John Bandy Lane

John Bandy Lane, 77, went to his heavenly home on October 26, 2026. He was surrounded by loved ones as his hair turned angelic and he transitioned peacefully, reuniting with those who have gone before him.

John was born on November 8, 1948, in Lynwood, California, to Marvin Earl Lane and Lois Wilma Lane (Bandy). He spent most of his youth in the Friant and Fresno areas of California. He attended Sierra Joint Union High School before moving to the Sacramento area and graduating from Rancho Cordova High School in 1966.

John met his lifelong sweetheart, Brenda Marie Cheney, when they were young teenagers. They married in 1968 and spent almost six decades building a beautiful life together.

John began his career working alongside his dad in their business, Lane & Son Construction. He continued to thrive in the construction industry as co-owner of Paradise Patio & Awning Co. John and Brenda also co-owned a family-run bait shop, convenience store and drive-in burger joint in Friant for more than 2 decades—allowing the family to learn about “stocking the walk-in” and the value of working hard and excellent customer service.

In the later years of his career, John worked for the State of California, making improvements to inefficiencies and building precious new friendships for almost 20 years. He served as Chief of Plant Operations for the Porterville Developmental Center before retiring in 2014.

John never met a project he couldn't fix, build, or tinker with, and he believed everything should be plumb and square. Building was more than a career for John; it was a passion. He designed and built three of his own homes over the course of his life, each reflecting a different chapter of his family's journey. The first was in Friant, where he and Brenda raised their family and hosted countless family holidays, milestone celebrations, and friendly gatherings (or parties!). The second was another custom-built home in Springville, designed to please Brenda as they entered their empty-nest years. His final home was built in Plymouth, allowing John and Brenda to enjoy retirement with family right next door.

John had an adventurous spirit and a lifelong love for the outdoors, sports, and music. In his younger years, he enjoyed playing tennis, basketball, and golf; camping, backpacking, and packing mules into the backcountry; riding horses and dirt bikes; hunting; fishing with his dad at Courtright and Wishon Lakes; snow and water skiing; and boating. He also had a love for music, listening to country and Y94 FM (in the early days), enjoying live concerts, streaming music through the house speakers or in quiet solace through his headphones. He recently remarked that the best concert he ever attended was the Eagles in Las Vegas, just last year. He was a lifelong Dodgers and Rams fan, as well as a tried-and-true NASCAR fan. Beyond his own interests, John was actively involved in his community, coaching for his kids’ baseball team, and serving on the school board, the Friant Volunteer Fire Department, and as a member of the Masonic Lodge #366 (Las Palmas-Ponderosa) and the Tehran Shriners.

He took great pride in his beautiful, manicured yard—especially his green grass. He could often be found riding on his mower or tractor; sitting on his back porch observing the day; tinkering around the house; keeping his wood stash split, full, and organized; building a cozy fire; working on the yard or other projects Brenda desired; taking RV trips and cruises; enjoying motorcycle trips with Brenda and friends; traveling; boating (or fixing the boat); scrolling on the iPad or playing his Deer Hunting app; and, most importantly, spending time with the people he loved.

John created countless special memories with his family, many during the holidays or on houseboat and extended boating trips. He loved to create chaos by winding up his grandchildren and to show his love, pride, and support at their sporting events. He was quick to jump in, put on his toolbelt and lend a hand with projects—no matter the time or place!

John had plenty of favorite foods and cravings for treats, including Brenda's biscuits and gravy, "gee-dunks", popcorn, and apple pies; super thin pancakes; a delicious medium-rare steak; thin strawberry milkshakes; rolled tacos from the Fair; anything on the Traeger; and his go-to Crown on the rocks. A true connoisseur of junk food, he loved Hershey's with almonds, Butterfingers, and a cheeseburger—no cheese! His legendary sense of humor and ornery nature left behind an abundance of funny stories and memories for family and friends to keep alive for generations to come.

John will be remembered as an honest, simple man, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and Papa who treasured his family. He was preceded in death by his parents, Marvin and Lois Lane, as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, nephews, in-laws, and precious young family members whose lives were remarkably brief.

He leaves behind his lifelong sweetheart and wife, Brenda; his heartbroken children, Jennifer Nguyen and her husband, Canh, and Jeremy Lane and his wife, Becky; his grandchildren, Ashley Gibson and her husband, Josh, Robynn Brown and her husband, Levi, Michael and Christopher Navicky, Drakell Sangster, Damion and Jaxon Lane, and Savannah Nguyen; and his great-grandchildren, Brayden and Grayson Gibson, and Trenton Ferguson. He is also survived by his sister, Linda Wichowski and her husband, David, along with a host of extended family members who will continue to cherish him and the fun-loving memories.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to one of the non-profits that has directly benefited our family during challenging times: Ronald McDonald House, Shriners Hospital For Children or CaringBridge

“In the morning, O’Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait expectantly.” Psalm 5:3

Dad, we'll see you again one day. Save us a spot, and keep the grass green and the fire stoked!

A celebration of life will be held on Saturday, December 19, 2026. Details will be posted to: John Lane's Caring Bridge