Nov 12, 1926 – Dec 28, 2021
We hope you will join us in remembering John – our beloved brother, family member, and friend.
John Donald Eckerson passed away on Dec.28th. He was a true Renaissance man, who taught anatomy and physiology at the University of Victoria for many years, but also carved beautiful homes out of raw land. He loved his family, his six children and his wife of 71 years, but but they never impeded his wandering spirit or his quest for knowledge and adventure.
He spent his early years on a farm in Lebam, Washington until joining the Navy at 17 to fight in the Pacific at the end of WW2. The GI Bill enabled him to earn multiple degrees ending with a doctorate in anatomy and physiology, which he accomplished with six children and little money, a feat that could only be accomplished with his supportive and hardworking wife, Joanne.
He married his wife of almost 72 years in 1950 and his legacy of father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather began soon after. He loved buying raw land and building homes for his family which he did several times; in Southern Washington, Alaska, Sooke, B.C., and finally in his beloved Upper Skagit, where he retired in 1990.
John always had a deep love for the earth, his family and the world-wide brotherhood of Jehovah's Witnesses which he cherished through most of his life. He loved hiking in the Cascades, spending time talking to people about the Bible, reading books on the early history of the Skagit and geology, and clearing land on his bulldozer.
He leaves behind his wife Joanne, his six children, John, Jill, Robin, Matt, Sharon, and Joseph, and their many children and grandchildren, all who will miss him greatly and continue to tell the stories that come with a life well-lived. Special thanks to Joe, Joanne, and Sharon who allowed him to spend his last years at home, and to the caring and loving staff at Sedro Woolley Hospital who cared for him the last days of his life.
Dear Eckerson family, Thank you for allowing us to meet the good Brother, good Husband, good Father and good Grandfather John. And we know it was good because, it is reflected in you as people. He did a good job!! Not perfect... but hey. Now his pain is ours... but soon his joy will be ours too.
I have the sweetest memories growing up and visiting the Eckerson home - the little surprises hidden in the tree trunks along the driveway into the property, John always with his hat on doing some job on the property, the pond, playing tennis, enjoying Joanne’s delicious bread and meals. Sending lots of love to the whole family from Bolivia. Paradise will be the perfect home for John to keep exploring.
If you knew John he always brought the best out of you in service, he gave you the self confidence you needed to take any door, as he was there when I took my first door. Thanks John
There is so much to say! Hikes-Watson Lakes, Maple Pass, gifts he shared that were passed on to others. So he shared his knowledge, wisdom and insight generously with dignity, kindness and love. We long to welcome him back!
Gentle John When John talked to you he gave you his full attention, it was a personal connection. You could feel that he cared. I will cherish the memory of working with John, clearing Forrests property. Here he was a 90 year old operating his bulldozer helping move stumps. I look forward to working with John again. What a wonderful hope we have. This pain of John being gone is only temporary.