John LaFranchise

John “Jack” LaFranchise passed away in his sleep June 11, 2017. He was born in Spokane, Washington on July 21, 1929.

A born storyteller, John kept his family and friends entertained with the tales of his exploits over the years. These stories may or may not have included the buzzing tanks, Crater Lake, White Sands nuclear test site, a guy named Riley, Korean Villagers, a runaway pig, a ditch full of poison ivy, and deep sea fishing.

John was a pilot in the Korean War. He flew reconnaissance as well as transporting wounded soldiers to MASH units. His service earned him multiple medals, including a Bronze Star. John ended his long military career as a Colonel in the Army Reserves.

He married twice. The first to Karen Johnson in 1957. They had four children. His second marriage was to Janine Pence in 1980. Together they have one son. (And every one of his five children have a trove of Dad’s stories. Some of them are legend.

His Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Genetics from Oregon State University helped to prepare him for his life as a livestock farmer. He worked hard but still made time to volunteer and raise funds for a myriad of non-profit or charitable organizations.

John is survived by Janine, his wife of 37 years; children Annette, Julie, David, John, and Paul; son-in-law Loren, daughter-in-law Kruti; grandchildren Nicole, Stephanie, Laura, Lauren, Race, and his two great grandsons, Arlo and Luca.

We are all dipping our wings to you, Dad, to say goodbye and wish you love and Godspeed on this next grand adventure.

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