John Joseph Joslin

John Joslin was an amazing, wonderful man and a great friend to all who knew him.  He was a gifted artist and musician who worked as a graphic designer. He was an avid collector of vintage military memorabilia and motorcycles, and these were often the subject of his beautiful paintings.  He was an exceptionally friendly and outgoing person who always made people feel welcome. He loved cats and was the founder of the ZCD (Zero Cat Displacement) movement, which advocates for people to treat cats with respect. He loved live music and was a member of Peepshow, an awesome local rock band.  He co-founded the Treefort Cycleshop, and truly loved and embodied the spirit and community of the vintage motorcycle collective, and was always available to tell you that you were doing it wrong.

John was perhaps best known for his friendliness and sense of humor, his eloquence, wry remarks and sharp wit, as well as his encyclopedic knowledge of motorcycles, kittycats, firearms and military vehicles. He was good at Yahtzee. 

John died on Monday, April 10th after a brief illness. He was born in Dover, Delaware and grew up in Oil City, Pennsylvania, spending many years in Oil Creek State Park, for which his father was the park ranger. He was a member of the Air Force, attended Edinboro University and had a degree in Art Education. He was preceded in death by his parents, Donald and Mary Joslin.  He is survived by his brother Jerry Joslin, his fiancée Aran Meara, and numerous treasured friends, band mates, and fellow vintage motorcycle enthusiasts.  

His memorial will take place at Geno's Rock Club, date to be announced. Donations may be made in his name to the American Red Cross, and a fund will be started in his name at the Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland. 

"I dig the wrench, I dig the ride.  Friendship's where it's at."

John Joslin, 1965-2017

Photo courtesy of Matthew Robbins Photography

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