John Francis Shank

John Francis Shank, 77 years old, of Vancouver, WA, passed on April 19, 2010 after a courageous struggle from an accidental fall in his home. John was born and raised in Seattle, WA to Angeline and John Florian Shank. He attended Seattle Preparatory Catholic School, and went on to obtain a degree in Chemical Engineering from Seattle University. He credits much of his keen intellect, his love for all people, and his strong faith to the Jesuits who taught him. After a short stint at Boeing Corporation in Seattle, in 1956, John began his career with Crown Zellerbach Pulp and Paper Company (which later became James River Paper Company) in management at mills in Campbell River and Ocean Falls, BC, Canada, Camas and Omak, WA, Lancaster, OH, Carthage, NY, Antioch, CA and Berlin, NH. He retired in Vancouver, WA in 1997. John was an avid fisherman and outdoor enthusiast who loved boating and camping with his children. His passion for life was evident by his world travels to such places as China, Thailand, Mexico, and Europe. He was a voracious reader with a keen interest in history and cultures of the world. A beloved husband, father and grandfather, his greatest joy was spending time with his family. His tremendous generosity, gregarious personality, and sense of humor will be greatly missed. John is survived by his wife, Beverly (Mouser) Shank; two daughters, Leanne Shank (and spouse Scott Baker) and Christine Shank of Lexington, VA; two sons, Steven Shank (and spouse Dawn) of Santa Clarita, CA and his oldest son, John Shank (and spouse Andrea) of McLean, VA; two step-sons, Kevin Mouser (and spouse Lisa) of Livermore, CA and Terry Mouser of Antioch, CA. John was also the proud grandfather of thirteen, Marilyn and Patrick Jordan and Sidney Baker of Lexington, VA, Joseph, Michael and David Shank of McLean, VA, Daniel and MacKenzie of Lexington, VA, Jordyn Marilyn Shank of Santa Clarita, CA, Erica Kirby of Centerton, AR, Jennifer Mouser of Manchester, NH, Robert Mouser, JJ and Vincent Chiarpotti of Livermore, CA. John was preceded in death by first wife, Marilyn MacRae Shank, who was the mother of his four children, Leanne, Christine, Steven and John. John was an active and dedicated member of Saint Joseph's parish in Vancouver, WA where a Mass in celebration of his life was held on April 23, 2010. Donations can be made in John's memory to the St. Joseph's Building Fund, 6600 Highland Drive, Vancouver, WA 98661.

John Francis Shank

April 22, 1932 - April 19, 2010