John met Carolyn Barr at the Colorado Department of Natural Resources where she drew geologic maps and he was a water engineer. Reflecting their mutual passion for the adventurous life, John and Carolyn married in 1999 at the top of the Loveland Ski Area. Their life together included plenty of skiing, hiking, traveling and back packing. They celebrated their happy marriage and renewed their vows back on the top of Loveland 20 years later.
The couple made their home in the Denver neighborhood of Congress Park where John became a passionate spokesperson for neighborhood conservation issues. As a member of Congress Park Neighborhood Association, he led successful efforts to protect his neighborhood through effective zoning. Because of his affection for City Park where he and Carolyn walked and cross country skied, John also lead efforts to oppose the implementation of the City Park Loop Playground in 2013-14. Known for his concise, science-based speaking style, John made many presentations questioning the need for a detention pond in the City Park Golf Course, the excavation of the 39th St. Ditch and the Globeville Landing Outfall, all projects stemming from the expansion of the I-70 Highway through the GES neighborhoods. His voice, backed by his experience as a water engineer was widely respected.
John Van Sciver is survived by his wife, Carolyn and daughters, Rebecca and Sarah. He is remembered fondly by his many friends. Park and neighborhood activist, Tom Morris says, “John was there. When things needed to be done, John was ALWAYS there.†Chair of Inter-Neighborhood Cooperation’s Parc Committee, Maggie Price adds: “John was always willing to share his engineering knowledge and expertise and did so with his RNO Congress Park Neighbors when questions started arising during the I-70 expansion and as a panelist for INC’s forum Platte To Park Hill Storm Water Diversion and the 1-70 Expansion.†CPFAN member, Phil Hainline remembers “a gracious, thoughtful man. He was a great communicator and he understood group dynamics.†We were all lucky to know John and he will be remembered well and often.
Enjoy this video of John delivering introductory remarks at the INC Panel Forum, Platte to Park Hill Storm Water Diversion and the 1-70 Expansion. This is Quintessential John Van Sciver!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3AXBTr3cBs&list=UUd9nLOqSyWj3BBun1-kYzBg&index=21&t=2129s |