MCPO John Mospens

Twice retired, first while the CEA/D14, later reactivated and last retired aboard USCGC HEALY in 2005. Crewman aboard USCGC's MORGANTHAU and POLAR SEA. Coast Guard blue, through and through, after the last retirement, John was hired by a civilian consultant company to serve the Coast Guard. He was a familiar face often seen aboard the HEALY conducting engineering diagnostics and telling sea stories around the support facility. The mostly younger crew looked up to John, a natural leader, teacher, and as a beloved life coach. He and his wife of 34 years, Tori, ran a secluded, seaside B&B near Hilo, Hawaii - Kia'i Kai - Hawaiian for 'Guardian of the Sea', which his daughter Carrie will continue to run in her father's honor. Son Paul, a merchant marine officer sails between his home in Honolulu and mainland U.S. gave his father two beautiful grand daughter's, in whom was John's great delight. John lost a short, but valiant fight against a silent killer, prostate cancer, Sunday, December 14th, 2008. He will be buried with full military honors at the Veteran's Cemetary in Hilo, Hawaii. John was my dearest friend and sole fishing buddy. Smooth sailing, good friend.

12/15/08 Submitted by: Terry Sherwood

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