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- [S5] Obituary.
David W. (Bill) John, Jr. passed away Wednesday, May 17th, 2017 after a long, well-lived life. He was born in Yakima on September 9th, 1921 to David W. John, Sr. and Euda Lisle John. Dad grew up on S. 10th St., where he had his first job on his bicycle delivering newspapers. He went to Yakima High School and graduated from Perry Trade School as a machinist.
Dad joined the Army and served in WWII for two years, including the Battle of the Bulge. He then worked for Yakima Sheep Company, hauling sheep all over the northwest, and also built many roads for the Bohoskeys on the existing Yakima Ranches. He then went to work for Block Distributing delivering heating oil throughout the county, followed by a final career at Boise Cascade Plywood Plant as a dryer tender.
Dad met Aldea Bechard (Gamache) in 1946 and they were married April 28th, 1950. Aldea already had five children, but that did not dissuade him from pursuing the beautiful Aldea and adding two more to the clan. They lived a life full of work and play like no others we?ve known. They enjoyed camping (including a portable dance floor), fishing, snowmobiling and partying with family and ?The Gang,? a group of friends from teenager years, until they were no longer able to get together. Every year, Dad enjoyed a birthday party in his backyard with family and friends. He was a lifetime member of the VFW and American Legion, as well as the Fraternal Order of Eagles and Carpenters Union.
Dad befriended many animals in his lifetime, including his pet badger ?Mike,? and many dogs sat on his lap through the years.
Dad was preceded in death by his parents, his wife Aldea, son Gary and grandson Brad Wallawine. He is survived by Dan Gamache (Kathy), Nancy Gangidino (Lee), Larry Gamache (Gayle), Linda Sliger (Harold), David W. John, III (Chris), and Mary Oliver (Larry), along with 21 grandchildren, 34 great grandchildren, and numerous great-great grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Yakima Regional Hospital and Yakima Regional Hospice for their loving care of Dad.
Viewing for David will be 3-7 p.m., Friday, May 19th, 2017 at Shaw & Sons Funeral Directors, 201 N. 2nd Street and Saturday, May 20th, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. also at Shaw & Sons is the service for David, with concluding services at Holy Rosary Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to the Yakima Humane Society, VFW Post 379 of Yakima or your favorite charity.
Memories and condolences may be made at shawandsons.com.
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