John Peter Mohn, affectionately known as Pete, passed away on October 20, 2022, after a courageous decades-long journey with Parkinson’s Disease. While the disease impacted his physical being, it never diminished the core qualities that defined John Mohn: his sharp intelligence, insatiable curiosity, delightful humor, and keen wit. Pete peacefully departed in his Sun Valley, Idaho home.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to Helen and Henry Mohn, John Mohn spent his formative years on the East Coast. He demonstrated an early aptitude for academics, culminating in a Bachelor of Science degree in electrical engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, New York. His career began in Washington, D.C. at the U.S. Patent Office, a role that hinted at his future path. Drawn by the allure of the West Coast, he relocated to California, earning a law degree from the University of San Diego Law School and gaining admission to the California Bar Association. He often shared entertaining anecdotes from these early years, particularly his experiences within criminal law.
However, John Mohn discovered his true professional calling in intellectual property law. This led him to a distinguished career with The Boeing Company in Seattle. He became an active member of the Washington Bar Association, WSPLA, the Washington State Patent Law Association, and the Aerospace Industries Association, even chairing both WSPLA and AIA. During this period, he married Diane Litten, embracing his role as a devoted husband and loving stepfather to Jennifer. They established their home in Bellevue, Washington, until 1997. His exceptional administrative skills and legal expertise propelled him to the position of Chief Patent Counsel. This role required him to oversee two significant Boeing Company acquisitions in Southern California, prompting a move to Huntington Beach. There, John Mohn played a crucial role in managing the project within the Boeing Aerospace Division in Seal Beach. Throughout his tenures in both Seattle and Seal Beach, he was highly regarded for his leadership and administrative capabilities.
Upon retiring in 2008, John Mohn and Diane transitioned to full-time living in Sun Valley, Idaho. They found joy in the natural beauty of the changing seasons, the local wildlife, and the warm community, forging new friendships and welcoming Seattle acquaintances who also resided in the area. John Mohn actively engaged with the surprisingly robust local Parkinson’s support group, eventually taking on a leadership role, demonstrating his characteristic compassion and willingness to help others.
John Mohn lived a life rich in diverse passions. He possessed a perfect singing pitch and found pleasure in travel, skiing, meticulously planned road trips, and adventurous motorcycle trips with the “Over-the-Hill Motorcycle Club.” His interests spanned ham radio as a member of the ARRL, a fascination with cars, a keen understanding of the stock market, and an appreciation for fine wine, martinis, ice cream, and gourmet cuisine. In Sun Valley, he immersed himself in cultural events, attending Writer’s Conference lectures, the Sun Valley Music Festival, performances at the Argyros Performance Arts Center, movies at the Magic Lantern, and enjoying dinners at local restaurants. Even as Parkinson’s progressed, he continued to participate in these activities, greatly aided by the supportive and understanding Sun Valley community.
Diane cherished her life shared with this remarkable, fun-loving, and intelligent man. John Mohn was remembered as brave, determined, and inspirational. He leaves behind a legacy of warmth and intellect and will be deeply missed by all who knew him. He is survived by his wife Diane, stepdaughter Jennifer Litten Feldman (David), grandchildren Max and Alex Feldman, brother-in-law Dan Allnoch (Candy), sister-in-law Teresa Allnoch (Suzi Lillibridge), cousin Nora Matzen (Gerhardt), and cousins in NYC and the Friesen Islands, Germany. In accordance with Pete’s wishes, a lively Celebration of Life party will be held in the summer of 2023, instead of a traditional memorial service.
Pete and Diane expressed profound gratitude for the exceptional medical care that enabled him to maintain a high quality of life for many years. They were also deeply thankful for the unwavering support of Hospice & Palliative Care of the Wood River Valley, the Sun Valley Fire Department, his dedicated caregiver Maggie Wisby, and his cherished Hospice volunteer friend Jimmi, whose weekly visits provided stimulating conversations and speech therapy support.
