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In memory of

John Rees Southan

Columbia, MD, USA

May 5, 1936 - June 25, 2021

May 5, 1936 - Jun 25, 2021

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John Southan, 85, passed away on June 25, 2021. He was a devoted husband to Sylvia, for 44 years until the time of her death in 2004. Together they had three children, Eric (wife Nina) Southan, Suzanne (husband Eric) Hirtle who passed away in 2019 and Glen (wife Jennifer) Southan. He was a beloved grandpa to Bryanna, Leah, Kirsten, Preston, and Joshua. Born on May 5, 1936, in Newport, Wales, UK, he was the son of the late Harry and Hilda Southan. He is survived by a brother, Ron, and predeceased by siblings, Arthur and Nansi.

As a boy in the UK, John loved playing soccer, rugby, and cricket. He emigrated to the United States with his family and went on to serve in the United States Army. After completion of his service, John earned a B.S., Mathematics from Michigan State University, where he played on the first Men's Varsity soccer team. After a successful career working on interesting projects such as the lunar lander, he then purchased and operated a hobby store for many years. He had a great rapport with his customers and was often found with them at the local RC flying fields. He and his beloved Sylvia shared a passion for art and travel, visiting places such as Peru, Costa Rica, Spain, and Cancun, among many others. He had a deep love of family, sports cars, and great hockey games. John passed on many wonderful traits to his children and grandchildren, including a strong work ethic, devotion to family, and his love of travel.

Memorial services are still being arranged. Final details will be updated when available.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

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