John Wallis Van Camp

John W. Van Camp was born on March 18th, 1923 and passed away peacefully in his home on October 13th, 2023 at the age of 100. Born to Alfred T. Van Camp and Louise Orcutt Van Camp, he spent his early years growing up on the family ranch in Martinsdale, Montana, with his older brother Alfred Jr. and younger sister, Martha. His college days at Montana State University were interrupted by WWII when he enlisted in the US Army Air Corps. He was a B-24 (The Great Liberator) pilot, flying 50 missions in the Pacific theater.

After the war, he earned his Aeronautical Engineering degree at the University of Colorado and then spent his entire career working for North American Aviation/Rockwell in Los Angeles. He was a loyal member of Sigma Chi Fraternity, the Elks Lodge of San Pedro, and the Los Verdes Men’s Golf Club. John was known for his beautiful penmanship, peaceful demeanor, and surprisingly witty jokes; his humorous and intelligent quips caught you off guard! John loved living in Rolling Hills Estates in the house that he and his wife, Dorothy L. Van Camp, designed and built in 1958. He spent many good years enjoying the great outdoors, traveling, playing golf, fishing and backpacking (which he did until he was 90 years old!). He was active into his second century, taking daily walks with his devoted caregivers, Louis and Rosa.

He was loved by family, friends, and all who had the pleasure of knowing him. John will be lovingly remembered for his positive attitude, kindness, and devotion to his family. He is survived by his daughter, Carole O’Neill; grandchildren, Tarin O’Neill; Kelly Vander Hamm (Aaron); John O’Neill; his five great-grandchildren, Riley, Noah, Teagan, Ezra and McKenna Vander Hamm; and his nieces and nephew, Sarah Hagena, Nancy Lineaweaver, Julie Smith, and Alfred Thomas Van Camp, along with their families.