John Ellis Kline of Hingham died peacefully, surrounded by his family, on Saturday, Oct. 3, after a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 71.

Born to John and Grace (Ellis) Kline, he lived in Peabody, graduating from Peabody High School. He graduated from the University of Dayton in Ohio, came back to Boston and began working in the securities market. He married Elaine Kline in 1969 and they spent 46 years together. Some of the best times he had were with his son, Jonathan. John and his son had a truly wonderful relationship as both father and son and closest of friends. They golfed together, skied together, and went fishing. Throughout, they never missed an opportunity to talk about family, politics and the economy over a beer.

After receiving his MBA from Boston College, John took training in real estate appraisal. He achieved his MAI and CRE in appraisal. He worked for NAI Hunneman for more than 30 years, most recently holding the position of executive vice president and senior vice president. John loved his job, his colleagues and the many friends he developed in the business over the years. He wrote articles for the Real Estate Journal, and he volunteered for Vineyard Open Land Foundation as well as the Alta Ski Preservation. He was a member of the Appraiser Institute, The Counselors of Real Estate, and Lambda Alpha International.

John was one of the most positive and upbeat people, a devoted, loving husband, father, and role model. More than anything, he loved spending time with friends and family. He always knew how to have a great time and help others to do the same under any circumstances. His kindness and generosity will be deeply missed.

He is survived by his wife, Elaine; son Jonathan and daughter in law Sarah Kline; grandsons Thomas Ellis and James Franklin; sister in law and brother in law, Linda and Jack Natowich; brother in law, Frank Poliferno; mother in law, Helen Poliferno; and sister Mary Louise Tranos as well as Marc Tranos, and Megan and Andrew Rosetti and children Alexandria and Stephen.

Anyone wishing to honor his memory can make a donation in his name to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284-9168 or to the Vineyard Open Land Foundation, PO Box 4608, Vineyard Haven, MA 02568. A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Oct. 10 from noon to 3 p.m. at the South Shore Country Club, 274 South street, in Hingham.