John Lewis O’Shaughnessy
John Lewis O’Shaughnessy, a true maverick of his time, departed this world on November 1, 2023, at the age of 93, surrounded by his loving family. John’s life was a testament to unwavering ambition, boundless determination, generosity and a spirited conviction that “can’t” had no place in his lexicon. He approached challenges with a fearless spirit and a steadfast belief that every obstacle could be overcome, often with an unapologetic and blunt approach that left no room for compromise. His unyielding dedication and unorthodox problem-solving strategies left an indelible mark on those who had the privilege of knowing him.
Born in the midst of the Great Depression, on January 22, 1930, in Hollydale, California, John’s early years were a journey through the rugged spirit of the times. He was raised in a one-room farmhouse in Colorado, where he and his family toiled as pinto bean farmers. Their days were marked by the backbreaking work of rural farm life: constructing adobe bricks, tending to and farming the land, and wrestling with tractors all day and night, especially during planting season. He’d often share that they ate pinto beans at every meal and had the good fortune to eat apricots but once a year. The O’Shaughnessy family’s homestead, with no running water or electricity, relied on a well for their daily water needs. Each day, they would lower a bucket into the well to fetch water, a task that became a daily ritual for young John and his siblings.
His school journey was like something out of a movie. Braving the elements, John trekked uphill in both snowstorms and sweltering heat waves, turning his daily commute into a thrilling expedition. He made the long walk to a one-room school alongside just eleven fellow students and John would often brag that three of the pupils were O’Shaughnessys: John, his older sister Jean, and their younger brother Don. He also enjoyed sharing the tale of moving the schoolhouse several miles away to a new location. With his father, they hitched up a team of horses and drug the “school” to its desired spot. These adventures painted the vibrant backdrop of his early years.
In the post-Depression years, John’s family moved to Compton, California, where he had to adapt to city life. This transition wasn’t without its challenges, as the “farm boy with a limp,” the result of a fall from a roof in his earlier years, made his mark. Nevertheless, he persevered, eventually graduating from high school and briefly attending city college. Following that, he joined his father’s construction business, setting the stage for his future in the industry.
At 19 years old, John tied the knot with Mary Clayton (dec. 2019), commencing a journey that would eventually bring four daughters into their lives. These daughters, Vickie, Coleen, Judy, and Cindy, would grow to become his source of immense pride and joy, each embracing his spirited sense of adventure and relentless determination. John’s parenting approach was distinctive, characterized by a stern yet non-physical style. His children would humorously quip that they’d almost prefer a good old-fashioned spanking over one of his legendary lectures, but it was these very lectures that carried profound and invaluable life lessons.
John’s enterprising nature emerged early, initially embarking on the hay-hauling business with an aging truck. His journey then led him to take the reins of his father’s company, eventually guiding him to the flourishing Santa Barbara area. The transformation of Santa Barbara and Goleta, underscored by John’s ascendancy in the construction industry as President of O’Shaughnessy Construction Co., reached its pinnacle in the 1960s. In an era lacking a freeway and with Hollister Avenue serving as the primary thoroughfare, he bore witness to the region’s remarkable expansion. Through his work, which encompassed the installation of sewers, storm drains, culverts, and dams, he left an indelible mark on the rapidly expanding community.
John’s career took a transformative turn when he ventured into development. He crafted plans for the La Purisima Highlands in Lompoc and embarked on a development project in Arroyo Grande. John’s expertise as an irrigation contractor also played a pivotal role in the establishment of the Twin Lakes Golf Course, previously known as Swingers Golf Course. When the owner faced financial difficulties, John assumed ownership and worked tirelessly to resuscitate the struggling establishment. It was during this challenging time that he joined forces with Richard Chavez, forming a dynamic partnership that ultimately transformed the golf course into a profitable enterprise. The duo later expanded their collaboration to manage the Santa Barbara Municipal Golf Course and Shop, successfully turning it around and eliminating the long waiting times at the tee. John also harbored a vision for a new community golf course, one that was accessible and designed for the “working man”, where 18 holes could be played in just four hours. Although John purchased land and meticulously laid out plans for the golf course, he was never able to witness the realization of his cherished project. The land was eventually sold and redesigned and became Glen Annie Golf Course that many golfers cherish today. Amidst his many remarkable projects, he also was involved with the construction of the Alpha School, particularly in honor of his daughter, Cindy (dec. 2018).
Countless anecdotes abound about John, particularly from those who were part of his workforce during the early years. To him, rules and regulations were not rigid constraints but rather open invitations for testing, defying, or even disregarding if they failed to align with his stubborn sense of reason. Possessing a wealth of knowledge and an abundance of practical wisdom, he was known to, in a characteristic fashion, scribble impromptu instructions in the dust on the hood of his car, departing the scene with his workers left to decipher, and sometimes even pray, to ensure they fully comprehended his instructions.
John’s zest for life extended beyond construction. In 1965, he acquired his first airplane and pilot’s license, enabling him to explore California and beyond. With his airplane, he transported doctors to rural Mexico, providing healthcare to underserved communities. This love for aviation not only brought medical aid to those in need but also opened the skies for his own remarkable adventures. He would take day trips to various corners of California, whether for lunch, spontaneous skiing in Mammoth, baseball games at Dodger Stadium, or relaxing getaways to Lake Nacimiento. These airborne journeys wove vibrant threads into the tapestry of his life, portraying a man who never stopped seeking new horizons and savoring every moment.
Lake Powell, another cherished haven, held a special place in John’s heart. It was there John found joy in fishing, skiing, and stargazing. His trips to Lake Powell were often fraught with drama and unusual emergencies, but they encapsulated a wide ranged of emotions and experiences for the family and friends that joined. From moments of chaos, fear, and tension to times of serenity, beauty, and clear waters, Lake Powell was a canvas of memories.
John’s legacy lives on through his sister, Jean Kinney, his daughters Vickie, Coleen, and Judy, as well as his numerous grandchildren, great and great-great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. The stories about him are as endless as the skies he once navigated in his beloved aircraft.
John Lewis O’Shaughnessy, a man of undeniable determination, a fearless pioneer, and a visionary, will be celebrated at a “Celebration of Life” on December 2, 2023, at the Timbers Road House from 11 am to 3 pm. John’s spirit lives on in the memories of all who had the privilege of knowing him, and in the enduring tales of his extraordinary life.