In Memory: John Gachina

Gachina played the role of "founding father" for the Landscape Industry Certified Technician program.


Published January 07, 2016

It is with heavy heart that we report the passing of John Gachina, a distinguished Life Member of the California Landscape Contractors Association, who passed away Sunday, Dec. 27.

The Gachina family is planning a celebration of life service for industry, community, clients and family friends at 6 p.m. Jan. 30 at Napredak Hall, 770 Montague Expressway, San Jose, California. All are welcome at 5 p.m.

The family is expecting a full house, so please RSVP here by Jan. 22.

The family would prefer, in lieu of flowers, contributions in memory of John which may be made to JobTrain or through CLCA.  As an honorary lifetime member of CLCA, a LEAF-Legacy scholarship is being established in John's honor.  To contribute to this scholarship, mail donations to:  California Landscape Contractors Association (CLCA)1491 River Park Drive, Suite 100, Sacramento, CA 95815 and write in the memo - "In honor of John Gachina".  You can learn more about the LEAF scholarship program here.  Both organizations support John's legacy.

Gachina was a consistent, long-term contributor to California's green industry, and was actively involved in efforts to expand and promote the professionalism within the industry.
 
During his decades of involvement at the local and state level, Gachina played an active role as a "founding father" of the now national Landscape Industry Certified Technician program. Not only was he himself certified but he was a tireless supporter and volunteer for countless CLCA certification exams.
 
Gachina had a long legacy of service including serving as past state chair of the CLCA Public Relations Committee as well as sitting on the Certification Board of Governors for the then Associated Landscape Contractors of America.
He owned the Menlo Park based Gachina Landscape Management, which has been recognized on a local, state and national level with over 165 awards for outstanding achievement including an award from the Alameda County Water District as their 2013 Water Conservation Business of the Year.
 
Back in 2014, Lawn & Landscape had interviewed Gachina in regards to his company's water management program. Lawn & Landscape also featured his company in the Insider section of the November 2014 issue, looking at how the company helps people understand the foods they eat.
 
Gachina Landscape Management will remain a family-owned business under the continued leadership of Craig Van Dorp and the Gachina Management team. Communications about John's Celebration of Life service will be forthcoming. Once plans have been finalized the information will be available at www.gachina.com and the company's Facebook page.
 
The family is requesting that flowers be held and then delivered for the Celebration of Life service. If you would prefer to make a donation, it is suggested you honor John's commitment to JobTrain.

 

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