John Lewis-McLaren, age 70, died on April 9, 2014. Cancer claimed his strength and his life.

John was born in Bishopbriggs, Scotland. His family emigrated to California in the summer of 1951 when John was seven. His parents and three children moved from an impoverished coal mining village to live with an aunt near San Diego. John taught himself to swim and surf. He took up the guitar when he was in high school, saving enough to study with a teacher in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, for two years.

Music would have been his choice as a career, but practical considerations led him to construction, landscaping, and working for Home Depot. He taught guitar when opportunities became available. Other musicians enjoyed playing ensembles with him as he was an excellent reader.

John was married to Grace Lewis-McLaren. The couple met at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick in 1981. Their son, Will McLaren, is lead guitarist in Delta Spirit.

A memorial service for John will be held on Saturday, May 24, at 3:30 p.m. at the Unitarian Universalist Church of Brunswick. Gifts in John’s memory may be made to the American Red Cross.