John Clayton Fifield

1930 - 2022

June 2, 1930 -

September 5, 2022

John Clayton Fifield, loving father of eight, grandfather of 24, great grandfather of 48 and great great grandfather of 2, passed away on Monday, September 5, 2022. We admired and appreciated his strength, wit, and ability to make us feel special.

John was born June 2, 1930 in Pittsfield, Vermont to Clayton and Hattie Fifield, one of six children. He was active in high school baseball and basketball and graduated from Bethel High School in 1948. Although John was invited to try out for the Brooklyn Dodgers, he joined the Army in 1948, attending artillery school for radio repair and operation. In 1949, John married Laura E. Chase of Bethel, Vermont at Fort Lewis, Washington. He served in the 2nd Indianhead Division in Korea from 1950-1951 and was awarded five bronze battle stars for his service. John was honorably discharged as a Sargent First Class in 1952.

Following military service, John and Laura settled back in Vermont until the early 1960's when they moved the family West to Snohomish, Washington. There he continued to work in electronics as well as becoming a private pilot and flight instructor out of Arlington Airport. They remained in the Snohomish/Lake Stevens area until 1993 when they retired from their business, John's TV, to a favorite part of the state in Stevens County. There they established a new home and family gathering spot.

When Laura passed away in 2003, the family tightened their circle around Dad while he learned how to cook and pay bills. Dad shared in Mom's role and wish for us to be there for each other and stay together. He continued to hunt and fish when he could, kept in touch using email, and enjoyed family visits and meals even when we took over his kitchen. Dad was a voracious reader and was a huge fan of the Seattle Mariners.

John is survived by his children, Flinda and her husband, Joe Terteling, Kerry and his wife Debbie Fifield, Tim and his wife Tami Fifield, David and his wife Jenny Fifield, Darcy and Mark Schuh, Tanya and her husband, Scott Lane, Kevin and his wife Sandi Fifield, and Nan and her husband, Randy Miller. John is also survived by his brother, Jack Fifield and his wife Carol and many nieces and nephews.

A family memorial service will be held at a later date.

Memorials may be made to a favorite charity.