John William Sturgeon

John William Sturgeon

"Jack"
Jack Sturgeon, 90, was born April 20, 1920 in rural Skagit County in Mansford, WA. His passing occurred March 29, 2011 in Arlington, WA.
When three years old, his family moved to the Bay area of California where Jack spent his youth. He graduated from Oakland Technical High School in 1937.
While in California, he became passionate about mountain climbing. He spent many happy weekends in the Sierra Mountains and at one time, spent three months climbing over the 10,000 foot level summiting on so many peaks that he was featured in an article in The Sierra Club Bulletin (February, 1940). He continued going to the top during his many travels with wife Dorothy, including Ayers Rock in Australia and in Asia on the Great Wall of China.
In 1941, the Sturgeon family moved back to the Darrington, WA area where the five brothers farmed approximately 1,800 acres of dairy, crops and forest. When in his early 30s, Jack applied his extensive creative talents as a Building Designer and Contractor, specializing in home remodels. He was an avid photographer, a talent that served him well in his professional and personal lives, and lead to a later interest in watercolor painting. He could draw anything and often did if there was paper or even a napkin handy. He spent many years involved in the Arlington Boy Scout program, was a Trustee of the Congregational Church, and a former member of Everett Evergreen Kiwanis. A member of the Stillaguamish Valley Pioneer Association, he designed the Stillaguamish Museum.
Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, Dorothy; his children, Rick Sturgeon (Pam), Ann Swannack (Steve) and Norris Sturgeon (Lynn); his grandchildren, Stephanie, Jessica (Chad McCoy), Ryan (Vanessa), Quinton (Ruth), Landon and Luke; and great-grandson, Deagan McCoy. Also surviving is his brother, Joseph Sturgeon.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters; three brothers; and grandson, Mark Swannack.
A memorial service to commemorate this much- loved and very special husband, father and grandfather will be held Saturday April 2, 2011 at 2:00 p.m. at the Arlington United Church, 338 N. McLeod Avenue, Arlington, WA.
In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donation to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements entrusted to Weller Funeral Home, Arlington.