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John Visser Obituary

John W. Visser John W. Visser (aka Johnny V), age 82, passed away on May 22, 2011, at his Bellingham home following a long battle with cancer. John was born in Lynden, Washington, November 25, 1928 to Martin and Ruth Visser. He grew up in Whatcom County, graduating from Bellingham High. In 1951 John entered the Navy and served through the Korean War. On his return to Bellingham he went to work in the Bellingham Police Records Department and served the City of Bellingham for the next 37 years. John married Maxine (Reed), his wife of 53 years, on September 20, 1957. John's passions were his family and music. From singing in the church choir as a boy to entertaining at Whatcom County's Karaoke hot spots and Bobby Lee's Piano Bar on Sunday evenings through his retirement years John never passed up an opportunity to share his wonderful voice with the world. He is survived by his wife Maxine (Reed), children Debra Davis (Greg), Derek Visser (Chris), Daren Visser. His grandchildren Tyler Visser, Nicole Visser, Samuel Davis, Andrew Davis, Tamara Visser, Larissa Visser, Ryan Visser, Jessica Visser and great-grandchildren Makani Visser and Jared Visser, also his sister Jean Crutcher (Ward) and brother Dwight Odmark. There will be a private family graveside service. A memorial gathering to celebrate John's life will be held Saturday June 4th at the Bellingham Eagles Hall, where John was a member for 37 years, 1125 N. Forest St., Bellingham from 1PM to 4 PM. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to Whatcom Hospice Foundation or the Visiting Nurse Foundation.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Bellingham Herald from May 27 to May 29, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for John Visser

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stephen whitener

June 5, 2011

I first remember meeting Jack aka "Johnny V" at Christos restaurant and bar in 2000. He was always very pleasant and whenever he sang the room would turn their heads and watch Johnny every time!He enjoyed whenever I would sing "The Rainbow Connection" from the Muppet Movie. Goodbye Johnny and thank you for all the years of great singing and friendship-godspeed!

Dan DeMann

June 4, 2011

One of the first people i met at karaoke 15 years ago, when i first arrived in Bellingham was Johnny V. He frequented many of my shows since that time. He would always sing "New York New York" for me, because he knew that i'm from NYC. He will be missed by at my shows. Thank You for being Johnny V. R.I.P.

Dani Harris

June 4, 2011

Johnny V....his name will always have a place in my heart, he was well loved by the Karaoke community. I have heard him sing many times at El Gitano and Nikki's.....he will be missed.

Linda Sorstokke

June 1, 2011

Dear Maxine and Family,

Was so saddened to learn about Jack. My favorite memory was hearing him sing for the first time at Barbs wedding.
Our Love to you and yours,
Ralph and Linda

June 1, 2011

Maxine and family. We just learned of Jack's passing. We are so sorry to hear that he is gone. He touched alot of people's live's and you can be sure he's still singing in heaven. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Bob & Linda McNamar

Mike Dobson

June 1, 2011

You are going to be missed my friend... I'm lucky I got the chance to know you and meet some of your family... The shows aren't going to be the same without your bigger than life presence... so for one last time... "Please put your hands together for the Man, The Myth, The Legend... Mr. Johnny V.!!" - I'm going to miss you brother.

Dave Elmendorf

May 31, 2011

Johnny V, I will remember him singing at all the Karaoke shows. Even when it was a slow night I could count on him to be there to put some slips in. I was an honor to know you all those years. I will be praying for your family.
Dave Elmendorf

Lyle & Phyllis Mydland

May 30, 2011

Maxine, our thoughts and prayers are with you and the family.

Hannah Rose

May 30, 2011

My condollences go out to the family.......Johnny V will always be remembered, you had the a wonderful voice and I am glad I knew you. I always enjoyed hearing you sing, listening to your stories and hanging out with you. Hannah Rose

"Rocky" Balboa

May 29, 2011

I used to set my watch to Johnny V. He was WAAAY more than a regular at my shows-Always there like clockwork with those tattered, treasured Karaoke slips rubberbanded together, always front and center with this "Am I next?" look on his face.

He loved working the room, and I loved him for it. He had his 3 or 4 signature croons, but he'd always try to finish with Sinatra's NY/NY.

I swear I can hear him in my head right now, clear as day, building up to the end of the 2nd bridge. There's this "big note" moment coming up, one that almost always gets you an EXTRA round of applause...That is, if you've got the chops to nail it....

THEEESE LITTLE TOWN BLUUUESSS.....

He LOVED to nail it. I understood Johnny V, or at least that part of him, perhaps in a way that only I can.

I know I'm supposed to be sad right now, and I really am sorry he's gone. I hope folks don't take it the wrong way if I take a moment here to remember...

And clap twice for Johnny V.

Tami Julius

May 28, 2011

I will miss your smile and wonderful voice at karaoke. I was honored when you asked me if I could sing the Nat King and Natalie Cole song with you, but glad I was able to hear you sing the duet with my friend Jessica before you left us. You both did a very good job. bye for now Johnny V.

Terri Johnston

May 28, 2011

You will never be forgotten.

Terri Johnston

May 28, 2011

My condolences to the family left behind. Johnny V will be deeply missed! An inspiring vocalist as well as an amazing man. His kindness will never be forgotten. I met him many years ago when I hosted karaoke at el gitanos. I could always count on him to be singing and the praise he would get when he was done was overwhelming. He just lot up the room!! He will be singing in gods choir now.

Clean Dean

May 28, 2011

My heartfelt condolences and prayers go out to Johnny V.'s Wife and family.He was an awe inspiring man,a great conversationalist and story teller,and of course a WONDERFUL singer.I will always cherish our chats at various karaoke venues,And his sweet smile.Godspeed,my friend!!

Nick Harrison

May 28, 2011

I will miss you Johnny V. You always seemed to cheer me up when I was going through some tough times with that amazing voice of yours. Your are and always will be remembered in the music seen around Whatcom County. Thanks for the great memories Johnny...you will be greatly missed.

Johnny Midnite

May 28, 2011

My memories will always be fond of Johnny V, I will proudly carry the torch of bellinghams favorite crooner...Heaven just got another lovely voice....

Emily Mizen

May 28, 2011

I am saddened this morning to hear that Johnny V has passed away. I met him 8 years ago when I went to karaoke for the first time. We frequented many of the same spots over the years, including the piano bar he loved so much. We shared many conversations and even sang a few duets. He was a sweet man and an inspiring singer. He will be missed.

LaVonne/Len Getchell

May 27, 2011

So sorry for the loss of Jack. I worked in the same office with him for many years. He was always cheerful and helpful. I enjoyed hearing him sing.
He will be missed by all.

Elaine Price

May 27, 2011

Sorry to hear of Johnny V's passing...we enjoyed listening to him sing many times at kareoke over the years....he will now be singing with the angels. Praying peace for the family left behind. Rest in Peace Johnny V! Love Will and Elaine Price

Gina LaFreniere Weigum

May 27, 2011

Daren and family,

I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your father. I also lost both my parents recently and I know how hard it is. Your dad sounds like he was a wonderful person. I hope you have great memories to help you through this time. I know it's been awhile (high school) but I wanted to send you my condolences.

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