John Paulding Therrien

John Paulding Therrien was born February 19, 1927 and passed away peacefully on February 14, 2023 – a fitting day for his big heart. Beloved husband, father, grandpa and great grandpa, he is survived by his 6 children: Marc (Rene), Betsy Squires (Chad), Laurie McCloskey (Mike), Mary Kay Thompson (Peter), Michel (Lynn) and Jennifer, 17 grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren.

John attended Seattle Prep, graduating in 1944. He joined the Army where he served for two years and returned to attend the University of Washington, graduating in 1952. In 1957, John met the love of his life, Ann Davis, and the two married the same year. John worked in the insurance business and started his own company. Later, he earned his MA in family counseling, sold life insurance, and worked as an estate planner. He was a founding board member of Eastside Catholic High School and helped create the Options Program for high-school-aged children with developmental disabilities. These ventures culminated in 1996 when he and Ann founded Community Homes Inc., a non-profit dedicated to providing residential housing and oversight for adults with developmental disabilities. Today, Community Homes owns 8 homes and 2 shared-living homes.

John deeply loved God, his family and his friends and will be remembered for his joyous spirit and wonderful sense of humor.

His service will be held at Holy Family Parish in Kirkland, 7045 120th Ave. NE, 98033 at 11:00 AM Thursday, March 16, 2023.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in memory of John to Community Homes, Inc., PO Box 1240 Bothell, WA. 98041-1240.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.CedarLawns-Washington.com for the Therrien family.