December 8, 1950 - May 11, 2025

John Patrick Blalock, 74, of Spokane, WA, passed away on May 11, 2025, following a tragic motorcycle accident. Born on December 8, 1950, in Richland WA, John lived fully and followed his own path with vigor, strength, and humor. He had a gentle spirit, a quick wit, and a deep love of nature.

He is survived by his children, Adam Blalock of Spokane, Bonnie Blalock, PhD, of Amesbury, MA, Julia Gandy of Eugene, OR, and Nichole Leturgey of Rock Springs, WY. He is also survived by his long-term partner, Sandy West.

John worked for over 40 years in forensics at Eastern State Hospital, where he was known for his ability to defuse tense situations, solve conflicts, and ability to connect with all kinds of people. He had a rare gift for reading people and staying grounded in tough situations - qualities that served him well both on the job and throughout life.

John was a self-made man whose achievements reflected a life lived to the fullest. In high school and college, he earned national recognition in cross-country and track, earning scholarships to Eastern Washington University, University of Idaho, and Spokane Falls Community College. At 20 he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam, relying on his toughness and sense of humor to carry him through.

After returning to Spokane, John continued to run competitively, eventually earning the nickname, "Gramps," from younger teammates. He ran a 2:20 marathon and transitioned into triathlons in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After teaching himself to swim, and trading vegetables for a bike, John went on to place well at the Kona World Ironman, once again proving his world-class strength and athleticism.

John also had a passion for gardening. He planted around 500 apple trees on raw land he purchased along the Cheney-Spokane Road, eventually building a successful orchard known for its fall apple cider and u-pick apples. To John, it became more than just an orchard, but a place of community, peace, stability, and purpose, where he was always willing to help and listen to anyone that came to visit.

It's hard to believe that someone as full of life as John could be gone. He moved through the world with resilience, warmth, and a spark that made him unforgettable. That spirit still lingers - in the orchard he built, the trees he planted, and the lives he touched. A celebration of life will be held on September 20th beneath the peaceful trees he loved.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Spokesman-Review on May 25, 2025.

Memorial Events
for John BLALOCK

Sep

Celebration of Life

Funeral services provided by:

Neptune Society - Spokane

98 E Francis Avenue, Spokane, WA 99208

Memories and Condolences
for John BLALOCK

7 Entries

May 28, 2025

John and I worked at ESH for a few years. He told me of his trip to Hawaii for the Kona World Ironman.
He would also tell me about the gardening project he was working on. My condolences to the family.

Laura

May 26, 2025

I knew John while attending EWU and he was a part of our larger group that met for coffee and meals. I never knew anyone who could make the most out of every minute and pleasure of life as he did. He was a joy to be around. I look back at the carefree days we spent at The Cog, the cabin, the bar and dock at Fish Lake. He just made life that much more interesting. Although I have not seen him for many years, I dearly appreciate that short time we spent together during that period in our lives. God speed John and my sincere condolences to his family.

Matt

May 26, 2025

John worked with me on learning ASL. He often talked about his apple trees and even brought in bad fruit to give to my animals. He was there when needed with unruly patients. A shock when I heard of John's death. May the Lord keep his family in his hands.

May 24, 2025

Thank you for your service Sir.

Rick Becker

May 23, 2025

The obituary on John says it all. He was certainly full of life and was very spirited in all he did. I lived with John in his cabin on Fish Lake for awhile while attending Eastern. I thought I could accomplish a lot but John surpassed what I could do. For example, at night I would sleep. John on the other hand would grab his cross country skis at midnight and ski by the light of the moon. No one could dumpster dive like John could. He will be missed.

Patricia A. Becker

May 23, 2025

I was very saddened by John's tragic passing. My husband Rick, was John's roommate on Fish Lake for awhile. It was very nice and quiet at the lake in the cabin shack and very cold sometimes in the winter.
Rick will add to this message soon.
I remember having dinner with John, I had made some rolls for dinner that turned out rather hard. I was just learning to cook before we got married in 1980.
John being very kind ,ate them anyway. Rick wouldn't eat them.

I loved his wildness as Rick was too and his sense of humor.
He spoke of his love for his family and I also had lived in Richland so there was a common ground there.
I extend deep sympathy to the family, prayers and comfort.
Blessings to all left behind.
He was part of the team . He enjoyed life.
You ,John are tending new fields of apples in full of peace.
Miss you,Friend.
Patricia Ann( Christianson) Becker