John Ryan Roth

John was born in San Pedro, CA to Albert and Kathleen Roth on June 22, 1952. He had five siblings, Maggie, Michael, Loretta, Josette, and Albert (Cheryl), and grew up in Redondo Beach, CA. John attended St. James Catholic Elementary School in Redondo Beach and Bishop Montgomery High School in Torrance (Class of ’70). He continued his education at El Camino College in Torrance, UC Davis, and California State University, Long Beach graduating in 1982 with a B.A. in Liberal Studies (Anthropology) as well as earning multiple teaching credentials, including a credential in Special Education.

John devoted his career to Public Education, serving over 40 years in the field, with the last 18 years at Culver City High School (CCHS). At CCHS, John taught courses in US Government & Economics, Global Issues, World/US History and Health. He also served as the CCHS Dept. Chairperson for Specialized Academic Instruction, which included the role of dedicated Special Day Class instructor and Special Education Advisor for the Best Buddies Club supporting those students and their families to help ensure success in the classroom and in each student’s overall future.

John loved his students, working to infuse fun and effective lessons to illustrate the importance of past and current history and introducing current events using technology, historical items, and artifacts from his personal collection. He had a passion for demonstrating “what is past is prologue” and how to anticipate and change the future by understanding the past. John also used his devotion to history preservation and community by starting the annual Civil War Veteran Memorial event each Memorial Day weekend at Inglewood Park Cemetery where dozens of Union and Confederate veterans are buried, along with participating in many Civil War reenactment events in CA and other states.

John was a beloved and devoted son, brother, cousin to George, uncle to Paul, Kayla, and Brian, and friend to many lifelong friends. He loved to read, laugh, watch classic Mel Brooks and Marx Brothers movies, and enjoyed a broad musical palette including Beethoven, The Grateful Dead, Willie Nelson, and many more.

His love of the outdoors was second to none, learning how to swim, fish, camp, hike and safely use firearms thanks to our big brother Mike and our Dad’s guidance. That love continued throughout his life, exploring the Mojave Desert, Death Valley, Eastern Sierra Nevada, Yellowstone, Glacier, Zion, Badlands, Custer, Grand Canyon, and other National Parks. His love of the Alaskan locations of Denali, Seward, Kenai River, and Dutch Harbor became his favorite destinations. He documented his journeys as a talented photographer, capturing the beauty of these locations to share with family, friends, and students.

John was and will always be in our hearts and memories as wonderful man who was an important part of our lives. We will continue to keep the campfire burning as a tribute to him. Vaya con Dios amigo, we will always love you.