It is with heavy hearts that SCA Inc and the Board of Directors acknowledge the passing of John G. Trimble, known to the Society as John ap Griffin.
John and Flavia as Baron and Baroness of Angels (photo credit: Kolfinna Kottr/Kitty Sexton published in the CaidWiki-John ap Griffin)
On the nineteenth day of April, LVIII anno societatis, Baron John ap Griffin entered immortality. He passed away surrounded by family: Mistress Flavia Beatrice de Carmagniani, Lady Gaynor du Griffin and Countess Lorissa ap Griffin
John was one of the Founders; in fact his arms were the first registered by the College of Arms. He was instrumental in the creation of the Corporation, and served two terms on the Board. He and Flavia were the second and third members of the SCA. His experience in bulk mailings, acquired during his years in science fiction conventions, served the fledgling Society very well in those early years. John was elevated to the Order of the Pelican on September 9, AS XI. (1976), and his service continued through the very end of his life.
John served the Barony of the Angels, as herald, seneschal, and baron. He was an integral part of the College of Arms from its very inception, and in fact, his arms (Vert, a griffin segreant contourny Or and for augmentation, maintaining in its forefeet a roundel azure charged with a cross of Caid and a bordure argent) were the first registered by the College. He frequently told the story of his trip to an event in AS X with his wife, and his return with two mistresses… Bjo was created a Laurel and a Pelican on the same day.
John was also a leading light in the early days of science fiction and fantasy fandom. He and Bjo created and ran the World Science Fiction Art Show for WorldCon, he MC’d countless costume contests and panels and ceremonies.
(photo credit: Lorissa du Griffin/Lora Boehm, née Trimble)
Husband, father, peer, baron, MC extraordinaire, herald, mentor, friend. John was sui generis; one of a kind. He will live on in the hearts of all those who knew and loved him.
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John G. Trimble was born in November, 1936. He passed away in April, 2024 at the age of 87. He is survived by his beloved wife, Bjo, his daughters Jenn, Lora, and Kathryn, and his sons-in-law Chris Eplett and Jason Boehm. Time & location of the celebration of John’s life TBA.
Vale, your legacy will forever inspire and guide us.
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The family have advised that donations may be made to the Orange County AIDS Walk: https://donate.radianthealthcenters.org/give/148137/#!/donation/checkout
If John touched your life in some way, you are invited to join his family in raising a scoop of ice cream to his memory on July 21, 2024.
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