John Gurrad
John Gurrad
John Gurrad
John Gurrad
John Gurrad
John Gurrad

Obituary of John Wesley Gurrad

John Wesley Gurrad, 61, entered eternal rest and peace on February 22, 2023, after passing unexpectedly at home in Olympia, Washington.  He was born May 31, 1961, in Longview, Washington, and is survived by his best friend and lifelong love, his wife, Deneice; his two sons, Wesley B. and Spencer C., who were the pride of his life.

John also became a proud father-in-law to Alexandra, wife of Wesley, in September 2022.  John so enjoyed that “MAGICAL” time because he was able to share his yard as the venue with the people he loved.  He was an avid yard guy, Master Gardner.  Planting, propagating, and cutting back!  The circle of life.  Guests often commented that “John’s yard was like walking into a National Park.”  One of the best times of the year for John was the 4th of July.  Spencer would get the party started and John would start BBQing, and then the guests would roll in and out all day and night. He fed them all, or at least tried to.  He loved on others with his chef talents, sharing his gift of the grill and anything yummy he could and would cook!!

John had a successful mechanical engineering/aerospace career with General Electric, after graduating from the University of Washington. He really enjoyed the field of composites and excelled in his profession.  John obtained a security clearance, met in clandestine locations, and has a patent on a composite engine part.  He loved all things jets/planes.

Later, after a career with GE for 10 years, John chose to build a beautiful house on Black Lake (with his father-in-law, Dale) and be a stay-at-home Dad.  Of course, he did all the landscaping with the help of his boys.  He has always had an eye for detail and for those in need.  He was a strong character, hard worker, sprinkled with kindness, humor, great intelligence, discernment, humility, and a darn good all-around construction man.

He was a loving and hard-working son to Philip (deceased) and Patricia Gurrad, of Longview, Washington.  John had an older sister, Peggy, and two younger brothers, Jay and Jim.

Please come and celebrate John’s life with us on Sunday, April 30, 2023, at Kenneydell Park in the Main Lodge, 6745 Fairview Road SW, Olympia WA  98512.   Celebration begins at 1:00 p.m.  Food and drinks will be provided.  (We all know John wants to feed us because he loves us so!!)

In lieu of flowers, his family suggests a donation to the Thurston County Food Bank or a food bank in your area.  We thank you.

Please leave condolences or share memories and photos on the Tribute Wall to the left.

 

 

 

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We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ the staff at Funeral Alternatives of Washington - Tumwater
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