John Franklin METCALF Passed away on March 3, 2009, at his home in Seattle at the age of 87. He was born December 3, 1921, in Eureka, Montana to Grace (Remore) Metcalf and Roy (Dick) Metcalf. He grew up in Kalispell, Montana attending three grades at Northside School, and then transferring to St. Matthews. He went on to earn a Bachelors Degree from the University of Montana, and a Masters from McGill University in Montreal. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was stationed on a minesweeper in the South Pacific. He was present in Tokyo Harbor at the signing of the Armistice. In younger years, he had ambitions to be a playwright, writing several plays, a few of which were produced in Seattle. Most of his career was as a World History and French teacher in Federal Way, at three different high schools. For two years, in 1965 - 1967, he taught English in a French-speaking school in Laos. After retiring from the Federal Way school system in 1988, he increased his various volunteer activities, including teaching in Shanghai on two occasions. He was very active in community and charity activities, especially while in Federal Way. His caring about other people, and especially young people, guided his life. He was twice president of the Federal Way Education Association and a board member of the Federal Way Youth Services Bureau. John received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Greater Federal Way Chamber of Commerce for 1986. He was always active in politics, leading him in 1987 to run for 30th District State Representative, a race he narrowly lost. He was presented the St. Francis Humanitarian of the Year award in 1997 for his work on the hospital certification effort that brought St. Francis Hospital to Federal Way. John was a member of the NAACP, the ACLU, teachers' unions and the Democratic Party. He was an avid and passionate volunteer for people and causes he deemed worthy and needy. This included many years at food banks, First Place School, Operation Nightwatch and on the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday holiday celebration. John loved reading and being surrounded by his books, listening to classical music, and watching French films. He especially loved summers at the family cabin on Ashley Lake in Montana, and visiting with his sister, Camilla. To his nieces and nephews, he was a somewhat eccentric, but greatly admired "Uncle Johny" who was an example of honesty, integrity and generosity. His humor and wit will long be remembered. His parents and sister Marian Blackmore predeceased John. He is survived by his sister, Camilla Bauska of Kalispell, MT; nieces Leslie Millspaugh of Shoreline and JoAnn Wold of Wilsonville, OR; nephews Roy Bauska of Lynnwood, and Jack and Greg Bauska of Kalispell, MT.; grand-nephew John Bauska; great-grand nephews Johnathan and Joshua. He is also survived by Sang Le, a student he brought over from Laos in 1967, who now lives in Sacramento. In John's own words: 'Served in Navy during WWII, with no great inconvenience to the Japanese Imperial Forces. Was much involved in community and eleemosynary (look it up!) activities during his years in Federal Way. Was fond of cats, books, the high school students he knew, Schubert, martinis, Democrats, the better sort of Republicans, springtime, walking, Seattle, much more. Planned last words: "Never mind, I'm biodegradable." Whether they were actually uttered is not known. He hated to leave, but had a good long run. Thanks to so many people for good memories, especially to good friends these last years.' At his request, there will be no memorial service. Memorials may go to Federal Way Community Caregiving Network, P. O. Box 4717, Federal Way, WA 98063. You may sign John's online Guest Book at www.Legacy.com.