John Kent Vesowate

We were so saddened to hear of John´s death. My husband Fred played music with John in the early 1990´s and our son called John "jammin John". We lost touch many years ago but have talked of him often. Tonight we saw someone who reminded us of John and decided to look for him on social media and found this obituary. It brought me to tears but I am happy he had a long marriage and experience of children and grand children. Hugs to you all!!

Been putting off doing a bit of business with John and kept wondering if he was okay. We all can pass at anytime but for reasons unknown this is a shock but so real. All you have said about him seems so real and I sure loved talking with him as he gave me his undivided attention. Not many people like that on our planet. Bless life My love to your family. Dale Beatty. Halfway Oregon

I've known John since the early 80's when he became a friend, mentor, co-worker, and all around life shaping influence. His passion for the outdoors, climbing, guitar playing and help with my scouting trail to Eagle were all were wonderful experiences that have had an incredibly positive effect on my life. It is obvious your influence had the same effect on all who have had the pleasure of your company and friendship John. You will be dearly missed amigo, Climb on and see you on the summit..

John was a kind man and pillar of the jewelry community, always ready to share his extensive knowledge, and he will be missed. My heart goes out to his wife and family

Since my wife and I are not users of Facebook, we just found out about John's passing. Over the last 10 years or so, we visited West Coast Findings for material for Enid's small jewelry business but also for the incredibly knowledgeable and helpful information John was always willing to spend the time to impart. Not to mention the quips and bad jokes that were always a part of the conversation. We are stunned and sad. We hope the family is holding up and staying strong. John will live in the memory of his extended family but also in the minds of the many customers he helped over all the years.

I love my Uncle John very very much and I want to offer my deepest condolences to Aunt Jan, Uncle Joe, Papa, and my Traci (my wonderful mother). I'm am blessed to have had an Uncle so kind and loving and a family so full of love. I love you all so very much. *Christina Edwards*

John you will be sorely missed by everyone who had the good fortune to meet you.

As a beginner silversmith and lapidarist, John was always so generous with sharing his knowledge and experience, whether you asked him or not. He never seemed to be bothered by a group of other customers waiting; if he wanted to share something with you, he would take the time to share it. John had just learned my name about 2 months before his passing, and that simple thing made me feel so special and seen. He was a role model, and pillar for the jewelry community in portland, and he will be so greatly missed. My condolences to his family and friends

I feel so grateful to have known you John. I´ll miss our conversations, and your wisdom. See you later friend.

On one of my many visits to West Coast Findings to see John I was wearing my BSA Boy Scout pin on my jacket. When John saw it he mentioned he was a Boy Scout and wanted to know my affiliation with scouting. As I was the only one in the shop at the time we started to chat about our scouting adventures. The camping and hiking and the troop projects he worked on and about our love of the out doors and how it shaped our lives...He as a scout and me as a 17 year Scoutmaster who had mentored 44 boys to Eagle Scout. As John talked I could see that he put into his daily business dealings the scout oath and law of being Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous and Kind...and so on.
News of John's passing was a heartfelt shock to me... I will miss his friendly "Hello" and bright smile and knowledge of all things about our craft...I wish him the high open meadows, strewn with the blaze of wildflowers and the music of a clear running stream...Hike on Scout.

I was blessed to know and love John for over 30 years. Thank you John, for you were truly a Gift to us all.

John was so generous with his knowledge, and I really enjoyed our conversations, my most sincere condolences!

There will absolutely never be another John Boy! There are no words. Rest in peace my friend. May God bless you & your family

You will be sorely missed.

Jan Oien

He will be sorely missed. I don't know that are words that can express the gifts he shared with this community. He is one of a kind.

John was the most kind and generous man. He always, without hesitation, was willing and able to answer my multitude of metalsmithing questions when I would visit West Coast Findings during the past 20 years. Thank you for being a friend. John, you will be dearly missed.

Losing John so quickly confirms how fragile life can be. I´m so grateful for knowing John´s wit, candor, and kindness for so many years. May God bless and heal his family, loved ones,, Be at peace Buddy

My Sincere condolences, West Coast Findings will never be the same. John made it a great place to visit, learn and shop. God bless.

John was, without reservation, a great guy. He treated others with a combination of respect, compassion and professionalism. In the 30 some years I knew John, I never heard anyone refer to him in a negative way, only positive.
That's quite a feat, but completely understandable if you knew him.
He will be missed by all.
Rest in peace John.

I knew John from the first days he took over West Coast Findings. From that time forward, John had always been a wealth of knowledge as he helped me supply Oregon College of Art and Craft’s Metals Department with what we needed to support our students and run classes. He knew my voice, as I’d call nearly weekly - he’d greet me with kindness and familiarity. Never rushed, I felt taken care of as he’d take whatever time I needed. He’d never hesitate to make a trip out to OCAC to assess and problem-solve for a piece of equipment. Looking back, my dependency on him was constant as I thought John would always be there for me. Even now, starting Ninety Twenty Workshop, I depended on John, reminiscing about how we were doing it all over again. Our community has suffered an enormous irreplaceable loss. What will we do without him? What will we do without his smiling, generous, thoughtful and accommodating demeanor? I am deeply saddened and will not forget the warmth that he easily extended to all that passed through the fruitful doors of West Coast Findings. I extend my gratitude towards his family for supporting and loving this gracious and gentle soul. My thoughts are with you and will be for an indefinite time to come.

I feel fortunate and honored to have known John since his arrival in Portland in the late 80's. He was one of a kind. He will be greatly missed by many.

Oh my goodness! What a shock! I am so sorry for your loss. John was such a gift in my life, through West Coast Findings, where he would always take time to answer questions and provide valuable advice. I will miss him terribly.

He was the best teacher and friend. He taught me so much, but most of all he always reminded me to stay positive and focused. He was like the uncle I always wanted. I cried seeing this and will miss him dearly. TheJamesJewelry.

John was the best.

Hope you're having a great poker game with Klaus and Dwayne. I will miss you, you were a great friend and we will always remember you.
Rick

To the family and loved ones of John my heart is with you at this difficult time. John was a blessing and has given so much to all if us. He gifted a tool to a family member and they made this vase. When I see it I think of John.

Grateful to have known John. He was a true gentleman who brought joy and happiness to those who had the privilege of knowing him. We are grateful for the joy and happiness he brought to my sister Janet's life.