John E. Ormiston
July 8, 1916 - February 17, 2010
Obituary
John E. Ormiston
John was born in Fairdale, North Dakota on July 5, 1916. He passed away Wednesday, February 17, 2010 in Kent, Washington at the age of 93. He was the 6th of 7 children who all grew up on the family farm. John was a starter on the Fairdale High School basketball team that barely had 5 kids eligible to play. He went to the North Dakota Agricultural College, now NDSU ‘Go Bison’s’ where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural engineering. He was the first person in his family to earn a college degree.
John was an instinctive and consummate builder and loved to work with his hands. In 1948, he bought a building lot in West Seattle and began building his own house, moving the family in in 1949. During the next 58 years he lived in the house, and made constant expansions and improvements, pushing out the kitchen and living room, finishing and refinishing the basement, expanding the back porch and deck, and reroofing on several occasions. He always took full advantage of having 4 strapping boys in the house to do his heavy lifting. In 1966 he purchased a water front lot in Shelton and spent countless hours building, expanding, remodeling, and just plain puttering on a family beach cabin that was his pride and joy.
A former Boeing engineer, John experienced first hand the growth of the commercial jet aircraft industry and was involved in building the first 707 up through the amazing success of the 747 program.
John is survived by his four sons, Bob, Tom, Steve, and Gerry; six grandchildren, and four great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Sue, who died in 1980.
John loved to organize family get-togethers and was constantly rounding up his sons, daughter-in-laws, and grandkids to join him in family activities. His cheerful presence will be sorely missed by all.
A visitation will be held Wednesday, February 24th from 2:00 – 7:00pm with services Thursday, February 25th at 1:00pm all at Bonney-Watson Washington Memorial, 16445 International Blvd, SeaTac, WA 98188 206 242-1787.
I’m sitting here at Grandma Doris’ apt. today as we remember her big brother who has been such a wonderful friend to her and a “great uncle” to me. We are so glad that John, Tom, Steve and Gerry made the trip to Grandma’s bday this summer. I’m also glad to have had a Seattle “layover visit” a month earlier at John’s apt. and to see him so happy. Steve also gave me a tour of the “home place” with a wonderful view of the water, and a chat with the neighbor lady who shares my name. Uncle John started a “Boeing tradition” in our family and he will always be a part of my appreciation for the planes I get to fly… currently the B757 and B767. Sympathy to the family as we know that Uncle John enjoyed visits from you as part of your “daily routine” and it is a great example to the rest of us to make the effort to enjoy each other while we have time. We’ll be thinking of you today. Hugs, from DeAnna Burchill Meyer and Grandma Doris.
Growing up next door to the Ormiston’s and then having recreational property as neighbors has made us feel like a part of the family. John was always a happy guy and glad to see us and make us feel welcome. His signature greeting in person or on the phone was a loud “HEY!”. We loved John and will miss him.
Oh how we will miss John’s phone calls & our visits & lunches when we would stop by to pick up the
” Round Robin “, that John started in the early 50’s. We hope one of the boys will continue on with that tradition.
We are consoled by the wonderful memories of John & Sue.
May the Lord’s blessing be with each & everyone of John’s family.
I enjoyed working with John in Engineering Liaison at Auburn. One of the great Liaison supervisors.
TC
Curt & Lois Mehlhaff send their condolences to Bob, Tom & Sherry, Jerry and Steve & their wives.
Great dad, great family, many happy memories of backyard basket ball games and good times. Our thoughts are with you. Bruce & Linda York
We have fond memories of spending time with John in several states including our home in Pittsburgh; a guided tour of Boeing Museum a few years ago was most interesting. My mom, Catherine Childs, and John were cousins. What a treasure the Family History book with dates and photos of ancestors is, thanks to John. Our sympathy to Bob, Tom, Steve, Gerry and families. Kathleen and Pat
Hi, Please forgive our delay in responding to your loss. Just hope you know that no matter what, our hearts are with you. We know how difficult these times can be—including those after the initial crisis quiets down. We pray God’s comfort and love are encouraging and helping during your grief.
We join with tears and smiles to say goodbye to a special friend we were privilidged to know for over 40 years. His love of life, his sense of humour and never ending kindness. we will mis you but never forget you. Goodbye dearest John. Chris Jenny Coxon & Rachel Roberts
We were Bob and Gail Ormiston’s next door neighbors in Burien. Sue and John spent many hours with the
“girls” and we got to know them well. There were many times we were at the cabin down at Shelton – such a fun place. Sue and John were wonderful, involved people.
Our thoughts are with Bob and all of his brothers. Those grandkids will really miss their Grandpa. Keep up your Dad’s legacy.
Bix and I will surely miss Uncle John’s visits. He was always so special and came to be with my Dad many times during Dad’s last days. I remember being with Suz and John for a week in Seattle the summer before I was a senior. They showed me a great time: hydoplane races on Lake Washington, watching Tom water ski he broke his ski which he had made in shop class, playing basketball with John and the boys in their back yard. What a great time!! John will surely be missed, but you boys need to know how proud he was of each of you and your families. Bix, the children and I always enjoyed his visits with us. He and his friend Rolf came every spring for the NDSU Alumni Banquet. He was very special. May you find comfort and strength in this difficult time.
With love and God’s blessings,
Bix and Bonnie
Sorry to hear of your loss. My Father Leo Mott grow up in N.D. with your Dad. Your all in our prayers.
Patty Mott Campbell &
Lillian Mott
Yes, we will dearly miss our Uncle John. The last few years we have been having a family reunion here in Tucson with Uncle John and Mother our guests of honor. Thanks a million to you cousins for making the trip with Uncle John! What a treat to get to know all of you as adults — Uncle John and Aunt Sue raised a fabulous family!
Mom and I were also reminiscing about our stay at Uncle John’s right after the cruise and the fabulous party you guys hosted! We have so many great memories that include Uncle John and his family! We are very sorry for your great loss but we know he lives on in all your hearts and ours too.
Love Ralph & Ruth
Great man,Great family.
A privilege to be a part of.
Look out heaven, your in for a remodel!!!
I have many fond childhood memories of growing up with John. It was quite a thing to visit our Mother, when she was taking care of the Robb family, who’d come down with scarlet fever. John hitched a horse to the little wagon and we went about 2 1/2 miles to see Mother. She came outside and was so pleased to see us. Even though I will not be able to be with you, I am so glad that some of my family will be there. Phil and Karen are already in Oregon and Grace and Lyle plan to fly to Seattle on Tuesday. My thoughts are with you. With lots of love, Doris John’s little sister
We were so sorry when we heard that uncle John passed away. We’re so glad we went to the reunion in Lakota last summer and were able to visit with him. He also stopped to see us in Hettinger a few years ago, and we had such a nice visit. I’m sorry I didn’t get a chance to know him better. May God keep you in his loving arms and help you through this time of grief.
Dear Family,
I remember years ago helping John re-roof his cabin in the 1970’s when Emily and I paid his family a visit. I still remember being on the roof-top working! Who knew that in 2007 I would have a job of a lifetime working in Shelton, WA.
Emily always liked to talk about her Ormiston family, since John was her uncle. I have always felt that John was a personal part of my family.
I know that John is well loved and will be greeted by many loved ones in heaven, Emily being one of the cheerful welcomers.
Terry
We were sorry to learn of John’s passing. We called Bob to tell him of Larry’s passing last week.
We are so grateful that Uncle John, Tom, Gerry, and Steve were able to come to Mom’s 90th birthday celebration this past summer in North Dakota. Mom has many stories and fond memories of Uncle John that she has shared with us. We’ve especially appreciated seeing Uncle John and Mom together at the annual family reunions hosted by Ruth and Ralph in Tucson. They enjoyed each other’s company immensely and the day always seemed to go by too quickly. Please know that our thoughts are with you. Rod and DeLoris Larson
One of the most important summer events, when we were kids, was to enjoy having Uncle John, Aunt Sue and our cousins come to visit our farm in North Dakota!! Our mother was Uncle John’s younger sister. This summer, Uncle John and three of his sons came to North Dakota to help us celebrate mother’s 90th birthday. What a pleasure to have them come!! We will miss Uncle John very much. Thanks to our cousins for your wonderful kindness to your dad. We are proud of you!!