John Alan Verstrate

John was born on November 10, 1961, in Grand Coulee, Washington, the only boy and the baby to the Verstrate-Costello family, of Raymond and Mary Verstrate.
The Verstrate family spent John's first years in Grand Coulee, and later moved to the Yakima Valley, making Toppenish their home for a short while. The Verstrate family moved temporarily to Colorado and later returned, making their permanent home in the upper Yakima Valley.
John attended Eisenhower High School and also Yakima Valley Community College. John's early employment included Schucks Auto Parts and Teds Auto Parts in Toppenish, until he decided he needed some excitement in his life and became a band roadie for the band Metal Church. He got to tour all over the United States and England with the band and earned the nickname "Pappy" for being the oldest crew member. John decided it was time to come back home and worked for Diamond Cab/Freight where he held all sorts of titles within the company. In the early 90's John went to work for People for People, as one of their lead dispatchers for their transportation department.
John will always be remembered for his loud booming voice and easy spirit. He loved having fun and poking innocent fun at others. John really enjoyed spending time outdoors fishing and camping. He was at his happiest when spending time outdoors. John loved anything that included car racing, but especially NASCAR. He also loved the Seahawks but will always be a diehard Mariners fan. One of John's loves was music, but it had to be rock or metal and please don't insult him by playing anything country or rap. John's greatest love was his loving wife, Moraima, and even in his last moments he reminded everyone that she was his rock and often searched the room for her.
John is preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Mary (Costello) Verstrate. John is survived by the love of his life, Moraima Verstrate, sons, Jonathan and Caleb (Alex) Verstrate, daughter, Jessica Withrow, sons, Jeremy and Josh Withrow, and daughter, Rena Hopkins, thirteen grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving sisters, Barbara (Thom) Colvin, Vicky (Philip) Tuttle, Donnell (Mike) Maggard, his in-laws, Patricio and Maria Rodriguez, brother-in-law, Pat Rodriguez, and sister-in-law, Alba (Ed) Levesque. John is also survived by many nieces and nephews.
The family would like to thank the University of Washington Medical Center, North Star Lodge and Cottage in The Meadow for their kindness and support.
A Viewing will be held on Thursday, April 27, 2023, from 4:00-7:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home (500 W. Prospect, Moxee, WA 98936). A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, April 28, 2023, at 12:00pm, at Brookside Funeral Home, with a Reception to follow.
Brookside Funeral Home is caring for the family. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.brooksidefuneral.com.