John Venables

It is with a heavy heart and a deep sense of loss that we announce the departure of our beloved John Edgar Venables, born on the 11th of December, 1953, in Seattle, Washington. Affectionately known to us as John, he was a beacon of laughter and joviality, his spirit as captivating as his stories, and his charm as captivating as his charisma. We are here to celebrate the life of a man whose laughter was uniquely his, a sound that made even the stoniest of hearts soften and giggle along. He was a man of many tales, some taller than others, and his knack for storytelling extended to his work as a successful real estate entrepreneur and building manager. Among his memorable tales, he often joked about being a "gator wrassler," a tale that amused us all, and we later discovered to be true. John indeed owned an alligator named Herman, a testament to his adventurous spirit and love for life.
John was more than just a father, he was a friend, a mentor, a confidant, but most importantly, he was human. Like every human, he had his internal battles and struggles. But for all his laughter and charisma, there was a darker side that he battled with. Towards the end, when he was stripped of everything and was just a man facing his final days, it was then that we truly connected. It was then that we let go of past hurts, forgave, loved, and embraced each other. It was then that we laughed, cried, played Pink Floyd, and spoke of the sea. It was then that we painted a picture of him on a boat sailing into the sunset, feeling the warmth of the sun on his face, surrounded by love and safety. And as he sailed away, we believe that he heard every word, every tear, and every laugh, taking them with him as precious memories.
John leaves behind his daughter, Erin Rhoads, who loved him dearly, and his sister, Julie Barron. He is preceded in death by his parents, Harold and Margaret Venables. His passing marks the end of an era, and his absence leaves a void that can never be filled. However, we remember him not with sorrow, but with joy, with laughter, and with love. We remember him for the man he was, full of life and full of stories. We invite everyone who knew him to share their memories and stories of John on this memorial page. Upload your favorite photos, share your favorite anecdotes, and let us celebrate the life of a man who touched so many lives in so many unique ways. In honor of John, embrace your emotions, hold your loved ones close, express your feelings, and laugh heartily at every opportunity. Just as he would have wanted us to.
-Erin