John Van Marter

PORT ALLEGANY - John M. Van Marter gave his final goodbyes Tuesday, April 1, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
He was born in Rio Tinto, Nev., on May 3, 1944, to Clause and Ruby (McGlothlin) Van Marter. John was their second born, following his brother, Michael, just 18 months older.
John grew up in Spokane, Wash., and this is where he would raise his family. First would be a set of blonde twins, Cathy (Robbie) Cabe and Sheila (Kevin) Paxson, both currently of Smethport. They were then followed by Steve (Rhonda) Van Marter of Albuquerque, N.M., Russell of Genesee, Idaho, and Tabby of Deer Park, Wash.
When conversing with John, one could get confused by how one guy could be so skilled in so many areas, often knowing the most miniscule of details about different topics. His work ethic, yearning to do right and learn are traits that he carried with him throughout life. Cabinet maker, real estate agent and U.S. Army veteran are among a few of the occupations that John had, but it wasn't until he moved to Arizona in the '80s that he landed on the job that he most enjoyed. South River Project (SRP) was a farmer-owned hydroelectricity company that John could tell you all about, if you had the hours to hear it all. He was so passionate about their mission and he was a videographer while part of that team. Electronics, sound and audio devices became not only a part of his career, but also a hobby for John. He maintained vast music and movie collections for many years.
While the move to Arizona brought a terrific career for John, it is also the state in which he met the love of his life, Mary Lee (Ostrander) Van Marter. John and Mary had a partnership like cookies and milk, macaroni and cheese, truly partners in everything. Being in their presence you could feel their mutual admiration and respect for one another. They worked in synch on any project or task thrown their way; often talking out their plan of attack and then executing to the finish, always together. They also loved to travel, having visited 48 of the 50 states and cruising the inside passage of Alaska and the Panama Canal. Always on an adventure. The love birds would take flight and return to Mary's hometown of Port Allegany in their retirement. It is here where they made their home together. For John, the trees and weather reminded him of Washington and for Mary it was home, especially this time around with her John beside her.
John's level-headed and pragmatic advice would often find him being referred to as "Dutch Uncle" - a title that he was proud of both through his family's ancestry and his demeanor and personality. Right up to the end John was thinking of others and offering a caring kind word. If John had one wish, it would be that everyone could offer a few more caring, kind words to one another. He never met a stranger and he was always there to help when someone needed a hand. That was John.
There will be no visitation and donations can be made to the organization of your choice. John will spend his days on the hillside of Grimes Cemetery with a beautiful view.
Arrangements are under direction of Hartle-Tarbox Funeral Homes Inc. Online condolences may be made at hartle-tarboxfuneralhome.com.