John Raymond Laurent

John Raymond Laurent, born on June 6, 1950, in Santa Cruz, California, passed away on February 18, 2025, in the comfort of his home, surrounded by love.

John was the son of Ruth and Ray Laurent and grew up alongside his sisters, Carol, Adrienne, and Barbara. He spent his early years in Ben Lomond, Santa Clara, Sacramento, and San Jose, graduating from Camden High School in 1968. He was drafted into the U.S. Army and served in Vietnam in 1970. While he came to see the war as a tragic and wasteful experience, his time there profoundly changed his perspective on life and taught him to see the world through different eyes.

Upon returning home, he found his true calling in service to others and became a firefighter for the City of San Jose in 1975. He retired as a captain in 2009 but remained dedicated to fire service education, teaching at the South Bay Fire Academy and later founding Simply CPR & First Aid Training in 2011. Through this work, he connected with countless people, sharing his knowledge and passion for lifesaving skills throughout Santa Cruz and Santa Clara counties until his passing.

John married Kathy Lanoie in 1971, and they welcomed their daughter, Leslie, in 1974. After Kathy’s passing in 1979, he faced a difficult period but eventually found love again with Janice Allen in 1981. They married in 1982, and he gained a stepson, Brooks Allen. They later welcomed their daughter, Colleen, in 1984.

Family was the cornerstone of his life. His happiest memories revolved around his time as a husband to Janice; a father to Colleen, Brooks, and Leslie; and later as a grandfather to three wonderful grandchildren: Ishaan, Meera, and Wylie. John loved family vacations in Arnold and Hanalei, playing volleyball with friends and family, long hikes, working in the garden, and enjoying time with his grandchildren: going on lizard hunts, playing HORSE, engaging in water balloon fights and relaxing with movies/dinner theater at home. His principled and empathetic guidance was frequently sought and treasured, and his humor, generosity, and kindness touched everyone who knew him. He left an indelible mark on the lives he encountered.

He is survived by his loving wife, Janice; his children, Colleen Laurent, Leslie Hess (Eric Hess), and Brooks Allen (Roneeta Guha); his beloved grandchildren, Ishaan, Meera, and Wylie; and his sister, Barbara Loder. He was preceded in death by his parents and sisters Carol and Adrienne.

A small private celebration of life will be held next month. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you honor his memory as he wished, with a simple act of kindness for someone less fortunate.

His legacy of service, love, and generosity will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.