John Joseph Worland

1930 - 2018

John Joseph Worland

Bremerton, WA

apr. 24, 1930 to mar. 23, 2018

John Worland passed away on March 23, 2018. He was born on April 24, 1930 in Bremerton as the youngest of nine children to George and Teckla Worland. He grew up in Kitsap County and graduated from Silverdale High School in 1950. After graduating, he served in the US Army Air Force for 3 years. His service took him to various bases across the US and England. He returned to Bremerton when he completed his service where he met and married Helen Mae Bruns in December 1955.

John worked at the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard for 34 years. He retired as a sheet metal mechanic in 1985. He also served in the Washington National Guard for over 21 years.

John and Helen raised their family in Bremerton and he was a proud papa who was happiest when doing things with and for children. He loved camping and road trips, coaching youth sports, hunting, card games and storytelling. He had many friends and family and enjoyed spending time with them. John always had a wood project going and he loved eagles, our national bird.

John lived a simple lifestyle and was a man who valued integrity and ethics. He was always ready to help a friend. After Helen passed in 2003, he started a new role every Christmas as Elmo, Santa's elf. It brought him much joy and nurtured his soft spot for children.

He is survived by his children, Cheryl Waybright (Don), Steven Worland (Gloria), and Neil Worland (Jan), and 6 grandchildren, Melissa Pick (Joe), Brian Waybright, Kathleen Nasca (Derrik), Chelsea Worland, Madison Worland and Alexander Worland. He is predeceased by his wife Helen, all his siblings, and grandson Sean Worland. A private burial with military honors was held and a celebration of his generous and loving life is planned for late June. He was loved and appreciated by many and the twinkle in his eye will be greatly missed.