John Bell McElwrath

Well known for always being joyful and kind and having an unparalleled enthusiasm for his family and the outdoors. John grew up in Connecticut and California and got his bachelor's degree in economics from Pomona College where he was a collegiate swimmer and water polo player. After school he pursued his many passions. He photographed professionally where he enjoyed meeting people and their families and he took time to explore nature through backpacking the Sierra Mountains in California. He then worked in telecommunications, where he met his wife Cherie. They married in 1987 and then moved to the east coast where they started raising their family.

John devoted his life to his loving family, from coaching soccer to building "nana cabanas" for beach trips. He and Cherie retired to Sharon, GA where he got to raise chickens and perfect the art of smoking meat on the big green egg and making unbeatable baguettes. In 2021, John became "Popsey" to his first grandchild and he and Cherie moved to Seattle, WA to be close to family. In his final years, John enjoyed reading books with Bonnie, smiling with Mabel, having picnics overlooking Puget Sound, and eating wonderful dinners with Cherie.

John is survived by his loving wife, Cherie McElwrath of Seattle, WA, daughter Caitlin McElwrath Heintz and husband Jack Heintz of Seattle, WA, son Major Craig Muir McElwrath of Corsham, United Kingdom, his two grandchildren; Bonnie Heintz and Mabel Heintz of Seattle, WA, sister Susan Brandenburg of Carlsbad, CA, and 15 nieces and nephews and their families.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00am (PT) on Sunday July 21st, 2024 in Seattle, WA.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations are made in honor of John Bell McElwrath to the Sierra Club.