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John Simchuk Obituary
December 27, 1940 - December 25, 2024
Tacoma, Washington - With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of John D. Simchuk on December 25, 2024. John, was a beacon of kindness, adventure, and family. He was cherished by all who knew him as a husband, father, grandfather, and friend. He passed peacefully at home with his wife, Diane, and stepdaughter Kristen at his side.
From his roots in Spokane, Washington, John's love for the outdoors and hard work was sparked on the family farm and in their bustling sporting goods store. An athlete at heart, he played football and baseball in high school, later skiing for Washington State University. His passion for baseball led him to coach his children's teams, sharing laughs and victories.
His adventurous spirit knew no bounds, whether waterskiing near Fox Island, bicycling across America, hiking the Wonderland Trail, or walking the Camino de Santiago in Spain. John was the happiest when he was outdoors and moving. But skiing was where his heart truly danced, from racing at Mount Spokane to backcountry adventures with family and friends at Crystal Mountain. He shared this joy with his family, creating memories and traditions for generations.
His greatest joy was his family. He listened, cared, and celebrated each moment with them, embodying what it means to love deeply. He is survived by his loving wife, Diane; children John (Carrie), Jennifer (Kelly), Jill (Rusty), and stepdaughter Kristen (Trevor); and his cherished grandchildren Hannah, Noah, Alex, Tyler, Hillary, Stella, Annabelle, and Jack. He is also survived by his siblings, Rook (Cindy), Janice, and Chuck (Liz). He was predeceased by his parents, John & Lorretta (DeLisle) Simchuk, his brother George, and his sister, Lorraine. He is also survived by Suzanne (Strom) Simchuk, with whom he shared three children. His incredibly kind spirit will continue to inspire us all.
Upon receiving his diagnosis of ALS in October, he commenced to approach this like everything else he did in life. He accepted his fate with his usual strength of character, his faith as his compass. This faith provided comfort and peace that he was going Home.
Please join us to celebrate John's life on January 18, 2025 at 12:00 p.m. at the Tacoma Yacht Club. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating in his memory to the charity or organization of your choice.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Simchuk
Sponsored by Gaffney Funeral Home.
Rhonda (Wire) Stuart
January 17, 2025
To the Simchuk family,
I was very sad to hear that John had passed away as he was a very kind man. This event happened over 42 years ago when my parents and I lived on Fox Island, yet it is a memory that I've held in my heart and sole all these years. Let me give you some background. I was in high school and my parents were going out of the U.S. on a long trip. Before they left my dad (Ron) told me, "If anything happens around the house then call John.) Yep! I came home from school to find the ground outside our kitchen window covered with water and more water coming out of the ground. I called John and within seconds, he was there fixing the problem. He was very kind to fix the issue and to calm me down too. So as you travel down this difficult road, please know my thoughts are with you. Rhonda (Wire) Stuart
Rob Farquhar
January 8, 2025
Glad I got to talk to John on the phone, and continue with text messages! Great friend many memories water skiing back on Fox Island, glad we reconnected!!
Carolyn Clark
January 7, 2025
Diane, what a beautiful tribute to John. I only met him a couple of times with Linda and John but not seeing you for years I remember you being so happy and excited for the next adventure. Take care and hold on tight to the memories. Carolyn
Tim manke
January 5, 2025
Big John, had such a positive influence on my youth. I was very fortunate to have known him and for all of the love I received from the Simchuk family.
John Emtman
January 5, 2025
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Gregg Evans
January 4, 2025
I hadn't known John very long but long enough to have seen in him traits like honesty, kindness, calmness, humility, and compassion. He was an exemplary man. I knew him to have a listening ear and to be more interested in hearing the stories of others than in telling his own. Maria and I count it a blessing to have come to know John over these last few years, and we will really miss him at our little gatherings. Our sincere condolences to his wife, children, step-children, and grands.
Pat Cordle
January 4, 2025
John, what a wonderful person. He always seemed to have a smile and a kind word to share. He was so interesting to talk with, all his adventures. His hiking, cycling across the USA, all journeys he would share and sounded so inspiring. It was a blessing to know John.
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