Alden “John” Begley of San Francisco passed away on October 14, 2023 at the age of 80 to be reunited in Heaven with his mother, Juliet Begley, father, John S. Begley, and brother, Lynn Begley. John lived an incredibly full life. Growing up in Guerneville, California, he had a love of the outdoors, cooking, nostalgic Americana, and fast cars - especially his many Ford Mustangs. He enjoyed watching football and was a true 49er Faithful. 

A courageous, patriotic hero, John was a volunteer firefighter and proudly served in the 82nd Airborne Division of the United States Army, including a tour in Vietnam from 1967 to 1968, and continued on as a Drill Sergeant in the 91st Division. John was awarded with numerous military decorations including a National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Service Star, Sharpshooter Rifle, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal with a Device, and a Good Conduct Medal and an Honorable Discharge. He also completed the USASCS Photo Lab training and was an incredible lifelong photographer. 

John was an extraordinarily talented artist (https://johnaldengallery.com) and self-taught musician and had a bigger than life personality. Whether through telling jokes or pretending to trip down the stairs, John would do anything to make people laugh. His charismatic nature drew in countless friends over his lifetime. Following his successful career in sales and advertising, he ran a thriving karaoke DJ business where he enjoyed singing old classics, including those from his favorite artist, Elvis Presley. John also completed culinary training and cooked for the local Moose Lodge and several Bay Area businesses. He often volunteered his time and went out of his way to help and feed those who may have been alone during the holidays and being a true companion to veterans with no families. 

John was very active in his family church, The Guerneville Bible Church, hosting many Easter Brunches for the congregation in his younger years. His deep faith in God and love for his friends and family brought him comfort as he became disabled and confined to a wheelchair due to Agent Orange-related illnesses. Through all of his physical challenges, including losing the use of his hands, he pushed through the pain and persevered to continue to paint stunning works of art inspired by the beauty of the Pacific coast and Western United States. His magnetic spirit will never be forgotten and his paintings will carry on, bringing joy to those left behind to miss him. 

John was a devoted and very proud father and grandfather (a.k.a Papa). He is survived by his wife Li Xia Han and step-daughter Liu Chang, faithful dog Lucky, children John Begley, Dionne, and Cynthia Greaux, grandchildren Travis Begley, Tyler Greaux, Ella, Josue Begley, Chloe Greaux, and Nathan Begley, great-grandchildren Lucas Begley and Logan Begley, step-son Brad Hartman and step-daughter Patti Hartman-Butler and their families. 

John will always be remembered as a true hero and legend to those that knew and loved him. There could be no better guardian angel to watch over us until we meet again. 

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