John Martin Garner's Obituary
John Martin Garner, age 45
John Garner died suddenly December 14th, 2022 from heart issues after intensive water rescue training. John’s life may have been cut short, but he touched the hearts of many while he was here with us.
John was born in Sunnyside, WA on March 20, 1977, to Tamra Garner and John Steinbock. John’s life as a child started in Othello, Washington and he spent most of his teenage years in Marysville, before eventually settling down in Tenino, Washington where he was living with his chosen partner Carlyn Parker and son Preston. John and Carlyn met and dated many years ago and then 4 years ago found their way back to each other to finish their love story. They shared this love for each other and enjoyed spending time with their son Preston often making improvements to their new home. John was very proud of his man cave and showed it off to anyone who stopped by. His new hobby was smoking whiskey and if you had visited him, he would likely make you follow him to the man cave to show you his newfound skill. He was a lifelong fan and season ticket holder of the Seattle Seahawks. It was rare John missed a home game and would often travel to away games to cheer on his favorite team. Everyone close to John knows his love for Karaoke and would often convince others to join him singing and swing dancing.
John had a way of making everyone around him feel energized and motivated no matter what the topic. He would encourage you to do more, to be more but in the end would love you right where you were. He embraced everyone with a heart filled with love. No one really understood, until after his passing the impact he truly made in this world. He not only dedicated his life to a profession that served others but also dedicated his personal life to doing the same. All four of his parents are so proud of their son. His siblings all knew John would be there in a flash if they needed him. To his nieces and nephews, Uncle John was like a superhero. He would walk in and before you knew it all the kids would run to him while he just smiled wrapping his arms around them all.
John started his firefighting career in the Marysville Fire Department. Soon after he joined the Army and served two tours in Afghanistan. He was part of a team that handled the Communications for the first free elections in Afghanistan. After returning home spent the second half of his life serving his communities as a Lieutenant firefighter in Ocean Shores, before ending at Central Pierce Fire and Rescue. He was very active as an Executive Leader with IAFF Seventh District.
He is survived by the love of his life, Carlyn Parker, son Preston and dog Ruby. He is also survived by parents Tamra and James Garner and John and Lori Steinbock along with his siblings Laura Bohannan (Chris), Christopher Selfridge (Yvonne), Traci Downer, and Stefanie Galfano (Nic). John's family stretched far and wide which included friends and firefighter brothers and sisters.
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