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John Percin Obituary
He loved baseball and had an unforgettable laugh. In his aunt's eyes, John Percin Jr. was, simply, "an amazing young man."
"He was probably the strongest and bravest young man I have ever met in my life," Donna Percin Pederson said in an interview with The Associated Press from her home in Portland, Ore.
John Percin Sr. declined to comment Monday. "It's not a good time right now."
Percin, 24, was a multisport high school athlete who graduated in 2007 from West Linn High School, southeast of Portland.
Geoff McEvers grew up playing baseball with Percin and remembered him as a fun-loving guy with an unforgettable laugh, The Oregonian newspaper reported.
McEvers said he learned about the Percin's death through friends.
"It's already tragic when you hear about those who died," McEvers told the newspaper, "but when you find out it's someone you know personally, it's tough."
Associated Press reporters Raquel Maria Dillon in Seal Beach, Calif., Sue Manning in Los Angeles; and Felicia Fonseca and Hannah Dreier in Prescott contributed to this story.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
93 Entries
Dave Quesnel
September 13, 2017
John and Mary,
I wish I had met your son John. He was a selfless man with a huge compassionate heart. Over the past few years since I first met both of you I have had the pleasure of not just getting to know you but also getting to know John Jr.'s dog Champ. Seeing you sitting out in front of the house with Champ in the front yard and then watching him come over to the car to greet me always makes me feel a little bit better that day. I think about your son often and I hope I have the opportunity to meet him and thank him for the two of you as great parents and for Champ one of my "buddies". My thoughts and prayers are with you every evening.
Your neighbor
Kathleen
November 30, 2013
Dear loved ones of John,
It has been nearly six months since this horrific tragedy. My prayer is for you to continue to endure in spite of the emotional pain that greets you each day. May you be comforted in knowing that our heavenly father knows how you feel and listens intently if you call on him and come and pray to him, he listens and will calm your heart. – Jeremiah 29:12
Andrea Smith
August 20, 2013
I used to sit outside talking to John about becoming a hotshot, he was a very warm and careing gentleman. I will miss him very much
How you can show support
A headstone from ireland quote
August 15, 2013
Michelle Kendall & Family
August 10, 2013
The world is full of men, but what of men noble and true?
Can you say that you have known such a man?
These men are far too few.
But let me tell you a a story,
About a team of men
Who left behind a legacy
That will not be forgotten.
Highly trained,
They passed every test,
Chosen to fight wild fires,
They were called the best.
One scorching June day in 2013,
When a wildfire raged
The Hotshots were called upon
To battle the fiery blaze.
Armed with tools and heavy gear,
They set out in their prime,
No job too hard for these men,
No hill too tall to climb.
Command was set, plans were made
To tackle the fire's wrath
But winds shifted unexpectedly
And they were trapped in the fire's path.
19 men were caught that day,
The fire drew quickly near
Though they knew they were truly trapped,
Not a one showed fear.
Dig your shelters, men came the command,
Each one knew what this meant
They dug with haste and with one final look
They took to their tents.
Then let us look away,
For we cannot bear
What came to each one next,
Each man endured in those fiery moments,
His final Hotshot test.
And when the aid finally found the men,
The blackened landscape bore
The testimony of death everywhere,
And the men who were no more.
Oh children, your father was so brave,
A man who did his best
In work excelled, he fought to save,
withstanding every test.
Dear widow, may you never shed
another tear at some unhappy strife
For you've suffered enough dread
The day your husband lost his life.
Young sweetheart, your hopes and dreams
Lay in ashes, from the fire's wrath
May you find hope and dream once more
Though sorrow has changed your path.
Sad mother, your beautiful son,
your joy and your pride
Whom you succored with patient love,
has bravely lived and bravely died.
Two prayers I pray for you, the first,
Though all hope now seem dim
May you have a hope in God,
And place your trust in Him.
Second, May something good,
Something beautiful and strong
Emerge from this tragic loss
From something that went so wrong.
Then like a Phoenix from the ashes
May these men and their noble deeds
Live, for love is stronger than death,
In the lives of those who who stop here to read.
A mountain reflection the stars
August 9, 2013
The voyage
August 9, 2013
Sandee Garza Schock
August 7, 2013
To the Family & Friends
of Mr. Percin
Please accept my deepest
sympathy in the loss of
Your HERO. May He Rest In
Peace. May God comfort You
during this difficult time.
Sincerely
July 25, 2013
God Bless!
July 14, 2013
John and Mary - my deepest sympathy for the loss of your son. God bless you!
Linda (Krueger) McBryde
July 12, 2013
I remember Johnny well. I've known him since I was little. His brother and I used to hang out while my sister and Johnny played soccer together. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. The world will sorely miss him.
Nikki Aloisio
July 11, 2013
Lifting you up in prayer.May God comfort the family and give
them peace.
" The HotShots will always be loved and remembered"
July 11, 2013
Deepest sympathy to the Percin family. “Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends,” John 15:13. These were special men. Young heroes who sacrificed their all to help their fellowmen. We thank john for his timeless sacrifice. Thank you, and God strengthen and keep you always.
Remember to pray for our firefighters and their families everywhere:
PRAYER FOR FIREFIGHTERS
Bless the firefighters—one and ALL;
Go before them on each call.
Protect them as they serve our kind,
Saving lives with theirs on line.
By Your mercy and Your grace,
Keep their families truly safe.
Oh, may they never suffer harm
At the sound of the alarm.
Grant them wisdom, knowledge too—
All, dear Lord, which comes from You.
Daily be their shield and guide;
Never—ever—leave their side.
Strengthen now the hands that serve
With the blessings they deserve.
© 2001 by Walterrean Salley
Rebecca
July 11, 2013
So sorry for loss!! They all were true heros! May God bless this family and comfort them! God bless~
Pennie & Tammy White
July 10, 2013
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts.
July 10, 2013
Thank you friend
Samantha Van Handel
July 10, 2013
Sending love & light for John Jr.'s soul and his grieving family & friends. Keeping you all in my prayers.
With utmost sympathy,
Samantha (Schanaman) Van Handel
Steve, Jane, Jenny, Scott Culbertson
July 9, 2013
Our deepest sympathy to the Percin family. What a remarkable man your son had become. Our hope is that you can find comfort in his incredible accomplishments. Love to you all.
Mary Sue Thompson
July 9, 2013
May you take strength from all this love coming to you and John from every corner of our country! Thank you, John, for your selfless devotion!
July 9, 2013
The Rita (Schimming) Lee family from Anaconda Montana would like to express how deeply saddened we are for the loss of the brave John Percin Jr. As his family we know that he has been met at Heaven's gate by many wonderful members we have lost. I know that grandma Angela is holding him and loving him for all of us. John Sr. and family we love you and our hearts go out to you.
Rita, Tom, Raymond, Katherine, Monique and family. XOXOXOXO
Lorraine Schimming Evans
July 9, 2013
My families thoughts and Prayers are with your family. I hope you can take solice with knowing he is in heaven with loved ones. Your Dad , brother Bobby and our Grandma Angela , Grandpa Frank and your other Grandparents and loved ones. He is now a Angel in heaven watching over all of you with God.
July 9, 2013
I remember the first time I met Johnny Percin. It was spring, and he was a player on my husband's youth baseball team. His face was round and bright with that same huge smile he took in to adulthood. From a young age, he demonstrated an empathy for others. It is not surprising that this special soul passed helping others.
Our love and prayers to the Percin family.
Terry Gaulke and Cheryl Hughes Gaulke
Kevin and Tasha Heaton
July 8, 2013
Our deepest condolences to you the family and loved ones of this extraordinary young man. He has touched the hearts & minds of the world with his exemplary character,integrity, passion and dedication. He will not be forgotten. His life made a difference. Our thoughts and prayers are with you now and in the days to come. May the God of ALL Comfort - comfort you as only He can. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed,for His compassions never fail. With great respect,
Steven Ward
July 8, 2013
My sincere condolences to the entire Percin family in this huge loss of a son and brother. My prayers go to you in hopes they will somehow help to cope with this. It's now time to dwell on the many things you loved in his time with you. If there is anything I can do to help, just ask.
Lin Ruch
July 8, 2013
IAmThankFull ThisereAreBraveYoungMenLikeJohnKeepingOurCountryAndItsCitizensSafe. ThankGod
July 8, 2013
Find healing in the cheersihed memories that will live on of these devoted Angels. These "19 HEROES OF THE FOREST" will never be forgotten. Keep the Faith. Many Blessings and Hugs.
Barbara Kolb
July 8, 2013
So sorry to lose this incredible young man. There is deep sadness in the hearts of Arizonans. We mourn with you.
Eileen Andric
July 8, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. A true American hero.
July 7, 2013
Thank you for your service and bravery.
The Dell family
Jean Edwards
July 7, 2013
My thoughts and prayers are with the Percin Family during this very difficult time.
Jo
July 7, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
Bob Hill
July 6, 2013
John thanks for you service. You are a true hero. May you RIP. God Bless the entire Percin family knowing that John Jr. is in a wonderful place.
Bob Hill
Lake Oswego, OR
Amanda Cordoba-Denny
July 6, 2013
John, the way you lived your life will always be an inspiration to me. You were impeccable to yourself and with your word. Your willingness to be there for others was something that made an impression on everyone you crossed paths with. I'll always remember your kind words and keep them in my heart. I'm a better person for having known you. You're in my thoughts and prayers, my friend!
July 6, 2013
Our deepest condolences to the Percin family Thoughts and prayers are that God will comfort you now and always with this tragic loss. The Ashenden Family
Marjean Kinsey
July 5, 2013
May the Lord's light guide you through this difficult time and may it provide you some comfort to know that John was and will always be a hero.
Debbie Luevano
July 5, 2013
Our deepest condolences. God welcomed all the Hotshots home with open arms. RIP
Miki
July 4, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying for your family during this time of grief.
Annette Navarro
July 4, 2013
Donna and family, I'm SO sorry for your loss...my thoughts and prayers are with you as go on, especially at this most difficult time. Love and hugs, Annette (Lauritzon) Navarro
Gina Buffaloe
July 4, 2013
What a beautiful spirit that shines through his smile. What a brave and dedicated firefighter and what a tragic loss. My prayers go to his and all of the families.
susan cowell
July 4, 2013
So sorry for you loss of this BRAVE young man. The way these firefighters put their life on the line to save others is so greatly appreciated. Hold on to those special memories you have to this wonderful person
July 3, 2013
our prayers are with your family
Garrett Bennett
July 3, 2013
love you john, just like what matt said you are a protector, always felt good being around you brother.
Lisa Schwab
July 3, 2013
Dear Percin Family, there are no words to take away the pain you all must be feeling. Know that your family is in our prayers every night. We pray you find peace from all the love from your friends and family. Love, Lisa and Dwight Schwab
Marian Marsceill
July 3, 2013
So sorry to hear about your loss. Thoughts and prayers are sent your way. God bless.
Chelsea Russell
July 3, 2013
My heart hurts for you all, sincerest condolences to the Percin family and all who knew him. RIP Brother;
Chelsea Russell, Toronto Fire Services
July 3, 2013
prayers to the family and love ones hero is what you are. R.I.P.
Kim Shields
July 3, 2013
You truly are a hero... RIP and may God comfort your loved ones at this time of sorrow.
Always in our hearts!
July 3, 2013
Danny and Joyce Snide
July 3, 2013
Comfort the Bereaved
When earthbound days are done, and loved ones go beyond, Sometimes our Lord's promis for eternal life is hidden in grief and loneliness and strife, but, a sympathetic nod, a note that says, "I care", a gesture or a hand to hold will lift clouds of despair. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep. Romans 12:15. We are weeping with your family as you try to cope with this tragedy. Love Joyce, Peoria Az
Michelle Hartig
July 3, 2013
RIP Johnny! We love you today, tomorrow and always.
Jenny Bruner
July 3, 2013
My deepest condolonce to the Percin family. May God bless each of you during this time and give you the strenght needed. A true Hero!
John Miller
July 3, 2013
To the Percin family:
I wish you all peace and healing during this difficult time. Matt and I were good friends at OLL. I remember having fun with Matt, Johnny, and Bobby around school and elsewhere. They were such tight brothers and good people. You are in my family's thoughts and prayers. Our love to you all.
-Johnny Miller
Carolyn Hettich
July 3, 2013
My heartfelt condolences. I am so very sorry for your loss; so very grateful for your sacrifice.
Charlene Rathgeb
July 3, 2013
Sending you much love, and hope that you are granted strength in the coming days. Our sorrow is truly numbing, and our hearts are with you. Charlene and Mike Rathgeb, both with Toronto Fire Services, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
July 3, 2013
Stinnett FireDepartment wishes to extend sympathy to the family of this brave firefighter. You are in our prayers.
July 3, 2013
God Bless you....You are a hero in all our eyes...True gentleman..Prayers for the family of this brave young man.
July 3, 2013
The thoughts and prayers of the nation are with you as you grieve the loss of your loved one. May you find some comfort in knowing that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at this sad time.
Bryan Mumford
July 3, 2013
Everyone must know how far he had come in his life, John and I struggled through a few things in high school and I have yet to meet a friend who had come as far as he did in life. he moved away from negative influences to pursue god and his love for his career as an elite fire fighter. I love you John, my thoughts are with you and your amazing family. Rest in paradise bro.
Rich Reay of WHFD
July 3, 2013
God Bless the Percin family during this difficult time. John is truly a hero for what he believed and for what he did. God Bless John!
Joe Kanthack
July 3, 2013
To all the Percin Family - You are in our thoughts and we are praying for you. These events are hard to understand and the Kanthack Family will be thinking of you and hope you find comfort from the many friends who recognize what a great young man your son was.
Barb Benevento-Eisner
July 2, 2013
This is so hard to see... Johnny was in my 2nd grade class at OLL in 1996-1997. He always had a big smile like the photo here... He was always on the field playing hard and working hard in school. Prayers for all of you!
Robyn
July 2, 2013
What a sweet face. Thank you for sharing your son and brother with us and know that I hold you tight in my thoughts and prayers. May peace be with you.
EDGAR & NELL BROWN
July 2, 2013
TO THE PERCIN FAMILY YOU ARE IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYS AT THIS OF YOUR LOSS. MAY GOD COMFORT AND KEEP YOU.
July 2, 2013
Percin Family.... Our deepest sympathy to all of you. You are in our thoughts.
The Maguigan Family
Susan Kannan
July 2, 2013
Dear John and family...Carol and Donna and families ~ I am so sorry to hear of your loss. So very sorry. This tragedy is unimaginable. My heart is breaking for you. You are all in my prayers ... Sue Hanson-Kannan & family
July 2, 2013
sorry four you loss praying four your famile joanna vincent chandler az
Nina Charlson
July 2, 2013
To John's family. I am so very, very sorry for your heartache. I know your pain. Our son was killed almost 5 years ago in a helicopter crash while fighting wildfires in Northern California. I intend to reach out to you when you are ready. We are closely connected to the Wildland Firefighter Foundation and the National Fallen Firefighter Foundation. You do not need to remember much about them right now but they will become your best friends in the future. We live in Eugene, Or. ((( <3 )))
July 2, 2013
Family of John Percin jr.
So sorry for your loss you will be in my thoughts and prayers.
RIP John jr.
Bob Hill
LO
James Schimming
July 2, 2013
Words can never express the way we feel at a time like this.Our prayers and thoughts are with Johns family.
Alexandria Napier
July 2, 2013
So very sorry for your loss. Your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. John was a hero, and will never be forgotten.
July 2, 2013
To the Percin ,
Yesterday as I read about this horrific event I had looked at the ages of the fire fighters and saw that John was 24. He is the exact age my husband was in July 1974 when he was killed at the Mt Hood Forest Fire. My husband was the pilot of a helicopter that crashed killing him and another fire fighter as he took off from the helipad. I only later heard that John was from Oregon. My immediate connection was due to his age and that he was killed fighting a forest fire. My husband, Randy Kishpaugh, was 24 and I was 23. I was pregnant and later birthed his son who also became a forest fire fighter when he was in his early 20s. Fire fighters are a rare breed much like pilots. The zest they have for life is what makes them so special; it is obvious he possessed the same when you see is smile. It was the same for my husband. He was very special. My heart aches for you all. It was a horrific event and I pray for all of you. If I can ever be of any small help, please do not hesitate to contact me. I want you to know that Randy is always a part of my life - always just as John will be a part of your lives forever. I feel he is with me all these 39 years later just as he was in 1974. Know this that life continues and you will hold his dearness in your heart forever. That is how it is for me with Randy. We share that bond - the inexplicable loss of a young man who held the world before him. Now you hold his memories in your hearts. God Bless you all. God Bless the treasured memories you have of John. And mostly, God Bless all of you. Sincerely, Jody K
Carol Durkin
July 2, 2013
God Bless the Percin Family and their friends --
All of Arizona grieves with you.
With Deep Sympathy --
Monica Martin
July 2, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts. No words can help at this time but please remember we share in your loss. My husband, my oldest daughter, and myself are firefighters.
Jody K
July 2, 2013
I am so very sorry that your family is going through this great loss with the passing of John. Please know that your family and John's friends will be in my thoughts and prayers. Prescott will never forget!
Steve and Keely Callaway
July 2, 2013
Deepest condolences to your family & friends for the loss of your dear one; a true hero. God be with you in comfort and love as you grieve the loss of this great man. Be assured he gave his life in great honor. There is no way to thank him for his sacrifice; so in the memory of his dear passed soul I thank you, his loving family and friends. You are now his legacy. My heart is broken with you. So, so sorry for you loss.
July 2, 2013
Johnny Percin, or Coach as I called him, was truly one of a kind. Smiling, likeable, athletic.......a great personality. The world is a better place for having had him here. There are no words that can ease the suffering but please know he affected a lot of people in a very positive manner.
Kelly Pyrch
Dan Roads
July 2, 2013
My sincere condolences to all of your family.
July 2, 2013
God's Blessings
Kathy & Brian Kent
Blenheim Ontario Canada
Nancy & Norm Sandoz
July 2, 2013
Your statement showed the very foundation of John's nature. We pray for you and know that God will send you peace, strength and comfort.
The O'Coys
July 2, 2013
We are so deeply sorry for John's passing. He and his crew will always be remembered. HEROES! May God take you into his arms carry you through this difficult time. We will pray and keep all of you in our thoughts.
David & Kathryn Luithle
July 2, 2013
May you find strength in God in this difficult time. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Tony S.
July 2, 2013
My deepest condolences to the family and friends of these fine young men that paid the ultimate price. My prayers are with you!
July 2, 2013
May God give you peace, comfort and strenght to endure this tragedy. My heart breaks for all of you.
Carol Underwood, Burlington, NC
Charlotte
July 2, 2013
My heart breaks for John Percin's family. I pray God comforts them with an everlasting peace and love.
Scott Chamberland
July 2, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Christina Veselik
July 2, 2013
Sending Prayers from the Northwest and the Southwest.
robert
July 2, 2013
my heart is broken. god bless him, and your family.
M B
July 2, 2013
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Nancy Tompkins
July 2, 2013
Dear John, You are one of the sweetest, kindest, and one of the most amazing young men that I have ever known. I always loved seeing you and i have always been proud of you! I love you and will miss you!
July 2, 2013
Thank you Mr. Fireman. Jan, Tempe Az
janet johnson
July 1, 2013
may God be with your family at this time of grief,to be absent from the body is to be present with to loan,
Dawn Stacey
July 1, 2013
Continue your watch from above :'(
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