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Richard Parker
John McKinney died 2 years ago - I think it was cancer. We posted the Obit on the Class of 70 site.
John R McKinney, aka 'Jammin' John'
John R McKinney, aka "Jammin' John," 64, of Fort Myers Beach, Fla., passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 5, 2011. He was born and raised on the beautiful east coastline of Florida, a child of Dan and Maude McKinney.
John was an avid surfer, sailor, writer and, later in life, a fun-loving palm weaver. Always seeking an adventure,  he owned a surf shop and beach rentals in the Florida Keys, Fort Lauderdale and Hawaii. Through his work, he shared and taught his passion for surfing and sailing to thousands.
John is survived by his daughter, Maggie (Andrew) Temple; grandchildren, Ben and Jack; sisters, Lynda Bartosch and Jo Ellen Sheridan; and brother, Danny McKinney; and their families.
A memorial service will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 28, 2011, at Sebastian Inlet State Park, at his favorite surfing spot, "The Monster Hole," 9700 S. State Road, A1A, Melbourne, Fla. In lieu of flowers, John's family asks that you take a day enjoying the beautiful ocean that he loved so well and remember him fondly.
The last I heard of Gunner he was selling cars in Titusville (that is a vision I'd rather not have). The both were nice and like two big brothers to this skinny (yes Garry once I was, just like once you were pretty). I looked up to both.
I remember being hasseled at about 15 years old by a car full of Miami Kooks on North Beach and suddenly they stopped and left. I though they may have noticed that I was a pretty tough looking dude. I turned around and Gunner was standing behind me with his arms crossed. Never said a word to them or me. But his action spoke louder than words; he was saying to them, "hey back off he is one of ours"
Wave Rider was a quarterly surfing publication from Florida that launched in  1975. Based in Cocoa Beach and founded by Gunnar Griffin and John Griffin, two brothers from the Space Coast, the publication had a successful run for nearly seven years until the early 1980s.
Oh the days of sun, sand, surfing and friends. What I'd give for a worm hole to go back for a visit from time to time.
Richard Parker Class of 70
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