John Joseph Lester

John Joseph Lester August 24, 1951 June 23, 2022 Walnut Creek, California John Joseph Lester passed away unexpectedly on June 23, 2022, leaving behind his wife Ronnalee and daughter Sara, his mother Patricia, his sisters Lynn and Annie, and countless family members and close friends who loved him dearly. John joins his father Everett and brother Jim who preceded him in death. John was a strong, generous, and compassionate man who always went out of his way to help others. John was born on August 24, 1951, in Coalinga, California to Everett and Patricia Lester. His family later moved to Bakersfield, California where he attended Foothill High School and was introduced to the love of his life, Ronnalee, whom he met through his close friend (Ronnaleesbrother, Craig). John and Ronnalee dated throughout high school and college and married in 1977. Together, they welcomed their daughter Sara in 1985. After high school, John attended Bakersfield College and later transferred to California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration. During his time at Cal Poly, John was an active member of the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity and gained lifelong friends in his fraternity brothers. YITBOS. Following college, John had a successful career in sales working in car sales and later for 3M Transportation Safety Division in the San Francisco Bay Area, helping keep our roadways safe. Throughout his career, he always went the extra mile to help those around him succeed through his wealth of knowledge, mentorship, and advocacy. Outside of work, Johns pride and joy was his family. Ronnalee and Sara meant the world to John, and him to them. He was more to them than a loving husband and devoted dad, he was their best friend. John shared a passion for golf with his wife, daughter, and many family members and friends. He was lucky enough to experience the Masters Tournament and Ryder Cup with his family a highlight of his life. Most days, you could find him at the golf course, perfecting his swing, competing in a tournament,or playing a round with friends. He also enjoyed sailing and fishing with Sara, rooting for his favorite sports teams (the San Francisco Giants and Golden State Warriors), walking his dogs, and spending time with the people he loved most. John will always be missed but never forgotten. Johns legacy will live on in the memories of all those whose lives he positively impacted. For those who would like to continue Johns legacy of helping others and make a contribution in his honor, donations can be made to Barrows Neurological Foundation or the Michael J. Fox Foundation to help end Parkinsons disease http://www.michaeljfox.org/donate, or the Bay Area Lyme Foundation to support research and help one day find a cure for lyme diesease www.bayarealyme.org/get-involved/donate/ two causes John cared deeply about. There will be a Celebration of Life for John on July 30th, held at Boundry Oaks Golf Course at 11:00 am. Celebration of Life Saturday, July 30, 2022 11:00 am Boundry Oaks Country Club 3800 Valley Vista Road Walnut Creek CA 94598