Jon Howard Svendsen

Jon Howard Svendsen passed away peacefully September 20, 2024. Jon was born in Berkley, CA on October 26, 1953 to Alberta & Howard Svendsen.

From a very early age he showed a love for swimming & he along with his 2 brothers swam in tournaments all over California. The Svendsen brothers were well known in Northern, CA as forces to be reckoned with they were 6'9 "6'5" & 6'4."

Jon became the standout athlete in the family he excelled in basketball, football & swimming. Jon chose to pursue water Polo as the sport he loved most.

Jon was a member of Cal's NCAA championship water polo team in 1973, 1974 and 1975. Earned all American titles leading the Golden Bears to a combined record of 72-9. Jon was the NCAA's MVP in 1973-1975.

He was a member of the PAC ten title winning 400 free style relay team in 1973-was an AAU All American from 1971 to 1984...was AAU MVP in 1978.

Jon participated in the Pan American games where he won 2 gold & one Silver medals. Jon was named the Most Valuable Defensive player in the World in 1979 & 1980. He captained the 1980 & 1984 United States Olympic Water Polo teams where he earned a Silver medal in the 1984 summer Olympics.

Jon was inducted into the Hall of fame at Miramonte HS, Hall of fame at UC Berkley & is a Hall of Famer in the US Olympics. Jon was recently featured in Swimming World magazine (2024) as one of the Elite Water Polo/swimming dual-sport athletes of the century. 

After his illustrious swimming career Jon worked in sales for 30 years and worked his way up to VP of sales for a large Pharmaceutical company based in New Jersey. When he retired he wanted to relocate to a warmer climate and chose Arizona because it was closer to CA & his Favorite place Cabo where he enjoyed deep sea fishing.

Jon leaves behind his beloved wife Judi (Scanlon) three step children Kristin (Matt) Edwards, Kevin Loud & Kailey Loud, two step grandkids Harry & Kinsley, his brother Roddy (Nancy) & nephews David Svendsen (Jessica) & Robby Svendsen, 3 grandnephews and one grandniece. Jon is preceded in death by his mom, dad and brother Barry Svendsen.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the Special Olympics: https://support.specialolympics.org.