John Edward Lacey

He was born in Puyallup, Washington, on July 24, 1918 to Fred and Eulah (Utterback) Lacey.

Following his graduation from Puyallup high School in 1936, he joined the Civilian Conservation Corps, working at Longmire, Mount Rainier National Park.

On October 3, 1941 John enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard. He married Lucille Judd in Port Angeles on his birthday in 1942.

The Coast Guard life involved numerous transfers and they lived in several states while raising four daughters.

John remained in the Coast Guard for 20 years, retiring in Port Angeles on November 1, 1961, with the rank of chief aviation machinist’s mate. He was very proud to be a veteran.

From 1962-1968, he worked for the Clallam County Sheriff’s Department, eventually serving as the deputy assigned to the Clallam Bay-Sekiu area.

With just two law enforcement officers responsible for the entire West End of the county at times, it was a nonstop job that involved many long hours in his patrol car.

He always enjoyed visiting with the residents and tourists he encountered along the way. In 1968 he left the Sheriff’s Department for the county Assessor’s Office where he worked for 10 years.

Following his retirement from the county, John spent many happy hours salmon fishing from the beach at the end of Ediz Hook with his retired military buddies. He sometimes brought home “big ones” of 35 pounds or more.

An active bowler, he participated in several leagues each week, reluctantly retiring from the sport in 2008 at the age of 90.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years; daughters Lynette Hostetler (Tom) and Debbie Jones (Ron) of Port Angeles, Sandy Swantz (Rick) of Arizona and Kathy Rzemieniewski (Bob) of Virginia; eight grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his sister, Margaret and brother Fred.

Arrangements under the direction of Harper Ridgeview Funeral Chapel, Port Angeles, WA.