Chaplain John Kenneth Oas
October 11, 1946 - April 8, 2013
Obituary
Chaplain John K. OAS
Died peacefully at home April 8, 2013.
Beloved husband of Kay, father of Jason and Andrea; grandfather to Baily, Jacob and Pearl Ann; step-son of Harriet Oas; brother of John James Brennen and Cheryl Ratliff; son-in-law of Alice Swanson; brother-in-law of Ernie and Lynnel Swanson and many nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by Esther Oas, Lloyd Smith, Rod Swanson, Judy Smith and Ken Oas.
Born October 11, 1946 in Tacoma, WA John lived in Burien for over 30 years. He attended grade school and high school in Tacoma, WA, receive a Bachelors Degree from Seattle Pacific College, attended Northwest College, received his Masters Degree from Westgate Chapel and was given an Honorary Doctorate from the Covenant Church. John was the youth Pastor at Westwood Christian Assembly and Westgate Chapel, did preaching and ministry work throughout the United States, played piano for the Kings Brass music group and directed the Singles Ministry at Calvary Temple. He served as Chaplain for over 39 years to local Police and Fire Departments including Seattle Police Department, Port of Seattle Police, SeaTac Fire Department, ATF, University of Washington and was a long standing member of ICPC. He did weekly church services at SeaTac Airport for over 39 years. John traveled extensively throughout the United States and abroad with Israel being his favorite place. Throughout his Chaplaincy career he was given many awards for his excellent service.
John will be greatly missed by his family and all those he served. Visitation Thursday, April 18, 2013 from 10:00 AM – 9:00 PM at Bonney-Watson, 1732 Broadway, Seattle. Memorial service 1:00 PM Saturday, April 20, 2013 Police Academy, 19010 – 1st Avenue South, Burien.
Memorials are suggested to: Chaplaincy International, Inc., PO Box 68782, Seattle WA 98168, www.chaplaincyinternational.org or Behind the Badge Foundation, 22525 226th Pl SE Issaquah, WA 98027, www.behindthebadgefoundation.org.
John Oas and Kay have been our friends for many years. In the summer of 1962 when I went to Tacoma First Assembly of God to assist Pastor Everett Ewing as Youth Pastor, Minister of Music and Visitation Pastor, John Oas was one of my enthusiastic youth.
He was active in the youth group, and a faithful choir member. He was a part of the first Singing Christmas Tree at Tacoma First Assembly (now Life Center). His father Kenneth helped me in the design and fabrication of the lights for the Tree. He was a part of the first Northwest A/G Youth Choir in 1963, traveling through the Midwest to Springfield, Missouri.
John had a heart for ministry from the time I first knew him when he was in High School. He persevered through many of the challenges that come to young preachers. After graduating from college he served as a Youth Pastor for several years.
His vision of the value of a Chaplaincy at Seattle-Tacoma Airport was far reaching. Again he persevered to bring this vision to a reality seeking financial support, guidance from those who could help him, and tirelessly refusing to give up in the face of many disappointments.
He was always upbeat, bold in his faith and witness for Christ. He was loving, and empathetic to whoever crossed his path, for counsel, prayer and guidance.
His 30 plus years of compassionate service as Chaplain with the Seattle Police Force, and also with the SeaTac Fire Department, has impacted thousands from all walks of life, certainly including the Officers and the Firemen themselves.
I congratulate Him for the Lifetime Achievement Award he recently received from the Seattle Police Force.
His years of leadership of the Saturday Singles Gathering was strong, and encouraging to hundreds of singles seeking friendship and spiritual support.
He was a great friend, a tireless servant of God, a loving husband and father. What a time he is having now in heaven with his mom, dad, and a host of friends gathered around the Throne of God singing “Hallelujah! Hallelujah!
We love you John!
Pastor Don and Allison Duncan
Kay is my husband’s first cousin (Robert Lockhart) who passed over on the 20th of October 2012.
John married Bob and me on 10th May 1997 here in Yakima. We admired him for doing this service and traveling over here to perform our marriage. John and Kay even at that time did not have the best of health so this was a great effort for them.
I did not know John very well as we only were together on a few occasiions.
I learned more through Kay about John and she presented him as a very loving and caring man of God. I also found out through other contacts of his work among locals of his area of his wonderful sermons and works.
I wish Kay and family to have peace and love and for the Holy Spirit to be with them.
May The Blessings Be,
Love,
MaryAnn Lockhart
John was a good friend, I remember him as the Pastor/leader of the Fellowshipn
John was a good friend, I remember him as the Pastor /Leader of the Fellowship of Christian Adult Singles. & I remember the trips to Israel & Russia. I will miss him.Sincerely, Phyllis.
I was a mid career Seattle Police officer when I first met John, we were immediate friends. It was a time of crisis in my life and John lovingly stepped forward with council and support. He went out of his way in difficult times to support others in the love of God. He married my wife and I in 1985 and every year remembered our anniversary with a card conveying his blessings. John, every memory of you puts a smile on my face. You were an honorable and faithful servant of the Lord. Marti and I will be in prayer for Kay and the rest of your family.
I met John when he became the first Port of Seattle Airport Chaplain. We talked a lot during his evening sessions at the airport and Sundays when he held services. He also became the Port Of Seattle Police Department Chaplain.. We became good friends, and I took his son fishing back in the 80’s. As the Port found other uses for his spaces at SeaTac Airport, we lost touch, and I didn’t see him in the airport as much. I almost lost touch completely when I retired, but we FaceBooked some and met at other funerals. He was always a gracious man, always concerned more for others than himself, and he spent his life in service to others and God. John was the epitome of a good Christian. Rest in Peace, John.
Chaplain Oas enjoyed visitors coming in to chat with him when he was in the office at Port of Seattle Police Department. Once in awhile I was able to get down to the other end of the hall and have a conversation. I will miss my chats with the Chaplain, but I am very happy that he is well and whole now.
What can i say about John? He was my real brother. We were separated at an early age, I was 3 and he was 2. 62 years later, we met, with a lot of help from a lot of people.
He and Kay flew out to West Virginia, the next year and spent a wonderful week of “catching up”. In 2011, we all went to California to meet our “other brother” John Brannon and his wife, Tessa. John did the driving so i could see everything, if we passed something, he would turn around and go back so I could see it.
It was great to have such a wonderful, caring brother, even if only for 4 years.
My youngest son and family came down to West Virginia while they were here, from Michigan. Now we know who Robby looks like, JOHN.
He called every Sunday and filled me in on what was going on out there. He was a special person. He loved his flowers and hummingbirds and would call me and ask why they weren’t eating.
I will miss him very much, but God had a better plan.
I love you, John and so does Johnny. We had a great 4 years.
I will miss John with his gentle laugh and kind smile. He was an inspiration to all of us. He taught us many things so that we could assist people in their loss and help our officers. I look forward in helping keep his mission alive with the SPD and all the his good works. For his heart was always wearing the blue uniform and shield. Your officers will never forget you and the wisdom that you passed on to us all.
With Gassho
John Oas was such a fine and effective Chaplain and a choice servant of God. I am sad in his passing, but rejoice in his home coming! He was a great example of how our A/G Chaplains serve in non-traditional places. Serve they do, serve John did. Amen. Some day in heaven we will walk the streets of gold and talk about the victories our Lord Jesus has done in our lives and the lives of others.
Dave Schlewitz, TDCJ Chaplain II(A/G), Retired
Our prayers are with the family.
This week while working with Kay and various Department’s staff members on John’s memorial, the out pouring of love and affection for John and Kay are beyound words I can express. Seattle Police, Port of Seattle Police, Seattle Fire, Port of Seattle Fire and Chaplaincy staff you have allowed John to reach his calling in life to share time with you, marry you, christen your children, share lifes burdens with you, Baptise you in the Jordan River. You have allowed John to be beside you in crisis situations when lives were at stack. God’s call on John has been to serve Him and serve you. Thank you for allowing John to reach into each one of your lives. May God Bless you and your families in precisely the specific blessing that you and your families need, as I know my Lord can. May God watch over each one of you and protect you every day of your lives.
My wife Jewellyn and I volunteered with Chaplain John and the staff at the Airport Chaplaincy for many years. He was a special person to know and work with along with his wife Kay.
My acquaintance with John began in the first SPD Community Chaplaincy program. I found John to be very caring and supportive person. He was very dedicated to the Chaplaincy program. He made everyone feel welcomed and an important part of the program. His presence will be greatly missed. May God bless his family and comfort them during this time of loss and sorrow.
John always had a smile to greet you with, and an ear to lend when you really needed to vent some frustration about the business of police work. He is one of the few good guys out there trying to make this world a better place and helping the families of officers who have fallen. He will be missed. My thoughts and prayers are with his family.
John was our dear friend and married us, we can never forget his kindnesses along with those of his wife, Kay. I worked with both of them through the Airport Chaplaincy and it was delightful to hear John play and sing. They were the ideal image of married Christian love for us. We know John is with his Savior. Our prayers and Blessings to his dear family .during this time of loss and sorrow,…. Love and Prayers, Dennis and Char
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. He will be greatly missed. I feel honored to have had him and Kay in my life.
John was always there for people. He was there when my wife passed from cancer and he was there when I married my wife Lynette. John had a great sense of humor and was fund to be around. He will be missed by many and thought of often.
Chaplain John – What a deeply good, kind, and compassionate person you were. You taught and guided me so beautifully in the art of community chaplaincy. You always believed in me and supported me with your whole heart. Your gentle spirit truly enriched and blessed our lives. Please rest well and be at peace. You will be missed!
Deepest sympathies to family, and my friend.. his daughter Andrea. I’m so sorry for your loss. Know that you were his angel and salvation here on earth. He is so proud of you, and loved your little bebe’s like no other papa loved bebe’s. Me and Bri are here for you and are carrying you and yours with us in spirit.
Good Bye “Little John”!!! I will miss You My Friend!!!!
Good bye John, just remember to take a breath when you are in your discussion with God. Remember we who are left behind look forward to continueing our discussion later. God bless you Dianne
Chaplain John – Thank you for all you invested in us. It was a comfort to know that there was always someone available to listen when work was difficult. It was always a boost to find your anniversary card in my inbox each year. Thanks for all your years of service to us. We will miss you!
Chaplain Oas is one of the greatest to ever walk on SPD grounds. He was special in all ways and a true friend to everyone. I am happy only knowing that there was a place cemented in heaven for John. Miss you forever my brother!
Rich & Jenn Peterson
You were there when some of us arrived and you were there when some of us left before you. In the meantime you were there for us during the happiest and also the most difficult times. Your work here is done my friend and now it’s time to occupy that great place you always told us about.
I met Chaplian John 29 yrs ago and we became instint friends.When Peggy and I got married it was just natual that Chaplian John was there with us. Rest in peace my friend, Peggy and I will miss you.
For more than thirty years John never failed to anwer the call when needed.
John, I wll miss ride-a-longs with you. I will miss being invited to lunch and then being conned into picking up the tab.
Thanks for all you did for me and my family.
The anniversary cards would arrive on time without fail. I just received my 18th anniversary card on April 1st and this was a special one to me in that one of my personal goals was to pass my fathers career in years. He had been in law enforcement and worked for LAPD for 17 years.
I didn’t even realize I had done it until that failthful card arrived. I wanted to share the moment with my father, but he had passed several years ago. I did the next best thing and called my brother and mother to share the news.
I tried to uplaod the photo of that special card but the upload was blocked.
Thank you Chaplain Oas for all you did, the love you shared and the hearts you touched. You are missed and will be forever. Thanks for giving of yourself for so many years. Rest in peace.
When I was a student officer in the academy in 1992, I decided to run a few miles each morning before classes. I figured I would be the only one out running at 4 in the morning, unitl my first day out. There was John running along at a nice easy pace. I joined him and we ran each morning for a few miles, while chatting in between long breaths. John was a comfort to me while in the academy, as he was one of the few people who I believed actually cared if I passed the academy or not.
In subsequent years (decades), John has been a consistent source of peace, love, and hope for countless others and I.
I will miss seeing him, and maybe even more so knowing that he was always there if I ever needed some support or encouragement.
I know that there are too many people to count who have been blessed with John’s presence in their lives, and have wonderful memories of his baptizing their children, performing their wedding vows, consoling them in times of loss or trauma, and in blessing their daily lives through his consistent prayer and love.
When John baptized my nephew, he got weepy during the process. I was struck by how much heart he put into his work, and by how deeply he cared about the people he was serving.
Rest easy Chaplain, You have left a beautiful imprint on this world. Thank you for your presence in my life.
Chaplain Oas,
You were always there for us all at SPD and had an uncanny knack for remembering EVERYONE! Not just their names but a particular story.
You always asked how my “little BOTHER” (Mike) was doing and expressed true concern for everyone. You are in the only paradise fit for such a person of grace.
God Bless,
The Waters Family
John will be missed. He was loved and was always there for us.
You’ll be sorely missed, Chaplain.
I remember when you came over to bless our new house and the next working day, you handed me a plateful of cookies.
I will also miss a good counselor.
You’ll be in my prayers…
Helen
John taught me one of the greatest lessons of life. He would tell a story about a great battle that goes on daily in each person’s life. We all have two personalities; one an Eagle that desires to soar high, observing all the beauty and splendor God has created… The other a Jackal that wants to devour and destroy, leaving pain and broken spirits in its wake. As these two personalities fight for control of our minds and tongues, John discovered the secret as to knowing which will win the daily struggle. He would say, “Its so simple, the one that wins is the one we feed”.
Having known John for over 22 years, I can attest to the fact that he was a Godly man, who walked and talked with God. He loved Kay and his family very much. He gave of his time, talents, and treasures selflessly. I am a much better person for having had the priviledge to spend time with John….He was a true blessing sent from God. Soar high My Friend, I will see you in eternity.
The first day that I met John was the day I became a SPD officer and he never missed a sending me and the rest of the officers that little card reminding you of the years you have worn the badge. He always had a smile and a hand shake for you. I am going to miss you my friend. TAKE CARE.
I will miss your friendship and our monthly lunch. I appreciate you taking the time to have lunch with me and your reminding me of our appointments. You are vey much missed. Your friend, Bill
What do you say about a man who has touched hundreds of lives with just a smile, a hug and a whole lotta faith. He married us 23 years ago, have video of him and I laughing nuttily before the ceremony. He made my first 29 years go by with ease, knowing he was always there to lean on. Noone Chap-O, can fill your shoes or alot of emptier hearts……BigDaddy
Chaplain John Oas was a was a good man. I always enjoyed talking to him. He had quick wit, an engaging smile and a loving heart and disposition. He will be missed. Rest in Peace.
John, you were an amazing man. We are all better for having you in our lives. Speaking on behalf of Seattle Officers throughout the department…you have married, buried, counseled, guided, and listened to us for almost four decades. Your low-key style only added to your wisdom, but you always said the right things, even if it wasn’t what we wanted to hear. I hope you are at peace.
There were some hard days that I walked through the precinct that suddenly turned better just because you were there with a big smile and a positive outlook. Thank you for being there and for reaching out to me on a hard tour of duty. You will be missed.
John was not only a “Man of God” he was a good friend who cared deeply for all of us who carried a badge 24-7. He always had a smile and encouraging word for me. I could always count on John to be at just every special occasion I hosted either with Crime Stoppers or Washington’s Most Wanted. My prayers and thoughts go out to his family and close friends. Rest in peace John…. Heaven is richer today because of your presence with the Lord.
On behalf of Washington’s Most Wanted, thank you for your many years of service to law enforcement and the Seattle Police Department. No doubt your good works will carry on in the lives of those you’ve helped.
I remember several times walking through the precinct chatting with other officers and spouting off as only cops can do when I looked around to see a smiling Chaplain Oas sitting at a table in the lunch room. My demeanor and language would quickly change and I would give him a smile back. Chaplain Oas was the best kind of person, the kind that makes other people strive to be better. He was always there to listen, give advice, or pray with you in the most difficult times. You will be missed Chaplain Oas.
I met Chaplain Oas during a special olympics run with SPD..I just finished running my leg when the spd van pulled up and the sliding door opened and a friendly hand came out and pulled me into the van while saying “good job young Lady”..John kept me company and didn’t mind the sweat that ran down my face and smelling stinky, he was so kind and appreciative for what I had just accomplished. Thanks John for being there for me and for all the anniversary cards.
You are truly one in a million…and will never be forgotten…
God Bless,
from Susan Holmes
Chappy…. I miss you my friend. Thank you for all the kind words, thoughtful counsel and love over the past 20-years of my career. You are among the kindest souls I have ever known. My family will never forget you presiding over my Grandmother’s funeral a few years ago. Until we meet again, please take care of those fallen warriors who went before you who you are now with. Rest Easy Chappy!
My thoughts and prayers are with the Oas family! RIP Chaplain Oas, you will be missed
John, you will be missed by all who care… like you did for so many years …about the well-being of those who serve law enforcement. Your easy smile and great capacity to listen to officers and give encouragement to others was legendary. You were a great personal example and an ambassador for chaplaincy programs everywhere.
Our hearts are heavier today with your passing …but our loss is made lighter knowing you will continue your service in heaven.
Thanks John for always being there for all of us. I have many fond memories of talks in my patrol car and over coffee. Your Chaplain’s office in the old Public Safety Building was a sanctuary for those days when I just needed to step away from it all. I remember my last minute call to marry my brother and his wife in our home before he shipped out to his next Army post. And of course you came. We have all lost a great friend. Thank you for your dedication and service. Rest in peace old friend.
I met John in 1984. I liked him immediately. In 1985, John married Kathy and me at a service in the home we just bought in Redmond. Every year since, John has sent us a card celebrating our birthdays, wedding anniversary, and my work anniversary. Many times John would walk into the precinct in the middle of one of my out bursts and act like nothing was wrong. I will miss this man greatly. He was truly a rock we could count on. RIP John, keep watch over us. In this political climate we need someone on our side. You will be hard to replace. The Seavey family
The department has lost a wonderful man and a great friend. You were always there for everyone that needed you. Rest in peace.
There isn’t an officer from SPD who came on in the past 35+ years who wasn’t impacted by Rev. John Oas. We all received his cards on our anniversary dates. He seemed to knows us all. He was there when we lost cherished comrades. He was there in the Guardian with a column of inspiration in the best and worst of times. He was there for us, always. There was only one John Oas, kind gentle, compassionate, full of faith and a rock for us at all times. His loss is another hole we can only fill with memories of a great man of God. We are all better for having been blessed by his presence.
In 1989 my 4 month old daughter Brittany passed away suddenly from birth defects. My wife and I were stunned and didn’t know what to do, how to plan a funeral etc… I called Chaplain John Oas to ask for advice. He came over to my house and helped us to get through the tragedy of losing a child. He helped me organize a funeral and officiated it. With the support of Chaplain Oas, Sgt. Ron Mochizuki and Sgt. John Diaz my wife and I made it through those dark days. In later years I leaned on Chaplain Oas to help me with some of my Officers who struggled with family situations. He was always ready to help and provided great guidance.
He always had the backs of his officers no matter what your beliefs or lifestyle. Rest in Peace brother we will meet once again at the roll call in the sky.