John Vincent remembered

Clear skies, after a slight rain. Friends congregated on Friday at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Church to say their goodbyes to John Vincent, 98, Downey historian, teacher, rock hound, musician, artifact –keeper and poet extraordinaire.

Friends showed the many facets of John’s Renaissance mind. The Downey Historical Society was well represented by President Bob Thompson, reporter Bobbi Bruce and Treasurer Frank Williams. John was president-emeritus of the Society where he served for 27 years, and he brought all the enthusiasm of a Chippewa Falls, Wisconsin transplant in enjoying his newly adopted terrain.

“It’s wonderful how involved John always was,” said his long-time friend Rosalie Sciortino, “right till the end. He didn’t resign as Rose Float President till he was 91. Downey was his extended family.” Friend Joyce Sherwin, of the Downey Symphonic Society, agreed.

Mike Prokop, Downey’s “Mr. Rose Float,” was there to honor John, a three-time president of the Downey Rose Float Association. Back in the day, the self-decorated self-funded all-volunteer entry won the Founders' Trophy in 1999 and the Volunteers' Trophy in the 1998 Rose Parades. It has continued to win many more since.

Music was central to John’s life, and the service opened with the strains of Amazing Grace, and then The Lord’s Prayer was sung. The altar was decorated with pumpkins and gourds for Thanksgiving and the fall harvest.

Long-time buddy and fellow musician Dr. Bob Flynn came. He and John would vie for a turn at the piano at the gatherings John hosted in his home on Wiley Burke Avenue. There were two occasions John especially loved to commemorate: his own birthday in August 12, and St. Patrick’s Day on March 17. His devoted housekeeper, Nellie Corrales, would always make sure there was an abundance of tender corned beef, with boiled cabbage and mustard to go with.

For John’s birthday parties, he once served frozen ice cream drumsticks instead of the traditional dish of ice cream and cake. John celebrated by eating his with delight, pinkie finger extended.

John Vincent on his 92nd birthday.

An accomplished musician, at John’s gatherings the highlight arrived when he sat at his piano and began playing Golden Oldies. Guests would call out a first line, and then all joined in to the best of their abilities.

“I first met John at an evening Downey Adult School music class,” said Rosalie. “Everyone would sing a solo. I did Frank Sinatra and Glenn Miller hits, and John always sang something funny and quirky.”

John had earlier been the leader in the Science Department at Santa Fe High School. In addition to his many other interests, John was a member of the Delvers Gem and Mineral Society, a Bellflower club dedicated to rocks, minerals, fossils, and lapidary skills.

At the reception at the Downey Women’s Club, Bobbi Bruce remembered “coming here with John to the mineral shows. The rooms were filled with wonderful treasures.”

At the graveside services, John’s years of U.S. military service during World War II had been recalled. Taps was played and the carefully folded American flag was given into Nellie’s keeping.

Now at the reception, “We wanted to do something special for John,” said housekeeper Nellie. “One last party for John’s friends.” After lemonade, salads and a selection of cold cuts and cheese for sandwiches, another friend circulated with cookies, chocolate with macadamia nuts, and chocolate chip. “Made by me – and Costco,” she said. Grand.

“We haven’t been able to get into the Historical Society building,” said Bobbi. “We’ve been blocked because of the Measure S renovation work at Apollo Park. But President Bob thinks we’ll be up to speed again pretty soon. For our January meeting we will try to have a memorial for John.”

Table companions Carol and Olivia were enthusiastic about John’s many accomplishments, like saving the original Speedee McDonald’s from being demolished.

History of all kinds fascinated John, most importantly that of Downey. But he wasn’t above using his prestige to perpetrate impish practical jokes. About 10 years ago, in his late eighties, he wrote a detailed article explaining that his street was named for Sir Wiley Burke, a British officer in WWII, who came to Downey “for his health,” on the recommendation of General George Patton, of Third Army fame and who originally came from Pasadena.

The Downey Patriot dutifully printed it, and afterwards Johns had to admit, “a hoax. All of it, a hoax,” he said.

John loved to play with words and his wry poems were often printed in the Downey Eagle when John Adams was the editor. Later when he submitted poems for the Poetry Matters column, they appeared in the Patriot.

The only off-key note for the day was the absence of Larry Latimer, who died unexpectedly this summer and whose non-presence was keenly felt. After Larry had been the president for nine years of the Aerospace Legacy Foundation, he was inspired by the Foundation's publication, "Downey's Aerospace History" written by Larry’s successor and next ALF president Gerry Blackburn.

Mentored by John, Larry decided to write a definitive history of Downey, and that book was published by the Downey Historical Society in 2010 with profuse illustrations and vintage pictures.

Larry made sure that John was given credit as co-author. The book, already a classic, in fact is dedicated “to Mr. John Vincent.”