April 5, 1947 – May 11, 2017

John Alexander Tarbet died peacefully at his home near Pagosa Springs, Colorado on May 11 in the company of his loving wife Lily, family and friends.

John Alex was born April 5, 1947 in Los Angeles and grew up in Tujunga, graduating from Verdugo Hills High School in 1966. He always loved music, nature and the outdoor life, and was an active member of the Boy Scouts where he earned his Silver Moccasins.  

He learned to play the accordion as a young boy, sparking a passion for music that defined his life. He served in the Navy during the Vietnam War aboard the USS Arlington where his musicianship got him out of the boiler room and playing with the band on deck. He played in several local bands in the Tujunga area for many years.

He later moved to west Marin County where he painted houses and played music around the Bay Area. In 1999 he released his CD “Lillian’s Place.”

In 2001 he moved to Pagosa Springs where he met Lily and they were married in 2006.

Diagnosed with liver cancer in 2015, John chose to use natural medicines to fight the cancer, including a healthy diet, the cannabis that he grew and his uniquely positive attitude.

John is survived by wife Lily Tarbet and stepdaughter Mariah Montoya; son Justin Loyal Tarbet; siblings Thomas Francis Tarbet, Judith Tarbet and Angela Knowlton; daughter-in-law Deirdre Nemmers; granddaughter Tessa Nichole Tarbet; Loyal’s mother, Suzanne Taylor. He is preceded in death by his brother David Loyal Tarbet and parents Thomas Vernon Tarbet and Elizabeth Gerlach Tarbet.  

John Alex will be remembered for his loving heart, his way with animals, his generous nature and his wonderful music that enriched our lives.

A memorial will be held July 29 at 2 p.m. at Ananda Ashrama, 5301 Pennsylvania Ave. in La Crescenta. Donations can be made to the Hospice of Mercy in Pagosa Springs, Colorado.