John Robinson Failor's Obituary
January 20, 1954- March 27, 2026 How would we, John’s surviving family, try to describe him? John was an exceptionally and unusually kind-hearted spirit. It’s hard to recall any words from him spoken with resentment, anger or judgement. And it was the simple things in life that brought him happiness. Here are some of the things he loved and cherished:
First and foremost: his daughter Jessica. John’s love, pride and admiration for her came from his heart of hearts.
Next, his birth family. John was a night owl, and all of us siblings remember many late night talks with him. With his amazing memory, he reminisced about many half-forgotten family stories; these stories brought us closer together. He loved his family and he loved storytelling. Art or sports? Hard to say which of these two loves was stronger. John’s middle name came from his maternal grandfather, Paul Robinson, a nationally syndicated cartoonist whose newspaper strips ran from the 1920’s through the 1960’s. Artistic skill runs in the family, and after high school John attended art school in Minneapolis. His abiding love was stained glasswork. And sports? Baseball was number one.
Earlier in his life he belonged to a city league; he was very proud of his numerous home runs. (His maternal great-grandfather had the nickname “Home Run Robinson.”) Work. John worked in the service sector and took the utmost pride in always Showing Up as well as being supportive of his fellow works. Reading. John was a voracious reader, with a focused interest in history, particularly WW2. Animals: And last but not least was his love of animals. From earliest childhood to the end of his life, there were always animals with him, all of them rescues that he nurtured and loved. We will miss him.
He’s survived by his daughter Jessica Lowe, sisters Susan Boughadou, Nancy Cruikshank, Catherine Failor and Joan Matz. John was predeceased by his parents Robert and Letitia, and brother Andrew.
Heritage Funeral and Cremation Service is assisting the family with arrangements.
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