John Robert LaRiviere
October 15, 1924 - February 21, 2016
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John Robert LaRiviere
October 15, 1924 - February 21, 2016
Obituary
John Robert “Jack” LaRiviere, beloved husband, father, brother, grandpa, great-grandpa, business man, and role model, passed away peacefully on Sunday, February 21 at the age of 91.
Jack was born in a logging camp tent in Ryderwood, Washington on October 15, 1924 to Peter and Emma LaRiviere. The family moved to Longview, Washington in 1925.
Jack married Sylvia Ann Poindexter on December 4, 1943 in Bakersfield, California where he was stationed during Army Air Corps boot camp. He served for 3 years in India during WWII, servicing gliders and flying the Burma Hump. After the war, he worked for several years as an electrician before forming his own company, Riteway Electric.
He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and the great outdoors; instilling a love of nature in all his children and grandchildren.
Jack was active in Assumption Church; serving for many years on the building and grounds committee of the Parish Council.
Jack is survived by Sylvia, his wife of 72 years; four children, Randall, Robert, Nancy, and Lisa; six grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He was a dedicated family man, hard-working contractor, and man of faith. Jack will be missed by many, but never forgotten.
Services will be held on Thursday, Feb. 25 at Assumption Church (2116 Cornwall Ave, Bellingham) at 10:30AM followed by a reception.
Memorial Service
- Date & Time: February 25, 2016 (12:00 AM)
- Venue: Assumption Catholic Church
- Location: 2116 Cornwall Bellingham, WA 98225 - (Get Directions)
12 responses to John Robert LaRiviere
Hal Branham says:
February 21, 2016
Jack was a great man. I enjoyed spending time with him around a campfire. I enjoyed his stories.
Steve Erickson says:
February 21, 2016
A name I had not seen in awhile, a man I fondly remember.
Nancy my thoughts are with you and your family
Steve
Alan & Wendy Jenkins says:
February 21, 2016
Just wanted to offer our condolences to Sylvia and Jack’s family. We’ve know Jack for a long time from Saturday, 5:00 mass. We sat in the same pew. He always called me Sunny Boy and I would affectionately call him Old Fart. This exchange made the folks around us laugh. His smile will be missed by us all.
Catherine Warner OConnell says:
February 21, 2016
So sorry to hear of John’s passing Sunday. Please accept our condolences to his family. We so enjoyed visiting with John over the years. My father will always remember his hunting trip with John and their visits. Our prayers to you and your family. Cathi and Greg O’Connell and Don and AnnaMae Warner.
Stu Soderquist says:
February 21, 2016
Jack,Words can’t describe the empty spot that I feel in my heart, knowing that I will never see you knock on my door, wave from your house, or drive up the street. You greeted me like family from the first week that I moved into my house 24 years ago – and have loved me like family ever since. Your sweet spirit, heartfelt laugh, and loving kiss on the cheek – will never be forgotten. For some reason, I always thought of you as invincible and unstoppable- like the Energizer-bunny. (You always kept on going day after day, month after month, year after year for the past 24 years that I was blessed to have you as a neighbor and friend. Your fatherly love helped me to heal a few areas of damage from my growing up years and day-to-day life. (and you were simply being yourself) You loved God and showed it daily through your love and service to others. You have served as an excellent example to your wife, kids, and grandkids of a loving, caring, and compassionate man.
Jack, my life is richer, fuller, and blessed for having known and loved you. As long as I reside in this house, a day won’t pass that I won’t look across the street and reflect fondly of our friendship and my fatherly love for you.
Blessings and Gratitude abound!
Much Love & Thank You So Much!
Stuart (Stu) Soderquist