John King Munroe
October 07, 1927 - February 14, 2019
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John King Munroe
October 07, 1927 - February 14, 2019
Obituary
John was born in Walla Walla, WA to John and Anna (Witt) Munroe. He lived in Dayton until WWII when he joined the US Merchant Marine. John attended WSC until 1949 and worked at KWWB in Walla Walla until the Korean War. He then enlisted from the Naval Reserve into the US Navy and served on three battleships, an aircraft carrier, and a seaplane tender until 1953 when he was transferred to Armed Forces Radio Service in Hollywood. Upon discharge in 1954, he graduated WSC and worked at KPUG, then served as an elementary principal at Marietta and Larrabee schools for ten years. He returned to broadcasting at KGMI for many years until he received an opportunity to teach at WWU where he was on faculty for ten years.
He and his wife, Marjorie, founded Munroe Wool Company, which they operated for 17 years. John was an amateur radio operator since 1942 (W7KCN), a bagpiper, a writer of 50 vocal jazz arrangements, had several singing groups, and was a model railroader. He was also an avid reader and wrote articles published in various periodicals. He was a member and Deacon at Immanuel Bible Church for more than 45 years.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marjorie: daughters Paula (Tim), Theresa (Pete) and Marianne (Mark); son, Tom (Sheryl); and grandchildren, David, James, Cherelle, Thomas, Matthew, Meghan, Ondrea, Tannor, Zachary, Eli, Sohpie, and Annabel.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held on Thursday, February 21st, at 2:00pm at Immanuel Bible Church (2000 W North St, Bellingham, WA 98225).
Celebration Of Life
- Date & Time: January 19, 2212 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Immanuel Bible Church
- Location: 2000 W North St Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
8 responses to John King Munroe
Larry Mount says:
February 14, 2019
My condolences to the family, John was such a gentleman and it was my privilege to know him.
Gary & Gail Hall says:
February 14, 2019
We were saddened to read that our great friend John has passed on. That being said, there is no question where he is headed. He was truly a wonderful man of God.
We will always cherish the great meals we shared with John and Marjorie either at their home or at a birthday celebration at the Hilltop.
Our children will not soon forget the special “vitamins” he shared with them in the balcony at Immanuel Bible Church when he was an usher.
He had a passion for the history of mining in Whatcom County and we fondly remember watching his slide presentation on more than one occasion. He also shared with us the location of the old Silvertip Mine which we were able to locate on one of our hikes. I treasure an old Austrian alpine ice axe that he gave to me. I will always think of John when I go for a hike using it.
My favorite memories of John are the times that we spent training and then competing in the canoe leg of the Ski to Sea race. John had always covered the race for the radio station and asked if he could actually paddle with me. John was as steady as a rock in the bow of the canoe. I fondly remember him exclaiming to a couple of young Navy crew members that they should be ashamed to let a couple of old guys like us pass them near the finish line. I will miss sharing those moments of “joy” with John! He provided some wonderful memories and will certainly be missed.
Lydia Sikes says:
February 14, 2019
Cousin John … W7KCN …. how sad to hear you have left us. So enjoyed our times together through ham radio, your wonderful talks, our visits to your home, and the Munroe family Round Robin letters, your stories of visiting my mom, and tales of the Munroe family. You will forever be remembered in my heart.
Lydia Sikes (Towner/Munroe) K7LET
Phil Sikes N7UX