John Edwards Gaskin

John Edwards Gaskin (78), June 10, 1941 - January 13, 2020 passed away from complications of cancer. John was the son of George and Gladys Gaskin. Born in Yuma, AZ and a longtime Phoenix resident, John attended Madison Elementary, North Phoenix High School and graduated from the University of Arizona in 1963 where he was a member and president of Sigma Alpha Epsilon.

The majority of John's work life was with Capital Lumber Company (52 years) where he succeeded his father, George Gaskin, as owner and president. He loved each and every day of his 52 years with Capital from the days of stacking lumber in his youth during the hot, dusty days of summer to the twilight winter days of his life as Board Chairman.

Friends. A very cherished part of his life were the people who honored him with their friendship. From grade school to the "Golden Years" all were treasures to him.

He also enjoyed his association with The Phoenix Thunderbirds, The Arizona Riding Club and Paradise Valley Country Club. He loved travel - with his relentless world -wide search for the perfect martini - and he loved reading and music as well as pursuing fitness in the gym. In earlier years he looked forward to driving fast hot rods, bird hunting, running, swimming and biking.

But his beloved wife, Jean Rae, and his children and grandchildren were always first and foremost in his life. He was extremely proud of each of his children's successes in life and of the love they gave to each other as well as to him.

John is survived by his wife of 55 years, Jean Rae, his children; Christie Darby (Michael), Scott Gaskin (Jennifer) and Wendy Mulvihill (Michael) and five grandchildren; Michael Darby Jr., John Darby, Annie Mulvihill, Kate Mulvihill and Ella Mulvihill, and his sister Gail Dumas of Greenwich, CT.

Services to be held at All Saints' Episcopal Church, 6300 N. Central Avenue, Phoenix on Saturday, February 1, 2020 at 3:30 P.M. A celebration of life to follow at Paradise Valley Country Club. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorial gifts be designated to cancer research at Mayo clinic. Gifts can be mailed directly to Mayo Clinic, Department of Development, 200 First Street SW, Rochester, MN 55905. Condolences may be expressed at www.whitneymurphyfuneralhome.com

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Published by The Arizona Republic from Jan. 17 to Jan. 19, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for John Gaskin

Sponsored by Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home.

5 Entries

February 4, 2020

To the family of John Edwards Gaskin.
You rightfully do not know me but I did know John and am saddened to just become aware of his passing. I was sales manager at one of the larger Redwood sawmill operations in Humboldt County California. I remember doing business with John's father George and met John when he came into the company. As time went by we did great business with John--so much fun watching Capital Lumber grow under his direction. Attended the grand openings of the new yard in Phoenix and the yard in Albuquerque. Remember seeing John at many Industry social times. He was always fun to spend time with. I have been gone from Humboldt County now for thirty seven years and out of the lumber business for thirty two but I still remember John and am saddened with the news of his passing an am sorry for your loss.
A long ago friend.

Rod Dargatz

January 22, 2020

May his soul be winged to heaven

Kay Salmon

January 20, 2020

I had the great honor of handling the insurance program for Capital Lumber for over 45 years, working with both John and his father George. The two of them were among my greatest and most loyal supporters. John, like his father, was a kind, thoughtful, considerate, caring man who made my life better for having known him. He will rest in peace after a life well lived.
Kay Salmon

January 18, 2020

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)

January 17, 2020

My condolences are extended as you mourn the loss of your dear loved one. May you find comfort and strength to cope during this trying time. (Psalm 90:10)

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