John R. Sigler

July 9, 1925 – July 6, 2018

John R. Sigler died peacefully in Wisconsin on July 6, 2018, three days before his 93rd birthday, with family by his side at Lake Hallie Memory Care.

John was born in Los Angeles on July 9, 1925, the son of Gray M. and Caroline W. Sigler. He spent his early years in the Los Angeles area, attending military boarding schools starting at age 5 after his father’s death. He joined the U. S. Navy shortly before his 18th birthday. While in the Navy during World War II he served as a pharmacist’s mate and was stationed on Okinawa at the time of Japan’s surrender.

In 1946 he made the first of many trips to Alaska and the next year drove the newly-opened Alcan with several friends. He became a student at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and received his degree in zoology. After returning to California he continued his education and completed his teaching certification to become a science teacher in Los Angeles.

He met and married his wife Donna in Los Angeles, and they began raising their family there. After moving to the suburb of Covina, he joined the staff at Claremont High School, teaching science until his retirement in 1986. He participated in several National Science Foundation programs, including one at the University of New Mexico where he received his master’s degree in botany.

He first came to Homer with the family in 1970 and continued to spend summers here until retirement. The family home started as a summer cabin and grew to include a photo darkroom and a shop where he pursued his many hobbies. He had a lifelong interest in photography and was an accomplished woodcarver. His many other interests included woodworking, stained glass, gardening, astronomy and genealogy.

He spent many years volunteering at the Pratt Museum, assisting in photographing and cataloging collections. He was an active member of Faith Lutheran Church. In recent years he spent his winters in Arizona, moving to Wisconsin last year to be nearer to family.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his son Andy. He is survived by his wife, Donna, and his children, Julie, Gray, and Laurie; 19 grandchildren; and ten great-grandchildren. He was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather and will be greatly missed.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Pratt Museum or to Faith Lutheran Church. A memorial service will be held at Faith Lutheran Church at 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 11, 2018.