John D. Lacher, father of Friday Harbor Mayor Carrie Lacher, died Monday, Oct. 25 after suffering a heart attack. He was 82.
John was blessed with an easeful passing in the loving presence of wife Mary, daughter Lauren Cole, and son Kurt Lacher.
John was born in Seattle, Wash. on July 24, 1928. John and Mary met at the University of Washington as students. They were married on July 8, 1950. They celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary this summer. Children and grandchildren gathered from across the country to share stories, smiles and hugs that will long be remembered.
John was a veteran of the Korean War, having served as a captain in the U.S. Air Force. After being discharged, John and Mary returned to Seattle with their two baby daughters. He then began a successful career with the Quaker Oats Company, where he rose to the position of senior V.P. of marketing. After leaving Quaker Oats, he worked as a consultant for several firms in the Chicago area.
In 1984, he and Mary returned to Seattle. John then became part-owner of Collision Auto Repair, with shops located throughout the Seattle area, until 1994, when he began to enjoy his full retirement.
John’s greatest pleasure, after his family, was a good book, a good chair, and a good cup of Lapsang Souchong tea. John also enjoyed boating and owned several boats in his lifetime — from the original Mary Gwen, a small custom-designed wooden sailing dingy, to his last boat, a 24-foot Tolley Craft. Other pursuits included Elderhosteling, viewing historical documentaries, and various animal causes.
John is preceded in death by parents Ruth and Jack Lacher. He is survived by beloved wife Mary; daughter Lauren Cole, husband Richard and sons Harrison and Spencer of Austin, Texas; daughter Mayor Carrie Lacher and husband San Juan County Councilman Howie Rosenfeld of Friday Harbor, Wash.; son Eric Lacher, wife Laura, and son Jake and daughter Ellen of Batavia, Ill.; and son Kurt Lacher and daughter-in-law Sandy Fujioka of Edmonds, Wash. Other family members include granddaughter Erica Reed and husband Michael of King’s Port, Tenn.; and brother Joseph Lacher of Seattle, Wash.
A memorial celebration is being planned for early summer 2011.
“Shepherd me, O God, beyond my wants, beyond my fears, from death into life” (Psalm 23).
— Family of John D. Lacher
