John Timothy Hanifin

John Timothy Hanifin, 68, of Mesa, AZ passed away peacefully on May 30, 2024, after a brief illness. John was the son of Jack and Marjorie Hanifin who preceded him in death. His brothers John Rowan Hanifin, Robert Decker and Timothy Decker also preceded him in death. He is survived by his wife of 33 years, Mary, and daughters Kristina Lewis (Barry) of Portland, OR and Sarah Hanifin-Hofmeyer (Dean) of Fort Wayne, IN. Also surviving are his brother, Reverend Michael P. Hanifin of Costa Mesa, CA, his sister, Brandy Sandoval of Georgia, his niece Chelsea Jeub (Michael), grandchildren Angelica and Xavier Lewis and many relatives, friends, and colleagues.

John grew up in Anaheim, CA just a few blocks from Disneyland and spent many days exploring the theme park in its early years. Unable to attend college, as a young man he found work as a parts washer in an electric motor repair shop and learned the industrial electric motor repair business from the ground up from winding motor coils to AC and DC motor, drives and gear box repair to vibration analysis and balancing as well as sales and management. He owned his own shop, Accurate Motor Products and Services in Corona, California from 1991 to 2002.

Customer service and quality work were top priorities for John, and he took immense pride in analyzing and resolving issues to keep his clients’ production operations up and running. His knowledge and versatility allowed him to provide solutions for a variety of industries including steel mills, railroads, wind turbines, mining, cement plants and manufacturing plants, which enabled him to build a strong and loyal client base. John was nicknamed the “motorguru” for his ability to solve complex issues that other repair facilities had difficulty with. After closing his shop, he worked as a sales consultant for several companies, with many of his clients following him and sending him work regardless of where he was because they knew he would get the job done right. He traveled extensively throughout his 50yr career sharing his expertise with colleagues and clients in California, Nevada, Arizona, Washington, Illinois, Missouri, and Hawaii.

John had a profound love of music, particularly for classic rock, Motown, as well as Johnny Mathis, Al Green, and the Carpenters. His love of the oldies created fond memories for his daughters Sarah and Kristina, as he would often play Southern California radio station K-Earth 101 known for its selection of retro music while taking them for outings. John also avidly watched nature documentaries and had a deep appreciation for nature in all its forms. He would spend evenings watching the History or National Geographic channel with his daughters. He also loved John Wayne movies, Gunsmoke and Two and a Half Men, and watching golf. John was also a skilled fisherman, and his love of deep-sea fishing took him multiple times to the waters off of San Diego where he caught Yellowfin tuna and Dorado. John’s greatest adventure took him more than once to Alaska’s Kenai Peninsula where he caught halibut in Homer Bay and salmon on the Kenai River. Many times when he returned home with his catch of fish, he’d prepare delicious meals of grilled salmon steaks or halibut tacos. He was also well known among family and friends for his gourmet prime rib dinner for special occasions.

While John accomplished much in his career and was a wealth of knowledge for his clients and business associates, he had a struggle that he kept hidden from everyone except those closest to him. He battled alcoholism most of his life. Alcoholism is a sinister disease that robs the person and those closest to them of happy and healthy relationships, and typically leads to lasting damage both physically, mentally, and emotionally for the person suffering from the disease. Our family did its best to get him help on multiple occasions, but he was unable to beat his addiction.

While watching him struggle caused many feelings of helplessness and sorrow for our family, in the wake of his death we take solace in remembering the good times that we were able and to share with him instead.  Alcoholism affects all types of people. If you or someone you know is suffering from addiction or any life-altering issues please seek help for yourself or help that person seek help for themselves.

At John’s request there will be no funeral services. Cremation will be provided by Bunker University Chapel. A private memorial will be held at a later date. The Hanifin family would like to thank the nursing staff of Banner Gateway Hospital, Sandridge Post Acute Rehab, Stillwater Hospice and Bunker University Chapel for their compassionate care of John as well as their support during his illness and passing. John has left the earth but will be remembered in our thoughts and our hearts. May he rest in peace in God’s loving arms.

Arrangements by Bunker’s University Chapel, www.bunkerfuneral.com. Should this obituary appear anywhere but bunkerfuneral.com, please check our website for accurate details and service information.