John Martin Poggi

John Poggi passed away peacefully in his sleep on August 4th, 2015 at his home in Bellingham, Washington. John was born April 25, 1945 in Oxnard, California. He is survived by a brother, Richard Daily Poggi, and by close friends, who loved him dearly. John had a long and satisfying career in Market Research at Allstate Insurance Company, in San Francisco, California. He lived in Redwood City, CA, and spent most of his free time teaching sailing as a volunteer with the Oceanic Society in San Francisco Bay, sailing with friends, and traveling. He was a devoted son, and spent almost every vacation with his mother in Southern California, until she died. After retiring in 2003 John moved to Bellingham, and for many years continued his volunteer work and world explorations from his new home in Washington. All his life, John loved to sail, and had sailed exciting waters, including San Francisco Bay and the English Channel. He loved to charter a boat with a few friends and sail off to an island for a week, or head out of San Francisco or Vancouver for a stunning daysail. Several of his former sailing students have gone on to become lifelong sailors, and they say their sailing passion began with John. In Bellingham, he had a little bevy of ladies that he would take out for daysails with a big smile, astounding expertise, (and a lot of patience). One of John’s great joys was to travel when he could, exploring places as diverse as Europe, Mexico, Hawaii, and India. He was an eager traveler, ready to explore new cultures – staying with families from India to Costa Rica, chartering boats in exotic locals, or hanging in beach haunts in Mexico. He also loved his little area of Bellingham, Fairhaven, and his view out over Bellingham Bay – sunsets and dancing waves. He liked sharing a glass of red wine and dinner with friends at Keenan’s, overlooking the bay. He loved jazz and attended the Bellingham Jazz concerts whenever he could. He loved a parties and music, cherished his friends, and selflessly tried to help others whenever he could. John was also a dedicated social and environmental activist, contributing his time and resources generously to many organizations, including progressive Democratic candidates, Power Past Coal, Greenpeace, the NRDC, the Nature Conservancy, and Whatcom Peace and Justice Center. Whatever John had, he tried to share, and he appreciated every kindness shown by others. He was a treasure. John discovered Buddhism after moving to Bellingham. He was sincerely devoted to Tara, the Goddess of Compassion. He volunteered for years at his sangha, hanging their posters in Fairhaven, and assisting at meditations. His values reflected his faith, as he was one of the most gentle, generous, and gracious people on this planet, loved by everyone who knew him. We will miss him with all our hearts.

John Martin Poggi

April 25, 1945 - August 4, 2015