Obituary: Winston, John P.
Age 62
John was born on January 1, 1953 to John and Antonia Winston.
He was the first baby of the New Year and great-grandson of Col. Patrick Henry Winston, first Attorney General in the state of Washington, and in true Winston style John was a real character.
He attended Roosevelt, Sacajawea, and in 1971 was a proud graduate of Lewis and Clark High School.
After high school John attended Eastern Washington University.
Being a native Spokanite he lived on the South Hill his entire life.
He loved Spokane and all its amenities.
For the past 15 years John worked for the Spokane School District.
John was a avid sports fan and loved the Oakland Raiders and the University of Washington Huskys football teams.
John also spent enjoyable hours running, hiking on the bluff, and f biking on the South Hill.
He enjoyed boxing, liberal politics, African American rights, and FDR (against his dad’s wishes).
John loved morning coffee or a craft beer on his deck that looked out over Peaceful Valley.
John was notorious for decorating his place for Halloween and Christmas, but more than anything he loved his friends and they were drawn to his sense of humor and ability to make others laugh.
John will be remembered by many loyal friends that filled his life.
Steve McIntosh, Gary Anderson, Gary Rhodes, Ken Frederick, Dean and Christina Simnioniw, Dave Simnioniw, Ed Indiveri, Kim Kusske, Donna Shaw and Kathy Gaiser.
Special thanks to Lois King and Mike Troy who were caring neighbors.
John is preceded in death by his parents John and Antonia Winston.
He is survived by his sisters Antonia aka Toni (Ron) Jones and Barbara (Vance) Powell.
Nieces Natalee Powell and Ashley (Will) Wagenlander; grandnieces Ella, Lucy, Nina Jane, Beatrice.
John was a sentimentalist, and always displayed a positive attitude, and a man who appreciated the gift of life.
He exemplified “Carpe Diem”.
As one friend so aptly described John,” He was his own person, a unique individual, true to his beliefs.”
John had a quick wit and an undying recall of old movies, trivia, and sports.
He was well read and could discuss many topics knowledgably.
John was devoted to his three cats, Danny Boy, Leona, and Smokey.
John you will be truly missed.
Donations can be made SCRAPS, The Union Gospel Mission, or a charity of your choice.
There will be a memorial service held Thursday, June 18, 2015 at 1 pm at Hennessey Funeral Home and Crematory, 2203 N. Division Street.
To view John’s online memorial, please visit www.hennesseyfuneralhomes.com.