The man with the dancing eyes and wicked smile left us on one of his favorite days- Halloween.
John’s love of nature and confident manner came early while growing up in Minnesota. He loved to hunt and fish, was captain of the football team and senior class president. While earning his degrees in education, biology, and history at Mankato State he owned his own gas station and raised four children with his first wife Sharon.
He did a short bit as a teacher, but he discovered the National Park Service where he did it all – historian, several superintendencies, district manager and chief ranger. His last 20 years in the NPS were his favorite – North Cascades as Skagit District Manager and Chief Ranger at Mt. Rainier. So many miles he and Barbara hiked! And canoed, laughed and delighted in the beautiful places lived.
Birding got into his veins while at Mt. Rainer and he became a Master Birder. He helped Barbara lead many Audubon trips, taught classes and traveled to amazing places with great friends.
He retired the first time, in 1994 to San Juan Island where he built so many wonderful friendships. The house was open to friends and neighbors, there were many cats and dogs, and goldfish named Elvis, weddings, seasonals lived with us, we swam in the pond, and there was lots of laughter.
John went back to work for SJ County then the Town of Friday Harbor, San Juan Brewing and eventually Browne’s Home Center. He stayed active by acting in local productions, was a reenactor with Battery D at SJ Historical Park, served on the board of SJ Islands Audubon, volunteered with many organizations, and helped whoever needed it. He was elected as a San Juan Island Fire Commissioner and served 18 years. He loved “his” fire department so much and was very proud of them.
His kids, grandkids and great grandkids brought so much joy to him, and they helped him celebrate his 90th birthday in October. He loved all the time he spent with them.
And of course, liked his beer. One of the last things he and Barb talked about was that he “ had such a wonderful life”. We’ll miss you, Johnny Boy.
Remembrances can be made to Friday Harbor Food Bank or a food bank of your choice.
Come share stories at John’s Celebration of Life, December 3rd at San Juan Island Brewing from 4-7.
