Obituary: Jon Knox Springmeyer

A celebration of life is scheduled for 2 p.m. April 24 in Gardnerville for fourth-generation Nevada native and Douglas High School graduate Jon Knox Springmeyer, 59, who died April 10, 2010, at his home in Carson City. He was diagnosed with esophageal cancer in 2005.

Jon was born in Carson City Apr. 25, 1950, to early Carson Valley settlers Melvin "Buzz" and Marjorie Johnson Springmeyer.

While growing up on the family's J Lazy J Ranch, Jon helped his father run cattle up to South Lake Tahoe.  It was during this time that his love of the outdoors and his appreciation of Native American culture emerged.

A 1968 graduate of Douglas High School, Jon went on to earn a business degree at the University of Nevada, Reno in 1972.  It was at UNR that Jon's cowboy charisma attracted the attention of Bonnie Connolly.  After meeting on a blind date, the two quickly became inseparable and were married in 1971 following a two year courtship.

After graduating from the McGeorge School of Law, class of 1980, Jon established a private practice in Carson City, where he quickly developed a reputation for treating his clients as close friends. Later Jon joined his long time friend and mentor, John Reiser, at Reiser & Associates Insurance.  Jon cared deeply about helping others, both in his professional and personal life and was always available to offer advice and guidance.

Jon's hobbies included camping, archery, muzzle loading and attending Burning Man.  He loved entertaining his friends with anecdotes and practical jokes.  Throughout his illness Jon focused his attention on those around him and always welcomed visitors.  He loved life and fought for every moment he had with his friends and family.  Jon was a man every person should strive to be more like and we are all better people for having had him in our lives.  He will be missed more than can be imagined.

In addition to his wife of 38 years, he is survived by his mother Marjorie, his sons Erin (Diane) and Ryan (Rachel), and daughter Sara.

A memorial service will be at 2 p.m., Saturday, April 24 at the home of Kelly Connolly, 2276 Pinenut Road, Gardnerville, NV 89410.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Cancer Society in Jon's name at www.cancer.org.