyon Road, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362

How to support John's loved ones
Commemorate a cherished Veteran with a special tribute of Taps at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor John Laux's life and legacy
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more