John Whealdon

John William Whealdon 1926 – 2015

John W Whealdon “Jack” 88, passed away peacefully on September 29th at home on Bainbridge Island, surrounded by his family. He was born to Dan & Evelyn Whealdon in McGowan, WA, attended grade school in Chinook, WA, and graduated from Ilwaco High School. Jack served in the US Navy, attending the Aviation Pilot Training Program at Albuquerque, NM. He later attended Washington State University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration.

In 1950, Jack met the love of his life, Mildred, in Ilwaco, Washington, where she taught second grade at the Ilwaco Grade School. They were married and raised seven children; living in Bellevue; then on Bainbridge Island where they have lived the past 50 years.

Jack began his career with Valvoline Oil, and then went to work for Boeing. He then worked for Raychem Corporation for over 30 years and was involved in Aerospace products sales, managing the northwest division office in Bellevue, WA. His final working years were for Whealdon Company Incorporated as a consultant for several manufacturers.

In his early years, Jack enjoyed coaching football and working with kids. He was an avid WSU Cougar fan, and loved to attend his grandchildren’s activities, sporting events, and graduations. Jack’s retirement hobby was his vegetable garden, which he loved. If he grew too much, he gave the extras away. Jack was lifetime member of the Washington Athletic Club in Seattle.

Jack was preceded in death by his sisters and granddaughter. Surviving are his wife Mildred, children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Their children are Mary (Rob), Beth (Tom), Dan (Lynn), Tim (Kathy), Margaret, Tom (Melody), Nancy (Robert).

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to The Friends of the Chinook School (friendsofchinookschool.org) or Bainbridge Island Helpline (helplinehouse.org).

A celebration of Jack’s life will take place on October 17th at the Poulsbo Yacht Club, 18129 Fjord Drive, NE, #T, Poulsbo, WA, 98370 (360-779-3116) at 1:00 pm.