John Benjamin Enns
May 31, 1948 – June 1, 2024
MEI Junior Matriculation 1966
MEI Senior Matriculation 1967
John B. Enns’s siblings are saddened to announce the passing of their brother. John B. was born to Louise and John Enns in Arnold during the great Fraser River flood of 1948, the eldest of seven siblings. During his toddler years, his parents noticed his difficulty with postural balance and muscle control. At the time, medical professionals were unable to diagnose his rare genetic condition, which was identified many years later as ataxia-telangiectasia syndrome. This condition includes a weakened immune system, a heightened risk of cancer, and lifelong difficulties with movement and coordination.
Despite these bodily limitations, John B. enjoyed a rich childhood of friends, hobbies, and outdoor activities. He attended the Mennonite Educational Institute from grades 7 to 13, graduating in 1966. There, caring teachers sparked his lifelong love of science and chemistry. At home, he helped his family on a strawberry farm and later a mixed dairy-raspberry farm.
After high school, John B. attended Winkler Bible Institute, followed by a BSc from the University of British Columbia, an MSc from Case Western Reserve University, and MA and PhD degrees from Princeton University. He had a long career as a chemical engineer, working at Vistakon Johnson & Johnson (1989-2013), AT&T Bell Labs (1981-1989), and Michigan Molecular Institute (1975-1977). His scientific efforts have benefited all those who wear corrective contact lenses today. His accomplishments are recorded in dozens of peer-reviewed publications and over 30 US patents. Notable career awards include the Johnson and Johnson President’s Award for Outstanding Achievement in R&D, the North American Thermal Analysis Society Outstanding Service Award, and being named a Fellow of the Society of Plastics Engineers.
John B. married Mary Lou Campbell in 1975. They first lived in Michigan, where he worked at the Molecular Institute as a research assistant. They then moved to Princeton for graduate school, followed by Chatham, New Jersey and Jacksonville, Florida, for his career. Throughout their journey, they were accompanied by loyal dogs, Radar, Rambo, and Rosco. John loved traveling, camping, and hiking, never letting his physical limitations hold him back. He credited his success to “patience, perseverance, and focus,” and his guiding motto was “do it right the first time.”
John B. is predeceased by his mother, father, and a sister. He is survived by his wife Mary Lou, his long-term caretaker and friend Jeston Sapp, four sisters (Viola, Evangeline, Marianne, Helen), and a brother (James), who were all fortunate enough to spend his last few days together in Jacksonville.
See previous article: Congratulations to John Enns (MEI Jr. Matriculation 1966, Sr. Matriculation 1967) for being the 2018 recipient of the Albert Nelson Marquis Lifetime Achievement Award.
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