John Calum Herdson

Following a heroic battle with glioblastoma brain cancer, John Calum Herdson, devoted husband, father, grandfather and friend, left this world on April 5, at age 75.

John was born on February 19, 1949, in Queens, New York to Betty and Malcolm Herdson. The family lived in Southampton, New York where John graduated from high school in 1967. He attended Hastings College in Nebraska, earning a BA in Physical Education and was a veteran of the Army National Guard.

A jovial spirit and compassion for others guided John’s life and career. Through numerous positions in recreation, John excelled in customer service.  He was the physical director at the YMCA in Norwich, New York (1972-79), director of physical education at the West Morris YMCA in Randolph, New Jersey (1979-82), and associate executive director of the Howard County YMCA in Ellicott City, Maryland (1982-84).  From 1984-88, John served as village manager of the Wilde Lake Community Association in Columbia, Maryland. He was the general manager of the Columbia Swim Center (1988-98) before becoming director of aquatics for the Columbia Association in 1998. 

Known fondly as “the pool guy,” he managed 23 outdoor pools and three indoor facilities, yet his greatest impact was on the people who staffed each pool and on the community members who frequented the facilities. John treated everyone - family members, friends, and complete strangers - with kindness and respect. His love for others was evident by his actions and his words. John was also a proponent for kids learning to swim. Many of those young swimmers became lifeguards who eventually brought their own children to lessons and swim teams.  

After retirement, John and his golf buddies spent many days enjoying the local courses, where he would say, “No matter the score, it is always a beautiful day.” This optimistic disposition guided John’s life: no matter what happened, he looked for the positive and shared his joy with others. John was loved by his neighbors and planned and participated in various community events.

Married for over 52 years to his wife, Christine, theirs was a lifelong love affair that began when they were both still in college. His heart belonged to his family – his three sons and daughters-in-law, Scott (Nicki), Jay (Beth), Michael (Casey) and his six grands – Riley, Anna, Julia, Drew, Paula and Harper. He was Dad, GP, coach, advocate, teaser and loudest cheerleader, above all a steady force and constant example of the love that holds a family together. 

Family will receive friends at the Harry H. Witzke’s Family Funeral Home, 4112 Old Columbia Pike, Ellicott City, on Monday, April 15, 2024, from 2 - 4 & 6 - 8pm. A funeral mass will be held at St. Paul Catholic Church, 3755 St. Paul Street, Ellicott City on Tuesday, April 16, 2024, beginning at 10am. Interment will be private.  Please do not send flowers.  Instead, memorial contributions can be made to Four Diamonds, an organization devoted to conquering childhood cancer.