John Henry Prosser

John Henry Prosser, passed away on June 22, 2013, just shy of his 65th birthday. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his family and listening to his favorite music. John fought valiantly through several assaults to his health, but this final illness was too much for his body. John was a gentle soul who was happiest working on projects around the house that ranged from building a garage to remodeling the kitchen.

John was born on July 2, 1948, in Joliet, Ill., to Henry Jennings Prosser and Marian Whalen Prosser. He was third in line of six children. Outdoor activities and sports were John’s early pursuits, playing basketball all the way into junior college. He received his BA in Cinematography at Southern Illinois University, making many short films throughout those years. While in junior college, John met Linda Sharon Cryder and they married on June 11, 1971. While residing in Plainfield, Ill., John’s favorite job was being a photographer at the Sun Times in Chicago. Ready for a change of scenery, John and Linda moved to the Pacific Northwest. Although they’d planned to return to Illinois after their adventure, they fell in love with the Northwest and never left. John first worked at a photo processing plant and then went on to a job that he truly loved. Hired by a cabinet maker, his creativity was set in motion. From cabinet making, John went on to a maintenance job with the Chehalis School District for 28 years. John thoroughly enjoyed figuring out how things worked and solving problems to keep all of the old buildings maintained and functioning. After retiring in 2011, he enjoyed continuing all the restoration projects on their home.

John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Linda and and two children, Justin and Rachel. Justin and Jaime Prosser live in Seattle, Wash., and have three children, Kelsey, Holden, and Parker. Rachel and Jason Roberts live in Rice’s Landing, Pa., and have one child, Jocelyn. John also leaves behind a large extended family in Illinois, including his parents, five siblings, and numerous nieces and nephews. John loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, and extended family. Many family vacations were spent attending family reunions or other events. John was an exceptional husband, father, grandfather and friend. John will be missed by all those who knew him.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in John’s name to Westminster Presbyterian Church or the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society .