John Gwinn, 51, died unexpectedly Wednesday, March 11, 2009., at his home in Rapid City with a ruptured intracranial aneurysm. John was born Nov. 23, 1957 at Camp Pendleton, CA to Norma and Charles Gwinn, the fourth of their eight children. He attended K-12 in Rapid City, winning the West River Math Contest at South Dakota School of Mines in his senior year. He graduated from Rapid City Stevens High School in 1976. After a year at USD Vermillion, he returned to the Black Hills where he has lived since. John enjoyed mathmatics and loved music. He played the guitar, cello, keyboard and harmonica. In the past he played bass guitar with Lon Distand, The Willys and other local bands. He was a singer and songwriter, performing his own music on the acoustic guitar and vocals at local festivals, the Dahl Fine Arts Center and the Daily Grind coffeehouse. Survivors include his parents, Dr. Charles L. Gwinn and Norman Gwinn, Rapid City, 4 brothers, Dr. David Gwinn, Rapid City, Robert Gwinn, Hilo, HI, Tom Gwinn, Phoenix, AZ and Stephen Gwinn, Norco, CA; 2 sisters, Julia Rippley, Englewood, CA and Barbara Edwards, Corona, CA. His brother, Bruce prededed him in death in 2006. His family plans a rememberance service later this year. Memorial contributions can be made to the Black Hills Arthritis Association.