Wilburn, John Duncan

John Duncan Wilburn, 30, formerly of Blacksburg, left this world Sunday, March 9, 2014 in a kayaking accident in California. He was born on January 17, 1984. John was a graduate of Virginia Tech, where he earned both bachelor’s and master’s degrees. He was employed by the State of Oregon as a Natural Resource Conservation Officer with the forestry service. He is survived by his wife, Erin Johnson Wilburn; his brother, Thomas; and his mother and father, Susie and Herb Wilburn; grandparents, Ellen and Jack Woodyard, as well as their families; and countless friends across the United States. John climbed mountains, kayaked big water, and rode epic trails while traveling all around the country. He found and married his perfect soul-mate and they had begun building a life together. John fit more adventure in his thirty years than we thought possible. John would often remind us he always had time for a little guitar. John showed us a life well lived. He was happy. Everyone has their memory of John. The stories are full of humor, acts of gentleness and kindness, and friendship. John was not perfect, not flawless, but he was genuine. That legacy is the best of what it means to be human and we are so proud of him for that. I have no solace, I know no comfort; I have no answers as to why we are left without him. What we have lost cannot be measured, weighed, or tallied. It has been so quick, too quick, and we feel lost and adrift. I do know that there is a little touch of John in all of our lives to guide us and for that I am thankful. We will need time to reconcile this–there is not enough time but we will try. We will not say good bye, we will not forget, but John, we will live. I hope we come close to your example. In lieu of flowers we ask that donations be made to American Whitewater, John was a big supporter. Rather than a memorial service, please share a memory of John with friends and remember him with love.