John Edward Costain OBITUARY

John Edward Costain John Edward Costain died peacefully at home in Walnut Creek on August 14, 2021 from complications caused by Parkinson’s disease. He was born in Denver on March 24, 1938 to Marie Perry Costain and John McGregor Costain. He and his younger brother Robert were raised by their mother in Emeryville. In 1956 he enlisted in the Army, where among other duties, he was assigned to work on atomic weapons at Fort Bliss, Texas. Following his honorable discharge in 1959, he enrolled at Cal Berkeley and married Lynne Ross Costain. Their daughter, Leigh, was born in 1961. After receiving his BS degree, he started his first career as a questioned documents examiner and expert witness for the United States Postal Service crime lab. In his early 30s, he changed direction and enrolled in law school, attending USF law school at night. In 1978, he married his second wife, Annie Sorge Costain, and began work as a defense attorney in the Alameda County Public Defender’s office. His daughter, Annie, was born in 1981, and his daughter, Kelly, in 1983. He retired from the Public Defender’s office in 2000, but continued to practice criminal defense law in Marin until 2008. John had an inquisitive mind, a terrific sense of humor, and a wonderful laugh. He was a fierce fighter for his clients. He was also a chef, a gardener, a carpenter and a master crossword puzzle solver. He loved being outdoors. His perfect day would be spent gardening at his home under the redwoods in Woodacre (where he and his wife, Gail, lived for 22 years), preparing a gourmet dinner and watching a British mystery. He fully enjoyed life. John is survived by Gail Weinheimer, his wife of 34 years; Lynne Ross Costain and Annie Sorge Costain; his daughters Leigh Costain, Annie Dunaway-Costain (Kris) and Kelly Costain; and by his grandchildren: Alex Tomelden, Annabelle Costain, Kaden Fachner, Elias Fachner, Damien Garcia, Jenny Dunaway and Gavyn Dunaway. John’s brother Robert predeceased him. A celebration of life will be held on October 9, 2021 in Walnut Creek. Contact gweinheimer3@gmail.com for details and to RSVP.