400 attend memorial service for river advocate

Thursday, Nov. 6, 1997 | 9:13 a.m.

Champion died last week of a heart attack. He was 52.

About 400 friends, family members and admirers attended Wednesday's memorial service held along the banks of the Truckee River.

A machinist by trade and an expert fly fisherman, Champion at first was a lone voice in advocating the river's health. He planted hundreds of trees along the river's banks to provide shade and improve fish habitat.

Over the years, his passion to his cause attracted an increasing number of volunteers and assistance from local governments and business.

"I was one of a couple of hundred people who thought he was John's best friend," said Reno resident Neal Cobb. "Every time I went to the river with John, I learned something new and valuable about the place I'd lived all my life."

Champion's sons, Caleb, 24, and Seth, 20, scattered their father's cremated remains from a footbridge that spans the Truckee.

"I hope his dream doesn't die with him," Caleb Champion said. "I hope this sparks interest in the river."

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