John Brummelkamp, Sr. passed away on July 10, 2006 in Pasadena after a long battle with Parkinson's disease.  He was born June 22, 1920 in Atlanta, Georgia.  John and his mother soon moved to the Pasadena area and John graduated from South Pasadena High School in 1937, and attended Pasadena Junior College.  He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno, with a degree in Geology.  He married Edna Wickham of Pasadena, and they traveled for several years with the U.S. Geological Survey, and then in 1953, they returned to Pasadena to start a family.

Gordy Atkinson, a high school pal, offered John the opportunity to become a partner in his recently-formed men's clothing chain.  For 40 years, John and the Atkinsons maintained a Pasadena institution on South Lake Avenue.  After the sudden loss of Edna in 1977, John met and married Rae Richardson of Altadena.  They enjoyed many years together traveling and entertaining at their home in Pasadena.  John enjoyed bicycle riding, fly fishing, and an occasional tennis game with friends and neighbors.

John is survived by his son John, Jr. (Alison), grandchildren Caitlin and Lauren; his daughter Jane Workman (Jon), and his stepdaughter Jima Kato (Gene) and her children Reiko, Kyle, and Gavin.