John McIntire

John Howard McIntire, a long-time and beloved Yuba City, CA, resident, passed away Friday, June 5, 2026, at 91.

In his final days he was surrounded by his children, stepchildren and friends, reminiscing and reflecting on their time together.

A man who lived life with joy and humor, he considered himself to be among the most fortunate of people and demonstrated his gratitude in the kindness and generosity he showed toward others.

John was born in Omer, MI, on September 4, 1934, to Grace and Gerald McIntire. The young family moved to New Mexico, then to the Northern California desert town of Herlong, pursuing construction jobs and living in tent cities.

The family settled in Herlong and John and his three younger brothers graduated from Lassen High School.

In 1952, John entered Chico State College and graduated six years later with a bachelor's degree and teaching credentials, a wife, Emily (Stevens), and three young boys, Mike, Mark and Chuck. His two daughters, Lisa and Lori, were born a few years later.

John began his teaching career at a one-room schoolhouse in the mountain town of Cohasset, MA. He later moved to Yuba City, CA, where he taught for 35 years at Park Avenue Elementary School.

John loved teaching the fifth grade and was passionate in his desire to reach all students, but in particular the most underserved students.

He learned Spanish to better communicate with students and parents, respect and celebrate cultural differences, and adapt to the individual needs of the students and families he served.

He and a group of fellow teachers introduced the district's first computer learning program with a pilot project at Park Avenue in the mid-1970s.

He also worked with a team of colleagues to introduce a guided-learning program targeting minority families. The group designed multi-lingual, take-home games and projects to build reading and math skills.

In 1975, he married Paulla Hyatt, welcoming six stepchildren into his own family and quickly becoming a treasured part of their lives.

John's summers were filled with the joy of spending time with his large extended family at the family's vacation compound at Eagle Lake.

He could always be found telling stories around the campfire, viewing the stars through his telescope, and swimming, sailing, kayaking and towing others behind the ski boat.

An avid sports fan, he was a regular at the school competitions of his children and grandchildren.

He eagerly attended every sporting event for which he could secure tickets, from the Olympic track and field trials to college football games and basketball tournaments.

John and Paulla loved to travel. Believing that travel fostered confidence and imagination, they delighted in introducing their children and grandchildren to sights and cultures across the globe.

On his travels, John connected with people all over the world, always learning at least a few words so he could greet them in their own languages.

John and Paulla indulged another great passion, the theater, with season tickets to the musical theaters in San Francisco, CA, and Sacramento, CA.

John frequently invited friends and family to join him at these performances. John found great peace and strength in his spiritual life.

He was a long-time member of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Yuba City, CA, and actively participated in the church's service group, "The Ancient Mariners."

He had many friends and former colleagues at church and his and Paulla's annual Super Bowl party was a Mariners highlight.

Activities he never missed were his Tuesday and Thursday bocce ball groups and his regular Tuesday lunch with stepson, Paul.

John is survived by his children, Michael (Kate), Mark, Lisa and Lori (Larry); six stepchildren, Bonnie Hyatt (Pete Miller), Jay Hyatt (LuAnn), Mary Betus (Bill), Paulla Hyatt-McIntire (Brad McIntire), Paul Hyatt (Karla), and John Hyatt; he is a proud grandparent of 25 grandchildren; and 21 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by Paulla, his wife of 44 years; son, Chuck; grandson, Corey Farrish; parents; and three brothers, Chuck, Jim and Pat.

A Celebration of Life service will be held Tuesday, July 21, 2026, at 1 PM at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church, 1390 Franklin Road, Yuba City, CA.