John Burleigh was diagnosed with cancer and was told that he had only a few days to live.  A decision was made to allow John to spend his final days in his home in Yorba Linda, California.

   One week later, on August 18, 2002, John died in his home at the age of sixty-six.

   John was survived by his wife Rosemarie, son Jeff, and by his mom and dad.

   A beautiful memorial service was held on August 26, 2002 at the Eastside Christian Church where he attended church each week.

   I only wish that I could remember and pass all of the many kind words and credits describing John’s amazing life that were spoken by so many at his memorial.

   John Burleigh is now resting in peace and is now one with God.  John will be greatly missed but will be never forgotten.

   Everyone who met John was inspired by his friendly attitude, moral deeds, unwavering character and strong religious convictions.

   He was a true inspiration to all who knew him.

   John was a dedicated member of

Orange County Volvo Club and was the club’s  treasurer who took great care in keeping the club’s financial affairs in order.  He made the monthly mailing labels for the club’s newsletter and attended every Volvo club meeting and activity possible.

   I had the privilege of visiting John just days before his passing.  One of his concerns was that the Volvo club receives his last batch of mailing labels for the club’s monthly newsletter.

   John also stated that he had lived a full and meaningful life and that he was ready to meet Jesus.

   John was very proud of his 1966 122 Volvo that he purchased new.  He drove his old Volvo at every opportunity especial to Volvo club meetings and activities.

   Although John owned five cars, he loved to drive his family to church in his old 122 Volvo.  Now that’s real Volvo dedication.

   Although his Volvo was quite rustic looking, like John, his Volvo never complained and always completed any task-at-hand.

   I will always remember a phrase that was used each time John would drive up with a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face; Someone would always proclaim:

“Here comes John!”

John’s love for cars started before he even began going to school.  At the age of five, John could identify the manufacturer of every car on the road (self-taught).

John graduated from UCLA where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in engineering, physics and technical writing, and later became a certified Paralegal.

I believe that one of the greatest tributes that we could pay to John is to find a passionate Volvo lover who would be willing to purchase ($500) and fully restore John’s 1966 4dr 122.

It needs paint, minor body repair and all new interior.

Several of our club members have already offered to help with the restoration.

Anyone interested, please call (714) 630-2207 or email volvodrdave@earthlink.net.

 So to you John Burleigh, I say thank you for your friendly smile, meaningful advice, impressive example of moral character, and for being a caring friend and a loving father that we all have come to love and to admire.  God bless you John and your family.

David Hunt—President
Orange County Volvo Club