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
Nancie Silves (Paterson) says:
February 14, 2019
I have many fond memories of John playing the bagpipes with my father Bill Paterson, Due to spending the winter months in Arizona, I missed his memorial service, however my thoughts and prayers will be with all of you as you go through this difficult time of losing a loved one. RIP John, you will be missed by many.Nancie Silves
John Roberts says:
February 14, 2019
If I am ever asked who my favorite teacher was, my answer is always Mr. Munroe. As my third and fourth grade teacher at Marietta school he instilled in me a love of singing, reading, arithmetic, and even encouraged me learn to operate a telegraph key and learn Morse code. I still remember the names of some of the books he would read to the students, reciting with his big radio voice. “Homer Price,” “The Light On The Island” captivated my imagination, along with tales of fascinating places he had seen during his navy career. Truly a memorable man.
Kathy Paterson Peters says:
February 14, 2019
It is with great sadness to learn about John’s passing. John had a passion for many things and made friends in many places. It was through his joy of playing the bagpipes that our paths crossed. He and my father, Bill Paterson, along with former Bellingham pipers are playing their lungs out in heaven. It was a treasure to have known John and his family. My condolences to all that loved and knew him.
John and Joyce Permen says:
February 14, 2019
John has been a dear friend to me and our family for many years. A finer man I have never met. To say a special gentleman sounds far too little to say as he was always more then that. It has been my pleasure and delight to be called one of his many friends. Our sympathies to Majorie and family. We will sincerely miss our dear friend…and to be in our nightly prayers and thoughts forever. So many special memories John has made for us over the years.
Larry & Toni Clark says:
February 14, 2019
John was a very interesting person who we knew for a very long time. His many talents were shared with us throughout the years beginning in the mid 1970’s.
Some of the things we had in common were sheep, music, bag pipes, gardening and radio. His love of sharing his skills and talents helped us in many ways to become better people and better at out tasks at hand.
We can recall the funny stories of John & Larry raising sheep and the trials and tribulations of doing such. John & Larry often sheared our sheep together and the banter between the two including the sheep, kept me rolling in laughing!
He was a special help to me when it came to taking over the “Bob Clark Gardening Program” on KGMI. His gentle manner and words of encouragement and love of gardening helped me be almost as good as my father-in-law “Bob” during the “live broadcasts”.
John often came to see us at work to see how we were doing. As a special gift on one of my birthdays, he came to my work with his bagpipes and played a song for me! A real special moment for me!
Many wonderful memories were created with John throughout or lives that will be in our hearts forever. It had been a blessing to us to have been able to call John a friend and have him part of our lives!
Blessings to you Majorie and your Family during this time . Thank you for sharing John with us over the many years.