Lasting Memories
John Lester Chin
April 10, 1952-Feb. 18, 2021
Menlo Park, CA
John was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated with a Bachelors of Science degree in Marine Biology from the University of Texas at Austin and later went on to complete his Masters of Science in Geology at San Jose State University. John worked as a Geologist for 37 years with the majority at the USGS in Menlo Park. John was a voracious reader in his lifetime; he loved his books and periodicals. John was a military history and aviation buff. His love of planes probably grew out of his love for his dad, Lester Chin, who was an USAF training pilot. John loved attending airshows, including the annual Blue Angels, with his nephews. He communicated his love of planes, tanks and military strategies to his young nephews, who shared his passion. John was an avid football fan, loved hiking and boating. His work in Marine Biology afforded him many interesting travels and spending time on the ocean. John’s favorite vacations were on the scenic islands of Hawaii. John was a beloved brother and uncle; he will be missed. He will always be remembered for his kindness, gentleness and faithfulness in the Lord. Survivors include Milly Chin, Eleanor, Greg and David Bonner, Lili, Norm, Mark, Matthew, and Luke Jouppi, Nicole Lew and Chris Lew. Services have already been held at Alta Mesa Chapel in Palo Alto, CA.
March 19, 2021
John was a dedicated scientist, lacking pretension, a valued colleague. Here is one memory. Just before his retirement, he and I were co-Principal Investigators (PI's) on a 3-week research cruise between San Francisco and Point Arena, collecting seimsic-reflection data for the California Seafloor Mapping Program. John did most of the organization and was at sea for all but a few days of the long cruise, maintaining superb data acquisition despite significant weather and equipment issues. His work ethic was super impressive, especially given his upcoming retirement. It would have been so easy (maybe even understandable) for him to kick back a little but he was relentless and his efforts made the cruise a big success. Hats off to John - he will be missed.
March 10, 2021
Dear Chin Family, John was a valued colleague in the Coastal and Marine Geology Program at the U.S. Geological Survey where his career spanned the late 1970s until his retirement in 2010. With his background in biology and geology, John investigated sedimentary processes along the West Coast from southern California to Alaska and from bays to the deep ocean. John’s studies included the changes in tidal flat sedimentation in Willapa Bay, Washington; the sediments and shallow geologic framework of Monterey Bay, CA; the nature and stability of areas in the Gulf of the Farallones where radioactive waste was disposed during World War II and the Cold War; the characteristics of sediments in Suisun Bay, an important commercial and recreational area in the San Francisco Bay estuary; dredge and fill impacts on central San Francisco Bay; and biologic habitats in the Cordell, Farallones, and Monterey Bay national marine sanctuaries and nearby Tomales Bay. I was a team member in several of these projects and appreciated his careful collection and management of data, poring over muddy core splits or complex seismic records, always recording in his field notebooks. He happily shared his science with the public at open houses and other community events. We, too, will miss him.
March 10, 2021
John was one of the good guys. I was a good friend and we loved to talk science and sports. Me being an SF fan and John a fan of Texas sports we had some good discussions and joked with each other regularly. John was one of the most thorough and detailed scientists I have met. He was quiet but always had a smile and a hello for me. He knew my son was a budding pilot and John never failed to ask about him. I only wish that my son had met John. He helped make the USGS a great place to work.
March 10, 2021
I knew John for years and finally had the privilege of running a cruise with him late in his USGS career. He was the ultimate combination of expertise, professionalism, and kindness -- a complete pleasure to work with. I agree with Florence and with Mike – he helped make the USGS a great place to work and we will definitely miss him.