John Ernst Quast

John Quast, a truly larger-than-life and enigmatic figure, has died. John was loved by many and misunderstood by most.

John was born on January 8, 1951, the only child of Clifford and Emma Louise Quast (née Crawley). At times, John disputed this lineage, claiming to be the natural son of Leona Helmsley, but evidence fails to support this notion.

John’s childhood was spent in Bakersfield, California, where he was doted upon and lovingly nurtured by his parents, Cliff and Emma Lou. A shy boy by nature, John would have liked to have faded into the background, but his large stature and deep voice made this an impossibility.

John’s early childhood was spent doing the things expected of boys in Bakersfield in the 1950s and 60s. He drove his go-kart on the track and Button Willow, became a Cub Scout, played several sports including high school football, and rode his bicycle through the tree-lined streets of the neighborhoods during his formative years. John also participated in the DE Bonaire’s Dancing Club, from which he learned and perfected impeccable social graces and good manners, both of which he embraced and demonstrated until the end of his days.

After graduating from Bakersfield High School, John joined the US Army where he served proudly. He received an honorable discharge from the service, after which he held a series of jobs, including within the family business, as well as others, exploring several career possibilities.

John often repeated a story that his uncle, recognizing John’s impressive size and power as a four-year-old, introduced him to the world of show business by landing him a gig as a child wrestler in the traveling circus where he was pitted against adult little people. This phase of John’s “career” was reportedly short-lived, and was perhaps a figment of John’s rich imagination. We shall never know.

What we do know about John is that he was a decades-long member of the close knit community at La Cabana Condominiums on Sandy land Road in Carpinteria. While living in Carpinteria John took up photography, surfing, and surfboard shaping. He also bought a Harley Davidson, which added an element of “bad boy” to his image. Luckily the early years of Debonair Club had touched John’s heart and soul, allowing him to project a bad boy image while retaining a kind and courteous essence.

John was a man who was committed to his passions. He didn’t marry, or have children. For most of John’s life he had faithful canine companions, all of whom he loved deeply. In addition to his love of dogs John had passion for music production, NFL Football, show business, professional surfing, Formula One Racing, motorcycle racing and aviation. He dove headfirst into each of these passions, understanding the ins and outs of each profession. While there is no verification of his professional accomplishments in these endeavors, in his heart in mind, John excelled in each of these lines of work.

John lived a block from the beach for over 30 years. He knew many locals and was part of the fabric of his community. He was kind, generous and engaging. While John made many friends over the years, his preference was to maintain a calm and solitary home life.

John was diagnosed with colon cancer in 2025, a diagnosis which he found hard to believe and accept, despite continuing efforts by his physicians and friends to convince him of his condition. Simply put, John couldn’t embrace the concept that an illness, in the form of cancer had invaded his body. As a result, he chose to delay further diagnostics and treatments. This is a decision John later regretted.

John’s strong will was a testament to his huge heart. He dealt with his declining health with stubborn dignity and calm. He alone decided how to spend his final months, weeks and days, going it alone in the privacy of his own home.

Three days before his passing on August 8, John suffered a heart attack and agreed to be taken to Cottage ER. He was admitted to the ICU where he his condition improved after emergency surgery. Plans were in place for John to immediately transition to Serenity House, but he passed peacefully in the very early hours of Saturday morning, before his scheduled move could take place.

John’s parents, Cliff and Emma Lou Quast preceded him in death. A maternal Aunt Constance may still be living, along with her two sons, Greg and Lawrence, however John’s estrangement from family has made this difficult to confirm.

John’s dear friend, Susan Rfsahl, the La Cabana property manage was an anchor and ally to John for many years. Without Susan’s kindness, compassion and generosity, John wouldn’t have been able to live his life to the fullest with the pride and independence that meant the world to him.

There will be a celebration of John’s life at a later date. To learn more, please contact Stacey at stacey@staceywrightsb.com.