John Harold Rysdorp passed away peacefully Monday night, March 14, 2016.
John had a fantastic life! Born in Oakland, CA., on March 27, 1928, he graduated from Oakland High.
He attended Stanford and UC Berkeley, and graduated with a business degree.
John worked as an executive for Simpson Timber Company. While living and working in the California Redwood country, he met and married Hester Deardorff, a local school teacher. They were married December 23, 1955. John and Hester had three daughters, Joanne, Sally, and Carrie. John also took pride in his seven grandchildren, who he would often refer to by their chronological order: Kaylee (#1), Ruthie (#2), Johnna (#3), Grace (#4), Anna (#5), Sam (#6), Chloe (#7). He was blessed to meet his first great grandchild, Seamus.
John often relocated for work, and the family lived in many cities before settling down on Mercer Island, WA. John and Hester retired to LaConner, WA., for 18 good years of fishing, crabbing, card playing, and hosting family and friends. They returned to Mercer Island for their final years and enjoyed living at Covenant Shores, a retirement community.
John will be remembered by many as someone who could befriend anyone. To John, nobody was a stranger and he was genuinely interested in learning each person’s story. He listened carefully.
John’s constant good humor was a touchstone for many. He will be missed.
A memorial will be held at Covenant Shores on Mercer Island, March 31, 2016 at 1p.m.