John David NOURSE Jr.

1978 - 2016

NOURSE,
John David, Jr.

May 20, 1978 -
December 1, 2016
Age 38

John, a Bellevue Police Department Corporal,
passed away on December 1st after a 2nd courageous battle with brain cancer. John had a compassionate, loving and generous spirit. His smile and laugh were irresistible, with sparkling eyes that warmed every heart. He enriched lives everywhere with his gentle nature, delightful sense of humor and strong sense of integrity.
He was born in California on May 20, 1978 to John D. (Jack) and Rosalie Nourse. He grew up in Spokane, attending St. Thomas More Grade School, Northwood Jr. High and Mead High. He graduated from Western Washington University (WWU) with a finance degree in 2001. John chose public service as his way to help others throughout his adult life. As a Public Safety Assistant (Green Coat) with the WWU Police Department, he conducted campus foot patrols and was a student safety escort. He served as a Whatcom County Fire District 8 Resident Firefighter for 8 years and was promoted to Lieutenant. John was passionate about his 11 years of law enforcement with the Bellevue PD. He loved his role on the PD bicycle unit where he could more fully interact with the downtown community. John was nominated Guild Officer of the Year and was recognized with the Police Life Saving Award. He volunteered at his kids' schools, home associations and other numerous organizations.
While conducting an EMT home visit in 2004, John met the loves of his life - his future wife, Tawna, and her toddler son, Quincy. Twin daughters, Johnny and Charly, born in 2008, completed his family. John was an ideal dad, devoted husband, the finest son and best little brother ever.
John had an insatiable appetite for adventure and the outdoors. He played football and baseball, ran Mead cross-country, loved skiing and camping. He competed in triathlons and finished the Portland and San Francisco Marathons. He was an avid life-long mountain biker, fearlessly descending the steepest and most rugged terrain. He was always willing to teach and guide others at his side, especially his children. He loved his role on the Bellevue PD bicycle unit where he could more fully interact and serve the downtown community.
John is survived by his wife Tawna, son Quincy (13), twin daughters Johnny and Charly (8), his parents Jack and Rosalie, his sisters Rhonda (Patrick Crema) and Becky (John Lines), his nephew and niece Bryson and Ellie Crema, and many aunts, uncles and cousins.
A Memorial Mass is Wednesday, December 14 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph's Catholic Church, 3720 E. Colbert Road, Colbert, WA.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial is Friday, December 16 at 3:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel, Bellevue, WA. Donations to support his family can be made at gofundme.com In Memory of John Nourse.