John Carl Erskine

Feb. 1, 1949 - Jan. 5, 2015

John Carl Erskine, age 65, passed away peacefully at the Palo Alto VA Hospital on the evening of January 5, 2015 after a 2.5 month battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. His wife Judy and twin sister Cora were by his side and he was surrounded in a circle of love. Carl was born on February 1,1949 in Frederick, Maryland to the late John F and Ethel C Erskine. Carl was Norwegian strong with a Scottish wit, and a personality as big as all outdoors. Most of his early years were spent in Michigan. The family moved many times; there were hardships, but Carl learned the value of being tough and also the value of using his charm and wit. At age 19, he found himself drafted into the US Army. It was during his service that lifelong battles with his health began. In 1973, when his kidneys failed, his twin sister Cora selflessly donated one of hers. Recently Stanford Hospital doctors told him his transplanted kidney of 41 years was one of the longest on record without any complication. Carl moved to California as a young lad in his 20’s, where he met and courted Judy, his soul mate and true love. They were married on September 24, 1983 at Loch Lomond, CA and they spent many romantic and playful days enjoying the splendors of the California coast. Opportunity to be with his twin sister and husband brought them to South Lake Tahoe in 1985, and then to the beautiful Carson Valley in 1987, where they bought a modest home on 3 acres enjoy their love of horses, dogs, cats and even a couple goats. Although they were not blessed with children, time spent with family and friends was central to their lives. Carl was able to pursue his many interests, which included horseback riding, skiing, fly fishing, golfing, target shooting with his buddies, a passion for old cars, and traveling, which included trips to Asia, Europe, and much of the US. Carl had a great sense of humor and possessed a rare gift for making people smile. He made friends everywhere and with everyone. Our much beloved husband, brother, uncle and friend will leave a big hole in our lives (except for the jokes he will play on us from the other side). “Dear One, you can now rest in peace, and forever in our hearts.” He is survived by his wife of 31 years Judith Kathleen Jacobs, his twin sister Cora and brother ñin- law Roland Casati, older sisters Earline Thrush and Joan Jarol, sisters-in-law Sally Sutter and Barbara Buchanan, brother-in-law Alan Jakobs, Lars (Jim) Jacobs and wife Rosie Porter, brother-in-law Peter and wife Annmarie Jacobs and godsons Marshall and Aaron Westfall. He was the favorite uncle of his many nieces and nephews. It is impossible to count the number of good and dear friends he leaves behind. A celebration of life will be held on Sunday January 25th from 12:00 noon to 3:00 PM in the RE/MAX Grand View Senior Center Dining Room in the Douglas County Community and Senior Center at 1329 Waterloo LN, Gardnerville, NV. Those who wish to do so are asked to make donations to their favorite cancer or veterans charity. We would also like to extend our thanks to the Palo Alto VA Hospice Unit who were particularly respectful and helpful on his last day of life on this earth.