John Tillman

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, April 6, 2013 at 2pm for John Tillman at Hinson Baptist Church in Portland, Oregon. John went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, March 31 surrounded by his loving family who had been present with him during his final days on earth. His wife Bonnie and daughters would like to invite all who knew him to attend.

John was born in Los Angeles, CA in 1934 to David and Julia Tillman, along with his twin Joan. He was the youngest of eight children. He attended Eagle Rock High School and Glendale Community College where he earned his degree. He enjoyed running and could always be found singing whether in the house or with a group. He attended La Crescenta First Baptist Church for many years. John later met his wife Bonnie and they were married on August 4, 1956. They eventually moved south to Irvine, CA were they continued to raise their three daughters, Diana, Dena and Darla. John and Bonnie later moved to Oregon to enjoy time with grandchildren, friends and new opportunities.

John enjoyed many activities and had varying interests. He could be found singing in the group “The Swordsmen”, fishing in Hume Lake, square dancing with the local club members, hiking in the woods or golfing in his backyard. John spent many weekends on the soccer field watching his grandkids games, track events, theatre and musical performances. He also held the honor and pride of his grandchildren’s military service. They always knew he was their biggest fan. He was a painter by trade and owned and operated his own painting company for more than 35 years. He and Bonnie loved to travel and were blessed by trips to places like Hawaii, Florida, Ireland and Sweden. He held friendships and family dear working to maintain them through shared experiences and time spent together.

John will be remembered for his perpetual optimism, sense of humor, awe of adventure and love of family and friends. He blessed all with a great smile and could cause many to respond with the like if they caught a glimpse of the infamous eyebrow flicker.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Tillman; daughters, Diana Tillman-Suarez, Dena Bliss, and Darla Samuelson; siblings Gus Tillman and Hazel Lindberg; six grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers the family asks instead for contributions to be made in John’s memory to Cure PSP and CBD (a rare form of Parkinson’s disease) by visiting www.psp.org and click “donate now” or to the Wounded Warriors Project by visiting www.woundedwarriorproject.org and click “donate now”.

A military inurnment will take place at Willamette National Cemetery on Monday, April 8, 2013 at 3pm. Arrangements entrusted to Young’s Funeral Home, in Tigard Oregon.