John H. Pinder III

JOHN PINDER (Winter Park, FL), beloved husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, friend, and leader in Florida's marine conservation community, passed away surrounded by his family on February 17, 2021, after an unexpected short illness unrelated to COVID-19.

John, a third generation Florida native, was born in Hialeah in 1946, and the oldest child of Rodney and Elma Pinder. John was a natural and hardworking student, athlete, and fisherman, and excelled at all he did, including earning the rank of Eagle Scout. In his youth, John spent countless hours fishing with his family and grandfather, John "Poppa" Hutchins Pinder III, and developed his lifelong passion for Florida's natural environment. He was also a menacing force on the gridiron, playing offensive lineman at Hialeah High, while also a member of National Honor Society and student council. John had a fierce work ethic, developed by working construction with his father, a carpenter by trade and eventually a superintendent, and Poppa.

In 1964, John received a full scholarship to attend Rollins College and became the first person in his family to graduate from college. To supplement his scholarship, John spent summers working as a certified scuba diver for Shell Oil Exploration and on various construction projects in Miami. John joined, and eventually became president of, X-Club, Rollins' oldest fraternity with deep ties to the foundational leadership of Winter Park and the college. Through X-Club, John forged friendships of a lifetime, and even met his wife, Gail Green Pinder, on a blind date arranged by his fraternity brother and eventual brother-in-law, Scott Green (Wanda Van Dam). John excelled academically and received the Algerian Sydney Sullivan Award. John attended the Crummer School of Business, again on scholarship, and obtained his MBA in 1969.

That same year, John and Gail were married at First United Methodist Church of Winter Park, and John accepted a highly competitive position with the General Electric Financial Management Program. However, after a few years in the corporate world, John returned to the "family business" and started his own construction company, Fireside Homes. John operated Fireside Homes for decades until his retirement.

John and Gail were busy and devoted parents to their two children and John was a constant presence at their activities, events, and practices. John also shared his love of Florida, especially fishing, and the family never went on a vacation without a rod and reel. In 2002, John became a "Poppa," and like his own Poppa, was a committed grandfather, and spent hours with his grandchildren telling stories, attending their events, and of course, teaching them to fish. John and Gail, along with their children and grandchildren, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2019.

Through it all, John was a tireless volunteer and statewide leader in the Coastal Conservation Association Florida ("CCA"). CCA is a nonprofit organization of over 19,000 recreational anglers and outdoor enthusiasts passionate about preserving Florida's marine resources. John was a local leader in the voter initiative for the net ban, which passed with over 72% of the vote in 1994 and is credited with saving Florida's marine life.

John, along with his fellow fishing buddies, built the foundation for the Central Florida CCA Chapter, which, even though landlocked, is one of the largest. John eventually became Chairman of CCA Florida in 1995 and continued to serve for over 25 years. At the time of his passing, John was the statewide treasurer and considered the anchor of the management team, having never missed a meeting. In 2019, CCA awarded John its highest recognition, the Ted Forsgren Conservation Award. John, a native son of Florida, was always committed to preserving the beauties of our state for future generations.

While John will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and CCA, each are forever changed by his tireless and fiercely devoted love, commitment, and dedication.

John is survived by his wife, Gail, and children, Heather Pinder Rodriguez (Woody) of Maitland, and John "Hutch" Hutchins Pinder VI (Jennifer) of St. Petersburg, and his five grandchildren (Ella Grace, Keyes, John "Hudson" Hutchins Pinder VII, Emerson, and Cameron), as well as Hutch's childhood friend, Toby Ray Murray, who John considered to be like a son to him. He is also survived by his siblings, Wanda Williams (Richard) and Rev. Dr. Rod Pinder (Pat), and many cousins, nieces and nephews. Throughout his life, John was devoted in his faith, and his family and friends take comfort in this. John was a man who filled his home with laugher, stories, and love. John always shared with others the one thing that we never seem to have enough of: time.

"I have fought a good fight. I have finished my course. I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:7-8.

Due to COVID-19 and concerns for everyone's safety, there will be no memorial service at this time. In lieu of flowers, John asks that you remember him through a donation to CCA Florida's John Pinder Memorial Fund at https://ccaflorida.org/product/memorial-donations/ or Post Office Box 568886, Orlando, Florida 32856, or the children's ministry at FUMCWP, or by simply taking your children or grandchildren fishing, telling them stories, teaching them to work hard and always do their best, building their faith, and letting them know they are loved beyond measure.

Provided by Wayne Hulon

https://www.legacy.com/us/obituaries/orlandosentinel/name/john-v-obituary?id=7072015