John Fitzgerald Gaston's Obituary
John F. Gaston
May 27, 1928 -" Nov 2, 2009
Please note: Mom wrote dad's obituary prior to her own death in Sept 2009 and wanted to share a summary of his life in her own words. Our beloved father passed away peacefully in Dupont, WA after suffering from a stroke almost 4 years ago.
John was born in Tacoma where he attended Stadium High School, University of Puget Sound and University of Washington where he received his Business Degree in 1950.
He was inducted into the Army and sent to Germany as Military Police and in 1953 discharged from the service and married his college sweetheart, Wendy Gaston. John went into the investment business and it became his lifetime focus.
He was a member of Theta Chi fraternity, Tacoma Club and the Tacoma Country Club and was a past president of Gyro Club.
He is remembered for his dedicated interest in investments and his clients' welfare, his integrity, honesty and loyalty to family and friends. He had high moral standards and a strong belief in God but also a sense of the ridiculous. His -Å"off the wall- Irish wit will be remembered by many. After his retirement his interest in -Å"all things German- was significant and he loved to practice his German, especially teaching his granddaughter basic German words. He also loved gardening, particularly pruning as well as non-fiction reading and history.
John is survived by his son John Jr. (Kathryn) of Bellevue and granddaughter Marissa, who was a source of joy and much good natured teasing; his daughter Katherine Sherwin (Chris) of Heber City, UT, his brother Richard (Judy) of Reno, NV and Palm Desert, CA and his sister Ann Dagman (C. Dennis) of Colorado Springs and their families. John was preceded in death by his wife Wendy of 56 years. They are now together again and forever.
Note from our family: Dad will be remembered for his sense of humor, intellect and his vivacious personality. His dedication to his family and his attention to detail with investments was undeniable. We will always remember dad with his German collectibles, along with him working in the yard and the garden with his rose bushes. Dad touched all of our lives profoundly and will forever be in our hearts. The family would like to extend their gratitude to both Karen Hartley and Sandy Brizuela, who were a source of positive thinking and support for the family over the years.
A memorial mass will be held at St. John Bosco Catholic Church, 10508 112th Street SW, Lakewood, WA at 11am on November 14th. A Celebration of Life Reception will follow from 1pm to 3pm at the Tacoma Country and Golf Club, 13204 Country Club Dr. SW, Lakewood, WA. The family invites John and Wendy's many friends and family to both the mass and Celebration of Life. Memorial contributions may be made to your favorite charity.
Please sign an online guestbook at www.mountainviewtacoma.com for condolences and remembrances.
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