John William ‘Gramps’ McCutcheon

November 5, 1924 — February 12, 2014

John William McCutcheon “Gramps”, 89, of Friday Harbor, died in his home Wednesday Feb. 12, 2014.

John was the well-known patriarch of a family that spans six generations of islanders. He lived his life surrounded by family and was able to spend his final years in his home on the property he loved, under the care of his children.

He was born Nov. 5, 1924, in Friday Harbor, Wash. He married the late Wanda McCutcheon on Dec. 2, 1950 and they shared 42 years together raising their four children, and laying the foundation for a very close, tight-knit family.

John’s legacy will always be that of an amazing father and grandfather who committed his life to providing a strong sense of unconditional love and support to his family.

He served in the Army during WWII, in the anti-aircraft battalion in Germany and France, from 1943-47.

His careers included commercial fishing, he supplied wood for the Lime Kiln in Roche Harbor, and later retired from the University of Washington Labs, where he worked in maintenance.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Wanda, son Pat, daughter Dairess and grandson Matt. He is survived by two children: Mark and Kenny, of Friday Harbor and eight grandchildren: Johnny, Amber, MarkE, Dani, Kenneth, Tiffany, Michelle, and Jesse. He is also survived by 18 great-grandchildren and his loving companion, a pug, named “Pug”.

He will be dearly missed by family, friends and the MANY “good ol’ boys” of Friday Harbor.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, March 1, at the Legion, beginning at 1 p.m.

— Family of John ‘Gramps’ McCutcheon