John C. Hartigan,  a beloved father who worked as a special effects supervisor in the film and television industry for over 35 years, died at 67.

Hartigan, a Canyon Country resident, was most notable for the long-running Hawaii Five-0 television series, a remake of the original ‘60s show, where he worked on 134 episodes from 2011 to 2020. 

Hartigan was responsible for the on-set practical effects for Hawaii Five-0, including the many explosions. 

I shot this video yesterday on Hawaii 5/0 for episode 722 thanks to my crew and stunts. GREAT JOB pic.twitter.com/v5Evk6gJnf

— John Hartigan (@fxpapa) March 8, 2017

In 2014, Hartigan was nominated by the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences for an Emmy in Outstanding Special And Visual Effects In A Supporting Role for his work on Hawaii Five-0 as a Special Effects Coordinator for the episode “Ho’onani Makuakane.” 

In the episode, a murder attempt on a Pearl Harbor veteran leads Five-0 to use decades-old evidence to investigate a deadly crime committed in an internment camp on Oahu during WWII.

Off the clock, Hartigan was a beloved father and is remembered as a “very jovial” man. 

“He wanted to make sure that everyone was happy at all times and was joking through the very end. He loved and cared deeply for anyone that came into his life,” said Shayne Hartigan, his son. “He was a great dad. When he wasn’t at work, we were going on family trips and he wanted to make sure we all spent time together. Even when things were slow he was always planning functions and things to do as a family. He absolutely loved having the house filled with people and throwing parties.”

Hartigan’s other notable work includes Kill Bill: Vol. 1, Catch Me If You Can, Zoolander, and the upcoming Disney film Lilo and Stitch. 

“The best way to honor him would be to spend time with everyone’s families,” said Shayne. “Make sure you let everyone around know you are loved, and jokingly, make sure to go see Lilo and Stitch.” 

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