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John Walton Withers

1951 - 2016

John Walton Withers obituary, 1951-2016

BORN

1951

DIED

2016

John Withers Obituary

John Withers died on June 6, 2016, at age 64, in Sun City, Calif. He was born on Aug. 16, 1951, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Evelyn and John Withers. John came to Alaska as a young boy and graduated from West High School in 1970. He worked 28 years for the Anchorage Fire Department, retiring in 2001. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Denise; daughters, Kimberly King (Chuck) and Jennifer Word; grandchildren, Miranda, Alexander, Lindsey and Lacey; his brother, Craig (Sheila); and sister, Karen. John was preceded in death by his mother; father; and sister, Kay.

Published by Anchorage Daily News on Jun. 14, 2016.
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Dad, today would have been your 68th birthday, and I find myself, naturally, coming back here, to read all the beautiful messages from so many people you worked with, trained, even hunted, fished or had other various adventures with. I was just a kid during most of your truly ground-breaking (as many have noted) and amazing work as the first HSO for the AFD. I do remember you talking to me about it, however, even as ignorant, young and naive as I was, telling me how tough it was, because even though you were trying to make things better and safer for everyone, you were viewed as the 'police' or 'watchdog', or even the 'snitch', and people didn't like that, even some 'friends'. You risked it all to do what you KNEW was right. I just didn't understand, even remotely, back then as a kid, just exactly what you accomplished with your career. I'm so touched that so many have left their condolences here, and especially all the many who have acknowledged your hard work and lasting legacy. Beyond that, you were the BEST dad any daughter could have ever hoped for. I miss you so much, and I'd give anything for even just one more hour to talk to you, hug you, tell you what an incredible father and person you truly were, how much you've instilled in me and how big a part of you I am. You are forever a part of me, and arguably, the BEST part of me. I love you so much, Daddy, and I can't wait to see you again and tell you that you were the BEST dad ever. God, I miss you. Happy Birthday, wherever you are. I truly believe I will see you again someday. Until then, Rest in Peace, sweet father. Love, Jennifer.

P.S. I'm so glad you got to see your first, eldest grandchild graduate from high school. You died just twelve days after this photo was taken, and none of us saw it coming. I've stared at this photo so many times, searching for some sign on your face that you were ill or might be in trouble, and I never see it. All I see is your smile, and it comforts me, knowing in this last photo ever taken of you, that you only look so happy. That is my comfort. RIP, dad. You are my HERO. Love, your daughter, Jennifer Renee Withers (Word).

Jennifer Word

August 16, 2019

I got an email reminder today about the anniversary of J Dub's death. Ironically last Sunday was the annual retiree's dinner where I found myself reflecting on John and Denise and wishing that they could have both been there. I worked most closely, often daily, with John when he was the HSO. We were collectively engaged in dragging the AFD into the 21st century.The AFD continues this world class legacy and the fine hand of J Dub can be felt there everywhere.

Francis Nolan

June 8, 2019

John you kept me in line as a young Captain and would remind me every time my engine drove by your office without our headsets on that I better get it together. John was a fire department Health and Safety Officer and among one of the first ones in the US. You will be missed and the world is short one good man!!

Ray Barber

November 23, 2016

There are very few of us still on the AFD who worked with Withers. I recall his nickname and the "weasel" reminded me of those times. Far different from today. I worked with John and I have thought about him from time to time. I hope his retirement years were all he hoped for. Greg G

July 12, 2016

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Tom Cowen

June 27, 2016

My dear friend JW I will always remember the hunting,fishing,snowmachining and cabin building trips we experienced. It was a great time on Engine 5 with never a dull moment!! Rest in Peace Brother.

The Weasel

June 18, 2016

John was great AFD family. I've tried to locate and check in with him a few times in the past...sorry I didn't connect as he was one of the good guys. Had the distinct pleasure of working at Fightin' Five with J Dub. Spent a lot of time bouncing balls off the wall there with Jakari paddles when he introduced us to Jakari. Working Spenard was active and sometimes eery...John had our backs more than once on some pretty rough responses...won't ever forget him...he was one that made AFD real family and I will miss not being able to catch up with John...my condolences especially to John's family

Ralph Crane

June 17, 2016

Denise: I am so sorry to read of John's passing. Your husband was a good fireman; father and a friend you could rely on.

Kimberly and Jenny: Oh little girls, you are your father. Comfort your mom and carry on.

John's pal, Jim

James Kenshalo

June 16, 2016

I had the opportunity to work with John for many years. As others have noted, his impact as the Safety Officer and then Health and Safety Officer were near ground-breaking. And even though he would read directly from the Federal Regulations during his training sessions, his heart was always in the right place as he tried to keep all of his co-workers and others, safe. I was truly stunned to learn of his passing. He will be missed. May his family receive some level of peace in knowing what he accomplished in helping others. Tom Wells

June 15, 2016

One of the first fire department HAO's in the US and did a spectacular job. Right guy. Right place. Right time. He left a lasting legacy.

Craig Goodrich

June 15, 2016

He will e missed by all. RIP John.

L Barnes

June 15, 2016

John Withers was a great guy, always with a smile on his face and bringing constructive humor into every situation. I knew him during his AFD time and worked with him several years at various ranks, and was his Engineer for a time.

Some years ago while I found it challenging at times to inculcate greater safety awareness into the AFD culture as one of the first three 56 hr shift safety officers, his task was 100x more challenging as the very first and lone full-time Health and Safety Officer years earlier. His commitment moved the department light years ahead from where it had been in health and safety, and he almost always kept a smile on his face despite the challenges. His efforts were truly the foundation for the exemplary Health/Safety program AFD employees benefit from today.

Some years later when John went through his long-distance running phase, we worried about him losing a bunch of weight, but eventually he got back to a more normal weight and remained a healthy example for others through his AFD years. His impact was real and something to be proud of.

Away from work, I recall hiking over Crow Pass with him and Jack Gallion, also set-netting with them somewhere down near K Beach road. You never quite knew what was gonna happen on an adventure with these guys, but you could know it was gonna be fun!

Regretfully, I lost touch with John after he moved to Oregon, but during those AFD years, I knew him as a proud father, a positive spirit, and overall really good guy.

My sincere condolences to John's family, and my thoughts are with them...

Thomas Preston

June 15, 2016

John Withers was a great guy, always with a smile on his face and bringing constructive humor into every situation. I worked with him several years at various ranks, and was also his Engineer for a while.

Some years ago while I found it challenging at times to inculcate greater safety awareness into the AFD culture as one of the first three 56 hr shift safety officers, his task was 100x more challenging as the very first and lone full-time Health and Safety Officer years earlier. His commitment moved the department light years ahead from where it had been in health and safety, and he almost always kept a smile on his face despite the challenges. His efforts were truly the foundation for the exemplary Health/Safety program AFD employees benefit from today.

Some years later when John went through his long-distance running phase, we worried about him losing a bunch of weight, but eventually he got back to a more normal weight and remained a healthy example for others through his AFD years. His impact was real and something to be proud of.

Away from work, I recall hiking over Crow Pass with him and Jack Gallion, also set-netting with them somewhere down near K Beach road. You never quite knew what was gonna happen on an adventure with these guys, but you knew it was gonna be fun!

Regretfully, I lost touch with John after he moved to Oregon, but always knew him a proud father and overall really good guy.

My sincere condolences to John's family for their loss.

Thomas Preston

June 14, 2016

John, "JDub," or "the worm" Withers was one of the best. He has been taken from all of us too soon.
I had the pleasure of working with John on the original Rescue One and other units and have fond recollections of some of the situations we were in together. He was a good partner - you could rely on him to pull through for you when you needed him. John was also one of the original 13 members of the AFD dive team - a legacy team that still responds today. And, as noted by others, John's AFD HSE efforts are legacy. John was one of AFD's 'pioneers' in many ways.
John was a good friend also. He was an all-in guy who would show up when you needed him and stay until the job was done.
"The Worm" comes from John being able to slide under everyone's radar when some nefarious deed was pulled. Somehow he was rarely suspected because he seemed so 'innocent.' And when he was suspected he usually pulled off an act that would get him off the list - but he probably really did it.

Dan Tucker

June 14, 2016

I had the pleasure of working with John for most of my career, he was a fine man and an outstanding firefighter. My condolences and best wishes to his family, He will be missed by all.

Mike Nolan

June 14, 2016

John lead the fire department into a new era of safety on the job. In fact, once trained by him you were considered to be "Witherized" and he practiced what he preached. John also was instrumental in working toward medical insurance for retirees and spouses. He was a good co-worker and gave one hundred percent every day. My condolences to his family and friends. Rest in peace John, you earned it!

John Kiewik

June 14, 2016

Our thoughts and prayers to John's family. John was a good man, a good firefighter, dedicated to what he took on, and he died too young. I'll never forget our Kodiak deer hunt back in the 80's with Klopfer and Bill Little. Especially the gullywasher rains, and the "life or death" flooded stream crossing in Bill's truck on the ride out. Four-door Ford pickups can definitely float when they need to. God Bless.

Gary Bullock

June 14, 2016

My condolences and prayers to his family. Enjoyed working with him, always a positive person.

Richard Benavides

June 14, 2016

As the first real and effective Health and Safety Officer John was responsible for establishing health and safety practices that have been incorporated into the culture of the Anchorage Fire Department and made it a safer place to work for everybody. I will remember John with respect and great fondness.

FX Nolan

June 14, 2016

I remember John as the first AFD HSO and his world class efforts putting the program together. He spent countless hours researching and documenting and then trying to teach all of us crazy AFD personnel to be safe, do safe and stay safe. My heart goes out to John's family. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Cleo Hill

June 14, 2016

RIP John our thoughts and prayers are with you, your family and friends...
Terry & Deb Holliman

Terry Holliman

June 14, 2016

Good man. Tough, but generous to me when I knew him, always willing to share advice and listen to what I had to say. Miss the time of my life that I was part of it.
My prayers go out to his family in their time of sadness.

Rob Hughes

June 14, 2016

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