John Surprenant

Obituary of John Harry Surprenant

John Harry Surprenant, 86, passed away peacefully in the early morning hours on Thursday, February 13, 2014. He was born October 26, 1927 in New York. John’s childhood was one of many hardships, so determined to make it on his own, he was enlisted by his mother in the Merchant Marines at the age of 14. John spent the next 22 years of his life in the Merchant Marines, U.S. Navy, and U.S. Army, fighting in World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. John eventually became a helicopter pilot, receiving the Bronze Star, a Purple Heart and many other awards for his dedication to his country. John retired from the military in 1968 at his last station in Fort Lewis, Washington. John then moved to Olympia with his wife, Alice, and his daughter, Dawn, and would begin the second half of his career with the Thurston County Sheriff’s Department. John’s wife, Alice, passed away in 1972. He met his wife, Helen, at the Thurston County Sheriff’s Office, and they married on December27, 1974. John was as dedicated a police officer as he was a soldier, often putting others safety before his own. He retired from the Sheriff’s Department as Chief Criminal Deputy in 1986. The next chapter of John’s life was spent traveling with his wife, Helen, in their motor home, especially enjoying the warm weather and their friends in Arizona. When John and Helen finally decided to stay put, they settled back in Olympia, still enjoying short trips when the mood struck them. John was diagnosed with dementia in early 2005, and spent the last two years of his life at Garden Courte Memory Care facility. John is survived by Helen, his wife of 39 years; a son, Harry (Bertie) of New York; four daughters, Dawn (Donny) Chatwood, Meren (Jeff) Gadman, Jode (Marc) McTighe and Dolene Roop, all of Olympia; 11 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren, with one more due this year. The family expresses a very special thank you to all of the staff at Garden Courte for your kind and loving care everyone showed John during his time there. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to the charity of your choice Please leave memories of John or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.
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