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Honoring John Rush: A True Preservationist and Friend to SOHO
September/October 2025
 John and his wife Bonnie at SOHO's People In Preservation awards night, 2023. Photo by Marti Kranzberg |
 John, at PIP in 2016. Photo by Sandé Lollis |
With deep gratitude and admiration, we honor John Rush, a long-time board member, supporter, and friend of SOHO, who passed away on July 20, 2025.
John’s legacy is profound and far-reaching, rooted in a lifelong passion for history, design, and community, and expressed through decades of meaningful service to many of San Diego's cultural institutions.
A New York City native, John brought his background in industrial and interior design, as well as art and cultural history, to his adopted hometown of San Diego in 1973. Here, he built a thriving business, Graphic Communications, with its commitment to quality, innovation, and ethics.
John was introduced to SOHO through his involvement with the Friends of the Marston House, and it quickly became clear that his connection to the house and gardens ran deep. He believed in the power of place, the way a home like the Marston House could tell the story of a city, a movement, and the people who shaped it. His appreciation for architecture and design made him a thoughtful and passionate advocate, and his support helped ensure that the Marston House Museum & Gardens would continue to inspire future generations.
John and his wife Bonnie (née McGregor) have long been stewards of Balboa Park. Married for 51 years, they chose to live nearby so they could enjoy the park's many pleasures and attractions. The park held a special place in John’s heart, and he would often credit SOHO with preserving its integrity and spirit during a critical time in its recent history. He was a part of this success; his dedication to and love for the park’s beauty and cultural value was always evident.
As a respected business owner for decades, John developed a vast understanding of organizational leadership and of office dynamics, and he generously shared this expertise with SOHO. His considerate support of our staff, always respectful, kind, and constructive, was a real gift. He understood what it took to keep a mission-driven nonprofit running, and his steady presence meant a great deal to our team.
In addition to his work with SOHO, John served on numerous nonprofit boards, including Saint Paul’s Senior Services, Classics 4 Kids, and many more. He was among the last members of the San Diego Corral of the Westerners when it disbanded in 2014, bringing to that distinguished group—dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of the American West—his respect for storytelling and his belief in the importance of preserving our collective past.
For more than 25 years, John embraced the Foundation for the Children of the Californias, which provides vital medical care and health education to children along our borders. At the organization's annual fundraiser on September 21, 2025, he will be remembered and honored for his outstanding contributions, celebrating the lasting difference he made in the lives of children and families it serves. To honor John’s extraordinary life, the foundation welcomes gifts to the John Rush Legacy Fund, helping to continue his vision of a healthier future for every child.
John embodied the spirit of a true preservationist: perceptive, generous, and driven by a love of history and place. His contributions to SOHO and to the broader cultural landscape of San Diego will not be forgotten. We are immensely grateful for his years of service, his steady friendship, and the wisdom and warmth he shared so freely.
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