John R. Moser
October 4, 1925 - February 17, 2014
Obituary
John R. Moser, age 88, passed away on Monday, February 17, 2014 in his home in Kirkland, WA. He was in the arms of his wife and surrounded by loved ones.
He is survived by his wife of 13 years Marileen (Hyde) , son Terry L. Moser (wife Pam), daughter Bella (Debi) Fritz (husband Brook), daughter Joni Kay Spratt (husband Terry), daughter Kari Lynn Pompeo (husband Rick), 7 Grandchildren, 8 Great Grandchildren, sisters Marge Cochran and Nancy Ringos (husband John) as well as other loving extended family.
John was born on October 4th, 1925 in Auburn, WA, lived on a farm, moved to Fall City, then Carnation in the 4th grade. In 1937 his family moved to Seattle where he attended Cleveland High School.
He joined the Navy when he was 17 where he finished his high school diploma. John went to mechanic school in San Diego, compliments of the Navy and served his time until the age of 21. After leaving the Navy he bought his first new car – a Robin’s-Egg Blue Cadillac. He built a successful career as a machinist and worked at Bowers Machine, at which he eventually became the primary partner and retired from.
John was Captain of the Seattle Cossacks Motorcycle Stunt & Drill Team from 1951 to 1973 and rode with them for many more years afterwards. In fact John has been honored as the first inductee to the Cossacks Hall of Fame and is revered as one of the founding fathers and faithful supporter helping keep the team alive and thriving to this day.
He loved racing midget class cars, went to swap meets – sometimes scoring on hard-to-find parts.
Plans for his memorial are still in the works so please re-visit the memorial website for upcoming information. Date, time and place still to be determined.
I am so happy I was able to see my uncle john in August 2013, and before he passed away I hadn’t seen him in over a year. He always put a smile on everyones face with his silly jokes and his funny sense of humor. I loved watching him do his stunts with the cossacks and riding his horses even when the darn horse wouldnt move out of the middle of the street with me on it. He will be missed. I love you uncle john R.I.P.
Spike and I loved John Boy so much. He is now in the wind with a lot of the Cossacks having a playday like no other. I am so thankful that God blessed him with Marilene as I remember the love in his eyes when he first met her. I remember the year I made him a birthday cake from a cardboard box. I remember how he never bled on camera, I have so many wonderful memories of our many years with the Cossacks. Especially the hot tub party at his house when he wasn’t home. I love you John Boy. R.I.P.
An absolute gentleman and a hero of mine since I first met John at my first Cossacks event in 1955 – to me he was bigger than life. My one regret was when John came to my store to fire up the midget racer I bought from him after we rebuilt and painted it. Unfortunately, we failed to tighten one of the oil lines and once he got it running it poured hot oil all over his new cowboy boots. Like the gentle person he was he didn’t kick my butt! We joked about if long after.
John, you were a giant in our community and truly respected and loved by all. I’ll miss seing you at the “old farts” breakfasts at Denny’s.
Jim Boltz
I met John in 1953 when I joined the Cossacks, we were friends until the end. What a guy he was, absolutely a great guy that would be the 1st guy to give a hand if I needed one. John gave my son Steve his 1st Machinist job after trade school. because he was my friend and wanted to help Steve get started in the trades.
Both Steve and I were forever grateful.
To all of Johns family, he will be missed by every one who was lucky enough to have been his friend, you have our families sympathy for your pain and loss.
The Terry Saxlund family
We met John in 1999 when we joined Golden Wheels Racing Fraternity and enjoyed getting to know he and Marileen at the races and visiting at each others homes over the years. A motor home caravan trip to Alaska was one of the highlights. It was a privilege to have known John and like everyone who has ever known him, we will miss him.
John was a great freind since days at river front & greyhounds&playing 31 & shopping for collectables&
Old race parts RIP John
Of all the many memories of my Uncle John I guess one of the best was being able to have my own children meet him when the Cossacks performed in Bremerton, WA. My children loved the performance and I love reconnecting with my Uncle after many years of being on the East Coast while in the Navy. Thank You – Uncle John
Marileen, sorry to hear of John’s death. he was a member of our family for many years and we truly have good memories of all our times together .Our girls have great memories of our times at he and Norma”s home. Thank you Marileen for keeping in touch during the Holiday season”s. May he rest in peace.
I love each and everyone of you. Please know your entire family is in my prayers,thoughts and in my heart. love always,
paula irene
Dad, I miss you so much already. I will always remember you for your strength and great sense of humor. You were always a great support to me, willing to listen whenever I needed to “vent”. Often just your willingness to listen was the greatest gift you could have given to me. Thanks dad. You’ll always be in my heart. You’re home now, pain free with your full dignity restored. Be happy until we meet again. All my love – Joni
John, I knew you for just a short time, but found you to be a very honorable man. Your family loves you and you left each with memories to hold onto as you leave us for a time. You once told me you wished I had known you when you were stronger. I know you more every time a memory is shared. Thanks John for your wit and your acceptance in the short time our life paths crossed. I’ll keep the promises I made to you in my letter – always. Godspeed.
So very sorry for your loss. John was one of the most kind and loving people I have ever known. Marileen, they truly broke the mold when they made John.
“Golden Wheels” will miss him greatly, and so will we.
Love,
Kay & Hal
Condolences to the Moser family. May God be with you and may loving memories fill your heart with peace and joy. Turning to God in prayer can be a source of true comfort. Please be assured of God’s love (1 Peter 5:7).
We have been friends of the family for many years. John could always make us laugh with his spontaneous jokes and laughter. A great guy! I sometimes attend the Seafair parade. I think of his wonderful Cossacks Drill Team with such precision and skill. What a show! John you will be missed but not forgotten.
When I think of my grandpa names like Howard Hughes and other great people come to mind and that is because he was such a great person there wasn’t nothing he couldn’t build or do he loved everyone and was always kind to everyone that crossed his path he was a amazing human being a father a grandfather and a great person and was my hero and best friend. His passing is something I never expected I always though he would live for ever but I’m sure it was him telling me he was 45 at age 10 till I came to the age of knowing lol it was great spending time with him I always looked forward to being with my Grandpa and I’m sorry I did t spend more time with him as a adult but I will always have my child hood with him and I will cherish and ways remember the good times and everything we did together I love and miss u gramps and look forward to seeing u again and this time I’ll bring the motorcycle frame 🙂 i love u so much and thank you for never giving up on me!! 🙂
I I have known John for over 50 years just testing in 2014 that’s got to have the best in your future building so he’s taking the best first he’s taking the best and then we can all go up there and you appreciate him a little more cuz God rides a Harley his best people to know how to show you teach people how to how to ride Amy doing stunt forever in heaven and look down on us and make sure we’re doing everything okay miss you John all my love and respect who died cuz I got you in my heart and soul they’re always be with us because we talked about him and educate people will always be with us