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John L. Wirth

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John Wirth Obituary

Published by Legacy Remembers on Oct. 15, 2017.

JOHN L. WIRTH
May 5, 1948 ~ September 25, 2017

John was born on May 5th, 1948 to Floyd and Arloa Wirth in Clarinda, IA. John passed away September 25 due to cardiac arrest.
His family moved to Vancouver, WA when he was 5 and he grew up in the Fruit Valley area. John was also a proud graduate of Ft. Vancouver Class of 66.
John is survived by his wife of almost 51 years Melinda; sons, John and Scott; sister, Karel Wilkerson; brother, Randy; 6 grandchildren and 1 great-granddaughter..
Please sign his Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.

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Recent Activity

March 18, 2018

Josh Wirth posted to the memorial.

November 13, 2017

Mel posted to the memorial.

October 27, 2017

Debbie Kalua posted to the memorial.

20 Entries

Josh Wirth

March 18, 2018

Not a day goes by that I don't think about my grandpa. And I still can't believe he's gone. With Gonzaga in the tournament right now, I can't help but think about how excited he would be. He was always so happy for us. Always ready to help us out. He put his family first and never made you feel like it wasn't worth it to him. That feeling is one that will never be replaced. I was lucky to have him in my life as long as I did. You're always in my heart, papa. You helped shape the person I've become and you lead the way through some of my darkest times with a shining light that will forever be embedded in my vision. This world is missing you and that won't change any time soon.

Mel

November 13, 2017

IWLYF.

Debbie Kalua

October 27, 2017

Oh my! I just now saw this. I'm so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family Melinda.

Jackie Wallace

October 23, 2017

John was my cousin & a very special person. We shared many times when we were young. I wish as adults we would have lived closer to one another. I will always miss him. My love to his family. Jackie Wallace, Selah, WA

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Terri Haines

October 22, 2017

I have known John for almost my whole life. Our friendship began in Kindergarten...why he was even my 5th grade boyfriend! We were on rally at Fort, saw Sonny and Cher together and have shared many birthday celebrations ... only 4 days apart (me being born first) John definitely teased me because I was the "oldest"! He also was in our wedding party when Fred and I married...51 years later, our friendship is more like extended family...sharing the births of our children, grandchildren and as well as the loss of ones we loved. Being there for each other through not just good times, but also the bad. My heart is heavy with sadness, but I will always have the memories you've given me and I thank you for that and YOU. I will miss you always my dear friend.

Terri Haines

October 22, 2017

I have known John almost my whole life. Our friendship began in Kindergarten... why he was even my 5th grade boyfriend! We were on rally at Fort, saw Sonny and Cher and he was in our wedding party when Fred and I married. We've shared many birthday celebrations together and being only 4 day apart, John definitely teased me about being oldest! 51 years later our friendship has become more like an extended family, having shared the births of our children and grandchildren as well as the loss of ones we loved. Being there for each other through not just the good times but also the bad. My heart is heavy with sadness. I will miss you my dear friend, but I will always have the memories you've given me and I thank you for that and YOU for being in my life.

October 21, 2017

I had the pleasure of working at the same place as John for nearly 30 years and yes he was kind and funny but always kind! Gone too early and it is no surprise that this guestbook is filled with amazing compliments and to see just how he touched the lives of those around him. So impressed and sad at the same time.Prayers and positive thoughts to the Wirth family.

Michael Cochran

October 17, 2017

Rest in peace John. Such a kind soul. You will certainly be missed by all who knew you. I am honored to have known you and to have reconnected so many years after high school.

Gary Van Allen

October 16, 2017

I was a Fruit Valley kid also and remember John and his brother Randy as we all were growing up. I remember John as a good Boy Scout in his youth who turned into a great man. I have fond memories of John. He lived a life we should all aspire to attain. John I know you are in a good place, thank you for the memories.

Jodi Tyler & Cindy

October 16, 2017

The love you shared..the care you gave..your friendly welcome smile ..your wide open arms for a hug..
You will always remain a part of who we are..you will continue to make life a better place with your memories in our hearts..with the values you displayed and have passed on to your family..
You are loved❤ love hugs prayers all the Wirth Family

Jim & Marjorie Gulliford

October 16, 2017

So sorry to hear of the passing of John. We will always remember all the great times at Columbia Little League. Our prayers go out to his family.

Jodie Maugh

October 16, 2017

I still remember the day you and your family moved in 2 doors down from me and my parents 40 years ago. I can't beleieve you're gone. I laugh at the memory of you calling me and my friends JDs (Juvenile Delinquents)and the time you busted Rosie and I late at night toilet papering your house. (I guess were WERE juvenile delinquents) You were nothing but kind to me and I miss you already.

georgia Johnson

October 16, 2017

Ron Lealos

October 16, 2017

My best friend for many years and the one who I will always be indebted to. Your smile and cheer always brought me back to what is important. You will be terribly missed, old friend.

Nellie Witt

October 16, 2017

I am so sorry to hear of John's passing. I worked with him for many years and always enjoyed his sense of humor. Melinda, my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Doug & Carol Neth

October 15, 2017

John was a good friend. He would do anything to help, be it serious or fun. What a gentle, kind man. He is missed by many. Our prayers are with you and your family. Doug & Carol Neth

Scott Wirth

October 15, 2017

I can't believe you're gone.

You're not here to give me advice when I need it anymore. You're not here to talk our favorite sports and music anymore, as we did on a daily basis. You're not here to be bestie's and comfort our little girls anymore. Most of all you're not here to take care of Mom anymore. I will take the place of taking care of mom, I know that would be first on your list. We miss you so much dad... It wasn't supposed to end like this! I will always remember what you did for us. You were so supportive of my sports and music growing up. I can't thank you enough for that Dad. You were such a big influence on my life, your humor, your swagger, your laugh, your love for your family and friends, your hard working blue collar grind to make ends meet... Thank you dad, for everything. You will always be my hero.

Vickie Clark

October 15, 2017

Will always love and miss you. Prayers to the family. So So Sorry! So many great memories.

Duane Burckhard

October 15, 2017

We have lost a wonderful husband, father, and friend. I met John when my brother Ed and I were coaching the Burgerville team at Columbia LL and John's son was on the team. John was at every game and volunteered to do the announcing at our home games. He did such a wonderful job that my sisters named him "the voice of Burgerville" and awarded him a trophy.
John loved watching his children and grandchildren participate in athletics and other activities. John was just an outstanding man and we will miss him and always love him. Prayers for Melinda and the entire Wirth Family.
The Burckhard Family

Jim Boline

October 15, 2017

To All the Wirth Family: Denise and I were so saddened to hear of John's passing. We'll miss him as I know that each of you will too. Our deepest condolences to all of you. His was a life well lived, but ended far too soon. Know that you continue to remain in our thoughts in the days and weeks ahead.

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