Obituary of John Robert Malmquist

John died suddenly at his home in Oroville on November 18, 2017, he was 71 years old. He was born on May 15, 1946 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. John lived there until he was 4 years old before moving to Phoenix, Arizona. He attended college in California. John was active within his church, a practiced musician, led guided tours in the Grand Canyon and later became a successful restauranteur. In 1975 John met the love of his life, Elise. They were married and settled in Bridgeport (Eastern Sierras) where their sons Ben and Peter were born. John held several positions in addition to volunteering as a firefighter. In 1978 he became Fire Chief for the Bridgeport Fire Department. This launched a distinguished career in public service spanning nearly four decades. In 1986 he was selected to lead the Susanville Fire Department. After serving there for several years, the family moved to Suisun City where John supported the community as Fire Chief until 1998. John was honored to serve as President of the California Fire Chiefs Association. He successively became Cal Chiefs Executive Director where he served with distinction until retirement in 2012. In addition to a celebrated career, John was a generous husband, father and grandfather. He enjoyed fishing the beautiful Sierra Nevada mountain lakes. He was a ferocious reader, an avid houseboater, and always made time to shoot the breeze with friends.

John is survived by his wife Elise, his sons Ben and Peter (Lesa), grandson Reese and granddaughter Emelia, and sister Midge Graves of Phoenix, Az and a spoiled dog Syndey. 

A celebration of life will be held privately in the spring. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in John’s name to: North Valley Animal Disaster Group. Arrangements are entrusted to Oroville Funeral Home 530-533-0323.