John Siliznoff

Funeral service for John William Siliznoff, of Murrieta, CA, will be held at England Family Chapel on Saturday, April 30, 2011 at 1:00pm. Visitation will be from 11:30 until 1:00, with burial on Monday, May 2, at Murrieta Cemetery, 11:00am.John was born November 1, 1924. Since his parents had relatives living in a community in northern Baja California and they had been spending time there during his mother's pregnancy, it was never clear if he was born in Southern California or Baja. It was just a few years ago that a Birth Certificate was produced that indicated he was born in Southern California. His school years were lived in the Central California farming community of Strathmore. During World War II just after high school he joined the Air Force and was trained as a fighter pilot. It was while in the military he began to be troubled by certain religious teachings. He saw 'New Reels' of the Clergy, of the same religions blessing the troops on both sides of the conflict, which troubled him. Why would God promote such injustice and confusion? This sent up a red flag, and he began to ponder, 'What does God and the Bible really teach?'After the war, in 1946 he went to a dance that was sponsored by the Russian community in which he had been raised. There, across the room, he saw a young woman and told his friend, 'I'm going to marry that girl.' That girl was Marion. They soon married and started their life of 63 years together. They started a home in the Los Angeles area. He worked first as a machinist, and then he began to work with his father-in-law in a trucking business.His curiosity and questions about religion remained. Around 1950 he met Gil Nazaroff, also of Russian background, and one of Jehovah's Witnesses. Gil began to give John clear Bible-supported answers to his questions, one of which was the condition and hope of those who had died. After many conversations and study, both he and Marion were convinced and happy to have found the 'Truth.' He was not one to be easily convinced or swayed by emotion. An example of his strong mind and sense of justice was vividly displayed when he took on the Teamster's Union and won, in court, a legal precedent that is still used in courts today. Although he won the court battle, he saw the wisdom and safety in the selling of the trucking business. They dedicated their lives and were baptized in July, 1954, during a Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses, held in Del Mar, California.He was soon working as a firefighter for the City of Montebello and then for Los Angeles County. He progressed rapidly not just in his secular life, but also his spiritual. In 1958 he was moved, as Captain, to an assignment in Lancaster, California. There he served also as a Congregation Servant or Overseer, sharing along with Marion, the Bible's teachings with many. In the mid-1960s he sustained a serious spinal injury while fighting a structure fire. By the late 1960s, this injury required that he give up two of the several things he enjoyed and loved - firefighting and being a light aircraft pilot.He restrained himself and began a new career in the Real Estate industry. Soon he became a Broker, passing the state exam the first try. This new career continued to allow him time to share Bible knowledge and care for the needs of the local Congregation.In 1971, he and Marion decided to move to the home on the shores of Lake Elsinore that Marion's father and John had helped build back in the late 1940s. They both enjoyed boating with friends and family. He continued working as a Broker until the age of 65. He never stopped working in behalf of his Creator's interests and purpose.His life choices demonstrated what he knew to be important. Both providing well for his family and living up to his dedication to his Creator Jehovah. Deuteronomy 30:19 - 20. He remained an Elder and Servant in the Congregation until he expired April 23, 2011.Four children survive him: Diane Burns (husband Tim), John P. Siliznoff (wife Pam); Debbie Rivera; and Donna Turrey (husband Paul.) His grandchildren: Jennifer & Morgan Roberts; Heather Warren (husband Nathan); Allison Catalano (husband Vince); Jason Romero (wife Lucinda); Brian Romero, Michael Rivera; Angela & Jeremy Turrey. His great-grandchildren: Ethan & Owen Warren; Makayla Tomkins; and Emily, Morgan & Natialie Romero. Also other extended family, yet loved relatives. Visitations: 11:30AM to 1:00PM on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 Services: 1:00PM at England Family Mortuary on Saturday, April 30th, 2011 (map/driving directions) Cemetery: Murrieta Laurel Cemetery 42800 Ivy Street Murrieta, CA 92562 (map/driving directions)