With his family near, John Brent Hedberg left this world to sail off to new adventures on Oct. 3, 2012 at his home in Friday Harbor, Wash.

In 2010, after gradually spending more and more time in the San Juan Islands, he and his wife of 31 years, Pam Hedberg, relocated from Portland, Ore., to Friday Harbor as full-time residents.

John was diagnosed with brain cancer in July of 2011. He faced it with strength, optimism and the contagious sense of humor he was known and loved for.

He is survived by his wife Pam, of Friday Harbor, son Brent Hedberg and daughter Kali Hedberg, both of Portland, Ore., and brother Dennis Hedberg, also of Portland.

— Family of John Hedberg