Dr. John Joseph Condon

CONDON,
Dr. John Joseph

A year ago our loving dad, grandpa and husband, John Joseph Condon with his family at his side went to be his Holy Father April 25, 2010. He was known to his endearing friends and family as Jack-born in Spokane, Washington on
March 31, 1931. He attended Saint Ann's School, Gonzaga High School, Gonzaga University and Creighton University. He earned his bachelor of science in Pharmacy and ultimately his doctorate of dental surgery specializing in pediatric dentistry. John's commitment to service began the day he graduated from Creighton serving his country in the U.S. Army from 1959 to 1961 and was honorably discharged as a captain. After his service he returned to Spokane to practice dentistry with his brother Dr. James Condon (deceased), then opening his own practice in 1967. Dr. John was true to his philosophy that healthcare is a family affair working through the years not only with his brother but his mother, daughters, granddaughters, cousin and son. His passion for the science of dentistry and his determination to bring the best care to his special little patients compelled him to a life of continuous learning, earning certifications from University of Oregon Dental School in special care for handicapped children, orthodontic post-graduate certification from University of Washington and many others including a certificate in sedation dentistry this past year. As an innovator in the field his practice was featured in the professional journal, Dental Economics and he held four patents pertaining to dental equipment. Dr. John also saw those that were underserved, so he opened an office in rural Odessa, WA in 1962 where it still is today and recent years opened his third office in Liberty Lake. His sense of empathy filled Dr. Condon's days long before the involvement of government in health care; he made time to care for those who would otherwise go without. His service took him to the Good Shepard's Home, the Antonio School, the House of Charity, the Morning Star Boy's Ranch and countless other organizations. Dr. Condon was not simply a dentist but a "caregiver" and was woven into the fabric of Spokane which was recognized in 2006 earning him the Sister Peter Claver Award from Sacred Heart Medical Center. Although Dad worked hard, he always made the time for his family of ten children; Ann Blaine, Lisa Boge and Mary (deceased), Mike, Mark, John, Bob, Larry, Ted and David Condon and his 29 adoring grandchildren and three wonderful great-grandchildren. He spent his life caring for his family and provided to us a life full of education, school sports, snow skiing, hunting, gardening and countless days at his beloved cabin on Hayden Lake. He embodied Thomas Jefferson's thoughts: "Dost love life then do not squander time because that is the stuff life is made of." He instilled that in his family, always pushing us to embrace our God given talents and to be the most we can be. He was at each of his children's side as they grew in their personal and professional lives, assisting to start five companies and spent untold hours giving us advice on the trials of the business world. As if he didn't have enough children of his own John was a mentor to many and always enjoyed a conversation with young people who had the will to work but maybe not the direction.
His wife of nearly 54 years, Carolu (Neavins) Condon will forever miss her life long partner. She could have never guessed that senior class dance at Creighton would have lead to a life long journey with such a special man.Later in life, after all nine kids were grown, they traveled to Ireland,Australia, New Zealand and other warm spots throughout the Pacific. Mom and Dad enjoyed countless friends and time spent time with them throughoutthe northwest at lakes, the coast and endless nights of bridge. John walked through life with three brothers, James, Patrick, and William Condon (all deceased) and four sisters Mary Conley, Kathleen Green, Bridget Brockmeyer and Michell Wingard (deceased). He also spent many summers with Carolu's family; Tom Neavins, Sue Lohman, and Bob Neavins acting like teenagers taking in all that Hayden Lake had to offer-a couple of years ago Dad bought an old Century Coronado and they toured the lake laughing and carrying on.
Many say you can tell a lot about a man by whom he surrounds himself with-but we say you can tell a lot about Jack by those who wanted to surround him. He is dearly missed but he lives on in so many people some close and some who may have never even met him.
Interment will be held on April 16, 2011 at 2:00PM, at: Holy Cross Cemetery, North 7200 Wall Street, Spokane, WA.