John William Fouch, born Sept. 20, 1932, passed on Dec. 6 in Mt. Bullion at the home of his son and in the presence of his children, as well as some grandchildren and greatgrandchildren.

He moved his family to the Mariposa area in 1964. While working for the California Youth Authority, he and former wife, Nona (Goble) raised their children while operating the Princeton Store in Mt. Bullion. The store was closed when his children finished high school, and he finished his career at the Youth Training School in Chino.

John returned to Mariposa in the mid-90s to be closer to his family. He returned to his childhood home of Twenty-nine Palms for several winter seasons. He liked the mountains, but loved the desert and was known to remark that he “needs a sweater when it drops below 80.”

John had a good character and sense of humor. He could be found most mornings at Pizza Plus or other local restaurants harassing waitresses and discussing the finer points of life with his friends until the advent of his failing health about two years ago. He served in the U.S. Navy during the Korean Conflict and dabbled in real estate investments. John was encouraged not to be a golfer or fisherman by nearly all who tried it with him.

He will be missed by his many friends, extended family and offspring. He is survived by his brother, Lee Edward Fouch of Placerville; sons, Rex Fouch of Galveston, Texas, and Dean Fouch of Mariposa; daughters, Karen Fouch of Susanville and Beth Haar of Don Pedro; 13 grandchildren and 10 great-grandchildren. John was preceded in death by his grandson, Spencer David Downing.

A memorial service will be held at the Mariposa VFW Hall at the corner of Highways 140 and 49 at 2 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 19.