John Himmelreich Obituary

John William Himmelreich, Jr.'s spirit left his body on July 10, 2015, after an eighteen-month battle with brain cancer. He passed peacefully, surrounded by family, in the home of first-wife-turned-best-friend-and-caretaker Corine. He was 63.

"Little Montoya" was born in 1951 in Denver. Raised outside the state, John moved back in 1978 with a BS in Geology. As a professional geologist, he advocated for the people, challenging the Springs to adopt, and later strengthen, its Zoning Code related to Geologic Hazard Studies. His stamp on the area will forever be defined by the thousands of acres he mapped and studied in and around Colorado Springs and surrounding states. John followed his passion, practicing geology until the cancer's progression forced him to reluctantly hang up his rock hammer.

John also gave himself to his communities. For many years, he served in Austin Bluffs Sertoma. Most recently, he served as President of the Mill Street Neighborhood Association helping "the hood" acquire the vacant lot needed for a community garden.

Another of John's communities was the Boy Scouts of America. Throughout his 25+ years as a scouter, John participated in numerous trainings and served in a variety of leadership roles at the Troop, District and Council levels. His expertise was instrumental in helping Camp Alexander save over $300,000 on a critical water/wastewater systems project. He also influenced the lives of countless youth and adults. He didn't seek recognition, yet was honored with the Scoutmaster Award of Merit, the James E. West Fellowship Award, the Vigil Honor, and the Silver Beaver Award. He was also a 3-beader Bobwhite in Wood Badge and held leadership positions on six different Wood Badge courses.

John's love of scouting and its guiding principles radiated throughout his life. He was a scout to the end, "doing his best" to fight the terminal prognosis and performing his final "good turn" by donating his whole body to science.

John is preceded in death by parents Bill and Phyllis. His legacy lives on in son Gerry (Jennifer) and two granddaughters. His memory also survives through brothers Flip (Molly) and Allen (Rita), as well as in his many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

John's family thanks his many professional, neighborhood, scouting, and other friends who came to visit during his final days. They also thank everyone who called or sent messages of support. And finally, thank you to the Gentiva Hospice staff assigned to his care.

John's family will hold a private celebration of his life. In lieu of flowers, please honor John's memory through a donation of your time or money to your favorite neighborhood, youth, or community organization.