John Strada

Celebrating the Life of John Renaldo Strada
It's another beautiful day in paradise! This phrase was a cherished mantra that John Renaldo Strada shared throughout his life.
John was born on April 4, 1937, in Aberdeen, Washington, as the oldest of four children to Ettor and Phyllis Strada. After growing up in Aberdeen, he ventured to Pullman, Washington, where he earned his degree in Civil Engineering from Washington State College. While at WSC, John was an active member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity, an organization that remained close to his heart.
John dedicated his career to the State of Washington Department of Transportation, contributing to the development of roads and bridges across the state, and even leaving his mark on the Washington State Ferry system. He retired in 1990 at the young age of 53 and later worked as a concrete consultant for several years before fully embracing retirement.
A lover of the outdoors, John enjoyed golfing, water-skiing, hiking, and working in the yard around his home. Above all, his greatest joy came from his family. He married Jean Arthaud in 1961, shortly after graduating from college, and together they welcomed three children: Janine, JoEllen, and Ettor John (EJ). After his first marriage ended, John embraced the role of devoted single father to his three children. He was actively involved in their lives as a coach for softball and little league, and he passionately cheered them on at gymnastics meets and soccer games.
In 1980, John found the love of his life, Janice, who became an official member of the Strada family when they married in March 1981. A few years later, John and Jan transformed a run-down shack on Eld Inlet in Olympia into their beautiful beachside dream home. This home became the backdrop for countless memories filled with watersports, beachcombing, bonfires, and family celebrations, and it was here that John's mantra of "It's another beautiful day in paradise" truly flourished.
In 2001, John and Jan exchanged their waterfront paradise for a new one in the community of Saddlebrooke, just north of Tucson, Arizona, where they enjoyed views of the stunning Santa Catalina Mountains. In his new community, John continued his passion for golfing and joined the Saddlebrooke Hiking Club, eventually becoming a hike leader, guiding groups of hikers on trails from the Santa Catalinas to the Grand Canyon.
John's journey came to a close on November 20, 2024, as he moved on to his final paradise after a long struggle with Alzheimer's. Throughout his battle, despite losing his memory and sense of self, John never lost his joy, wonder, and humor. He always greeted family, friends, and visitors with a warm smile and his sparkling blue eyes.
John will be deeply missed by his loving wife of 43 years, Jan; his children Janine (and Bob) Vander Yacht, JoEllen (and Todd) James, and Ettor John (and Sarah) Strada; his grandchildren Braden James, Rachel (James) and Matt Barber, Cole Vander Yacht, Ettor John Strada Jr., Owen Strada, and Lauren Strada; his great-granddaughter Blake Barber; and many other friends and relatives.
Join us in celebrating John's beautiful life on Friday, February 7th, at 11:00 AM at Vistoso Funeral Home, 2285 E Rancho Vistoso Blvd, Oro Valley, AZ. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations to the Banner Alzheimer's Foundation: Make a gift to Banner Health - Banner Health Foundation.
Let us honor John's legacy and the love he brought to our lives.