John Harry Thodos

John H. Thodos, an icon of American Modernist architecture, passed from us on November 16, 2009 in Carmel by the Sea. His loving wife, Judy Thodos, whom he "pinned' with his college fraternity pin when she was 16, was by his side, as she was for many years, in all things. John was born in Chicago, Illinois on August 28, 1934 to hardworking Greek immigrants where his Father owned restaurants. The family moved to Portland, Oregon when John was 18 months old. His Father opened a grocery store, where John worked from the age of 9. He believed that from that experience he learned graciousness, ease with people and hospitality. John loved and greatly respected his Father all his life. John graduated from the Architecture School at the University of Oregon in 1960 worked for several major Portland firms including the internationally renowned architecture firm of Skidmore Owings and Merrill prior to opening his own firm. He had a deep commitment to improving the community through its buildings both public and private. John left a significant legacy to his home city including major revisions of architecture policy for the city first as a member of the Metropolitan Arts Commission and later during his term as Chair of the Design Review Commission. He was a member of the Board of Directors of the Oregon School of Design and served as an Associate Professor in 1985 and 1986. John often spoke of the Pericles of Athens admonition that a citizen has the responsibility of giving back to the community. He brought his vision to Carmel in the late 1980s, emerging as a leading voice for reasoned regulations and progressive policies in this small but architecturally significant city. John had the Thanks of the City and its Mayor Sue McCloud, as well as her Friendship. Over the course of his more that 40 year career, John Thodos created a body of work which reflects his love of Modernism and which was markedly enriched by inspirations from his Greek heritage. John was an expert in fitting buildings onto challenging sites connecting indoor spaces to the outdoors, and everywhere bringing light. "Doctor Fos", doctor of light was the title of an article about John and his work. He brought light to his architecture as well as to the lives, minds and hearts of all who knew him. He was indeed a modernist, but also a Humanist; John cared about people and solving their problems and needs. He loved Carmel by the Sea, his adopted home of 25 years, and many of his award-winning homes are here including the celebrated "Light House" on Scenic Road and "Gallery House" in the Carmel Highlands. John was a most often honored architect; in addition to 14 major AIA Design Awards, in 2008 John was given the very prestigious Monterey Bay AIA Stanton Award, which recognizes outstanding contribution to the architecture of Central California. John had a love of History and of Travel, especially to Greece, and was always a brilliant raconteur. The monuments to this fine architect are not only the buildings he created, but also the respect of his colleagues and the love and thanks he garnered from his clients, who are fortunate to live in a Thodos home. He had a love of History and of Travel especially to Greece, or to anywhere his precious Oregon "Ducks" were playing football or basketball. John and Judy Thodos wrote their own beautiful love story — over many decades — which in 2006 included Judy donating one of her kidneys to John. John is survived by Judy, his many nephews and nieces and by Erik Dyar, architect, to whom John was a longtime Mentor, Friend and inspiration. He is also survived by Judy's 4 children; Julie Nitoglia, Jackie Ferere, Randy Macdonald, and Jock Macdonald, whom John mentored and who also worked with John. He was "Papou" (Grandfather) to 6 adoring grandchildren. He was a wonderful Husband to Judy, a great and giving Friend, a gifted Mentor to young people and an inspired problem solver. If Heaven has any problems John will be there with elegant solutions. A Funeral service was held on Friday, November 20, at 11:30 a.m. at All Saints Church in Carmel, California. A Trisagion Service will be held at 2:30 pm, Friday, November 27 in the chapel at Rose City Funeral Home with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers a donation is suggested in John's name to the Carmel Public Library Foundation at P.O. Box 2042, Carmel, CA 93921 – 624-2811.

Trisagion Service

Rose City Funeral Home
5625 Northeast Fremont Street
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Friday, November 27, 2009, 2:30 PM

Cemetery

Rose City Cemetery
5625 N.E. Fremont St.
Portland , OR US 97213-1754
Friday, November 27, 2009,

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