John M. Cartwright

Captain John Cartwright, an eternal nomad and adventurer who spent his life soaring the skies and traversing the globe, passed away peacefully on 8 November 2024, at the age of 88 surrounded by his family. Born on the Isle of Wight and raised in southern England and London, John embodied the spirit of exploration from an early age, a passion that defined his remarkable journey through life.

After finishing high school, John served as a radar mechanic in the British Royal Air Force, an experience that sparked his love for aviation and adventure. In the 1950s, following his RAF service, he joined Cunard Lines as a Purser, working aboard the Corinthia and the Queen Mary. His voyages took him to distant lands, with extended live/work stays in Rhodesia and New Zealand, further fueling his wanderlust.

John’s career in maritime service transitioned to General Steamship in London, but his nomadic spirit led him across the Atlantic to the United States in 1960, settling in New Orleans. It was there, in 1963, that he met his first wife Henrike. Together, they embarked on a journey of their own, moving to San Francisco and later to Mill Valley, California, where they welcomed their son, Christopher, in 1966.

John’s lifelong passion for aviation came to fruition as he transitioned into a career as a pilot. He began flying for small commuter and charter airlines in Northern California before taking on an adventurous stint in the Caribbean, piloting for PrinAir, an island hopper airline, in 1977. A year later, he seized his big break, joining Saudi Aramco in Dhahran as a pilot. Over the next 15 years, John flew extensively, ultimately serving as a captain of the Gulfstream IV, entrusted with the responsibility of flying Saudi Oil Minister Yamani across the globe. His journeys took him to nearly every continent, logging over a million miles and witnessing some of the world’s most extraordinary sights. His favorite destinations were Hong Kong, Vienna, Tokyo, Geneva and Paris.

John remarried in 1991 to Mary Ann Infante, who became his companion through his later years. Before retiring at age 72, John continued to captain Gulfstream IVs for various U.S.-based companies, maintaining his unparalleled connection to the skies.

In retirement, John never stopped chasing the sun. Winters found him following the warmth in Sydney, Australia, while summers were spent between the United Kingdom, France, and Bainbridge Island, Washington.

John’s granddaughter arrived in 2004 and he quickly flew to Berlin to hold her in his arms. He prioritized travel and never needed to be asked twice to take a trip, usually international and often exotic.

Whether scuba diving in the Red Sea, exploring the chateaus around Dordogne, or simply soaking in the beauty of Bondi Beach, John lived every moment to the fullest.

John is survived by his son Christopher Cartwright, his beloved granddaughter Alexis Cartwright, and his wife Mary Ann. He leaves behind a legacy of exploration, curiosity, interest in international relations, and a profound love of planning the next getaway. John will be remembered for his adventurous spirit and the timeless stories he collected on his many journeys. May his enduring love for the skies and seas inspire us all to embrace the adventure of life.

Arrangements entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.