John W. Lacy

Surrounded by family, John Willard Lacy passed away at St. Peter’s Hospital, Olympia, WA in the early morning hours of Sunday, July 16th, 2017. He was 92 years old. He was born November 30, 1924 in Oklahoma City, OK to Lester Daniel and Nell Olney Lacy. He was the youngest of four children (Dan, Margaret, Bill). He and Bill were close in age and spent much of their childhood together hunting, fishing and roaming around their country home on Kelley Avenue in Oklahoma City. Standing at nearly 6' 5" and possessing a deep baritone voice, John was an imposing figure who later became known as "Big John" in some circles. As such, he was a standout defensive end on the Northeast High School football team. As World War II broke out, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1942 at the young age of 17. Following boot camp in San Diego, he served in the Pacific. Although not involved in the famous battles of Midway and Okinawa, he was stationed in each place. He was very proud of his service and spoke fondly of the camaraderie and adventure of his Marine Corps days.

After serving four years, he returned home to Oklahoma in 1946. He reconnected with his high school sweetheart, Lois Ann Phillips. They enjoyed the summer and fall at her parent's ranch in Weleetka, OK. While there, John observed Red Phillips practice law. As his curiosity got the best of him, he began to read Red's law books. Despite the fact that banking was the Lacy family business, he became engrossed with the notion to practice law himself. John and Lois Ann were married in early winter of 1946, and together attended Central State University in Edmond, OK. Soon after he and Lois Ann welcomed daughter Sharon Rose, and a scant 15 months later, son Brian. John graduated law school in the spring of 1952, and began his career as Okfuskee County Prosecutor in Okemah, OK. As his tenure of 4 years closed, it took a toll on his marriage and his psyche. He and Lois Ann were divorced and John went into civil law practice.

Soon after, he married Wilma Carpenter. Together they celebrated the birth of son John Jr and 5 years later son James. During this time John and family became involved with Highland Hills Christian Church in Oklahoma City, OK. He served as a deacon for many years. He and Sharon Rose sang in the choir together and he served as chairman of the board for several years. He was also a youth group sponsor for several years, as they enjoyed his enthusiasm and zest for life. Eventually he and Wilma divorced and John decided to relocate for a fresh start.

His third and final marriage was to Rebecca Brown. Together they moved to Washington State in 1969 and he adopted Rebecca’s son Chris. In those early years in the Northwest, they enjoyed many family trips to the Oregon Coast and Vancouver, BC, Canada. John spent the last half of his life in a house they purchased overlooking Budd Inlet in Olympia, WA in 1971. John was very observant and had an insatiable curiosity for the world around him. As such, he very much enjoyed spending time on his deck overlooking the water, fishing, surveying wildlife, people, sunsets and all the boat traffic. He was also the most gregarious person you could ever meet.

He was a great storyteller, could talk to anyone about anything, and frequently did. This friendly disposition combined with a compassionate heart meant John and Rebecca often opened up their home to others. Family often came for long stays, including Rebecca’s grandmother Iola Pearce who lived with them for a time. And they sheltered many of Chris’ friends, often when they needed it most. They affectionately assigned John the moniker "Johnny Law" for his big personality and intellect.

As a lifelong football fan, John cheered on his home state team, the University of Oklahoma Sooners (OU). Later, as a proud resident of the state of Washington, he quickly adopted the new hometown Seattle Seahawks of the NFL. He attended many home games in the old Kingdome with Rebecca, son Chris and close friends Harv and Debbie Wilson. He was known for his booming voice, which he employed at opportune times to voice his displeasure at lack of player effort or perceived blown calls by game officials. Then as Chris pursued his education at the University of Washington, the two cheered on UW football in Husky stadium during coach Don James’ era.

John’s working years in Washington were spent with DSHS (Washington Department of Social and Health Services) as an administrative law judge. After supporting his wife Rebecca’s pursuit of a law degree in the late 70s, he retired from DSHS in the mid-80s to help with Rebecca’s private law practice. It wasn’t long before he completely retired and took up the game of golf. He enjoyed many rounds over the years with sons James and Chris and many of Chris’ friends. Some rounds took place in Hawaii, where John and Rebecca enjoyed many holidays over the years with family and friends. Also in early retirement, he discovered downhill skiing at the age of 63 and absolutely loved it. Soon after, Rebecca followed suit and the two had discovered their retirement passion. Over a twenty-year period, they travelled all over the western United States and Canada skiing and vacationing.

In 1993 they purchased a vacation home in Pemberton, BC Canada (just north of Whistler). They spent about half their time there and much as they had in Olympia, they hosted family, friends and even a local RCMP (Royal Canadian Mounted Policeman), who lived with them for a time. Friends in Canada took to calling John "The Judge," as he regaled them with stories of his time as an attorney. They loved the Pemberton Valley and all the good times they shared in that beautiful place.

While his mind and body deteriorated in later years, John never waned in his love of family or his plucky disposition. He treasured family visits all the way to the end. The family thanks Roo Lan Health Care and St. Peter’s Hospital for the quality care John received in the last year of life. He is survived by his wife Rebecca (Olympia), daughter Sharon Rose (Olympia), son Brian and wife Linda (Oklahoma City), son John Jr and wife Elizabeth (Oklahoma City) and sons James and Chris (Olympia). He has five grandchildren: Chris, Janet, Jason (Oklahoma City), Moorea and Siena (Olympia). And he has seven great grandchildren and two great great grandchildren.

A celebration of life is to be held at Mills & Mills Funeral Home in Tumwater, WA at 2 pm on Thursday, August 3rd, 2017. The program is to include a chapel service, a graveside ceremony to commemorate his World War II service followed by fellowship in the

reception area.

John was an avid bird lover. Donations in his name may be made to Audobon Society. Alternatively donations for Salvation Army and Olympia Union Gospel Mission are acceptable.