Obituary of John Richard Lathrop

Born April 25, 1929 in Choteau, MT, went to the angels on April 22, 2008. John is survived by his wife of 26 years, Ellida Kirk Lathrop, his sister Dawn Sauve of Kent, and their 8 children: Steven Lathrop (Tracey), Shannon Thorne (Gary), William Lathrop, III (Kellie), Julie Rollins (Lloyd), Melanie Kirk-Stauffer (Larry), Cynthia Endicott (Wally), Brian Kirk, Lise' Ohlson (John), 23 grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. The son of Jewell E. and William R. Lathrop, Jr., he graduated from Renton High School followed by Washington State University's School of Forestry, where he was a Founding Father of Delta Sigma Phi Fraternity and an honorary lifetime member. John served from 1950 to 1952 in Korea in the U.S. Marine Corps. He retired in 1994 as Timber Manager for Barbee Mill, Co., Inc. in Renton. His lifetime career was as a Forester, Timber Manager and log buyer for several Northwest sawmills. John loved travelling and went to England, Ireland, Turkey, Spain, France, Mexico, Canada and cruised both ways through the Panama Canal. He will be deeply missed for his optimism and wry sense of humor. Services, with Military Honors, will be Monday April 28 at 11am (Viewing 10am) at Skyline Presbyterian Church, 6301 Westgate Blvd, Tacoma, WA. In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Dance Theatre Northwest, WSU Foundation or the Fircrest Fire Dept. The family thanks Allenmore Hospital, Manor Care of Tacoma, and the Fircrest Fire Dept. Arrangements by Edwards Memorial Center 253-566-1008.