There is a gravitas, and a deep reward, that comes only after one dedicates oneself to acts of service with passion and perseverance over time. Among those that have quietly made the Overlook Trail a part of their life’s work is our John Donnelly, who recently departed the Stewards in order to redirect his expertise towards what may serve us on an even greater level: the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Commission for the City of Sonoma.

But the loss is real. John has been a true leader, advocate and ever diplomatic guide to our group. In the words of some of our longest serving Stewards:

John Donnelly has been a stalwart (aka loyal, reliable and hardworking), intelligent and guiding member of the Sonoma Overlook Trail Stewards for more than 20 years.

John served as Chairperson of the Stewards for 10 of those years. Of his many contributions,  we can thank John for the kiosk that now graces the trail entrance. The kiosk educates walkers about the trail, its ecology and inhabitants.  It was John’s vision: he guided the process through design, approval, funding, execution, and completion.

Joanna Kemper

John is a great mentor and leader. I always said John was the Secretary of State of the SOT, for his tremendous authenticity, grace, humility, and clear compass to always do good and be on the right side of things. When there was ever any trouble and tension, John could finesse it, and say things always in just the right way. I’ve imagined a statue of John at the top of the Overlook…a monument to a great Sonoma citizen and great human being.

After the fires and after a bulldozer went all over the hillside by the trail, John, in his late 70s, came up to help do the heavy, dirty work of re-grading the trail. Sophisticated as he is, John never got too high and we had fun moving that dirt together. Here’s to you John, and the simple service of moving dirt that we shared.

Fred Allebach

John joined the first Sonoma Overlook Trail (SOT) docent training class in the spring of 2002. After attending eight weeks of training to learn about the plants, animals and geologic and human history of the area, he became a docent. He excelled in this role and enjoyed it so much that the following year, he became a docent trainer. In those early days, he was out on the trail so often, and working so hard, that he appeared in a few newspaper photographs. He was known as the “poster child” of the SOT.

John’s attention to detail has been invaluable during many aspects of caring for the SOT. From 2008 until 2011, John assumed sole responsibility for chairing the Task Force. He has been an active member of the SOT Steward’s Maintenance Team for many years. His love of and knowledge about the SOT are exceeded by none! 

Jackie Steuer

John, we wish you all the best in your future endeavors. May the trail rise to meet you.