A proud actor, veteran, and snowbird!
As soon as I crossed the railroad tracks, I spotted him turning the corner of Quad and Clematis streets — an older, white, gentleman wearing a camouflage baseball cap and matching tan clothing, walking stiff and deliberately with a walking stick. Our paths converged; he caught up with me just as I paused at the next corner, unable to cross the street further ahead; the walk sign was solid red. When he reached me, he leaned-in, cautioning quietly, “Be careful — they come around this corner, and they cut it off,” meaning that standing too near the curb could make you vulnerable.
I thanked him and nodded, trying to listen more clearly despite my headphones on both ears. He continued, “They come around really fast,’ he said. I replied, “I’m trying to create a walk in the shade this morning…” He paused, then suggested, “You should have a hat — a white hat.” I laughed, admitted I should’ve worn one, and he remarked that they sell them somewhere nearby for a dollar or two. I replied, “No kidding — I have plenty, I just need to remember to wear one.
I slowed and we crossed together. The walk light on, he asked me a question that caught me off guard: “Do you know who I am?” I shook my head, no. I looked up at him. “Should I?” The old man directed, “go to Google. My phone already in hand, I complied. He said, type in John…J-O-H-N. Bear. B-E-A-R. He continued, S-T-A.” Before I could type I, his full name appeared. “John Bear Staible.” An Actor. He instructed, “Click on images.”
I did. I looked at him, then back to google, and smiled. I repeated his name. He picked up his pace a bit and I adjusted to it. Intrigued, I flicked through his images and credits – Naked Gun, Kindergarten Cop, Star Trek II & III, Tango & Cash, Law and Order, Matlock, and more.
I asked him, “Where are you from, John? And what brings you to West Palm Beach?” He said he spends half the year here, the other half in New Mexico. He’s a snowbird, kinda.
He’s here, “this time,” he said to go to the Veterans Administration (VA) hospital. This morning he was downtown for glasses.
He admitted firmly he didn’t like the VA’s frames – I agreed and excitingly share that was my experience too. I blurt out, “I’m a veteran too! An Army first sergeant.”
He asked, quick as his steps now, “Guess what service I was in?” I hoped I was right, and without hesitation said, “Army?” He slowly said…Noooo. I was a Marine and in the Navy. I replied with, “the Marines was my second guess. It truly was.” I’m used to seeing older marines, still actively walking.
As he rushed off the sidewalk now, his bus was turning onto Quad. He instantly became concerned he would miss his bus. Now walking beside parked cars and closet to the street. I encouraged him to stay on the sidewalk until he got to the bus stop – now concerned for his safety. He stepped back up with me. I hurried after him to snap a photo. I asked first. He paused just long enough. I got the shot and thanked him for the moment I will never forget – a proud actor, veteran, and snowbird from New Mexico. I watched him disappear as he stepped onthe bus.
Farewell John Bear Staible. I continued my walk, writing this piece in my mind. In awe of this chance encounter with a kind, gentle, proud background actor and veteran.
I’d planned to post something about the shift we all feel at this time of year — that subtle energy stirring inside us. It’s due in-part with fall equinox – moon shit.
But meeting John — sharing shade, making a connection, and a reminder to stay alert — is really worth sharing. Thank you, John. I’ll be looking for your work when I stream or watch TV from now on. God bless.
Who Is John Bear Staible?
From the public records and film-databases, here’s what I found about John Bear Staible (sometimes credited as John Staible):
Biographical / Background:
Born April 2, 1939 in Bradford, Pennsylvania, USA. Often credited with the name John Bear Staible.
Acting Credits & Work:
He appears mostly in background or uncredited roles in both television and film.
Some of his credits include:
Hart to Hart — appears (e.g. “Press #5”) The Beverly Hillbillies (as a “Country Wedding Guest”) Dave — as Press Sound Technician Kindergarten Cop — as Court Bailiff (uncredited) Tango & Cash — as a police officer Naked Gun 33 1/3: The Final Insult — as a police officer L.A. Law (TV) — as a police officer The Colbys (TV) — as a bar patron (background) Night Court — as a bailiff (background/uncredited) Also appeared as an Enterprise crew member in Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, Star Trek III: The Search for Spock, and in Star Trek: The Next Generation (episode “The Ensigns of Command”) in background roles.
Because many of his roles are uncredited or in the background, there is limited “star billing” or lead role documentation. Still, his credits span multiple decades in film and TV.
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