John was born July 3, 1930, in Seattle, WA, to John Milton Teutsch and Gladys (Feroe) Teutsch. As a boy, John attended Laurelhurst Elementary and later, Roosevelt High School. He could often be seen at the neighborhood ballfields and parks, charging around with his pals, his dog, Duke, at his side.
Following high school, John joined the United States Army and served as the commanding officer of a PX in Korea. He continued his service in the Army Reserves when he returned home. John earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Washington in Business Administration and an Executive MBA from Stanford in 1979.
John married Delores Stone in December, 1954, and began a successful career in mortgage banking. He was President and Chief Executive Officer of Rainier Mortgage (later part of Bank of America) and remained active in the Mortgage Bankers Association throughout his career. In 1987 John served as President of the national organization.
They made their home in Kirkland, Washington until the mid- 1980’s when they moved to Downtown Seattle. Later they retired to their longtime summer residence at Green Bank, WA, spending winters in Hawaii.
John and Delores were members of the Washington Athletic Club, where John served as President in 1995-6 and interim voluntary general manager. For many years John enjoyed early morning games on the WAC squash courts and even had a piece of the old bowling alley incorporated into his home’s kitchen island counter.
They were early members of Sahalee Country Club, and later Broadmoor Golf Club, where John also served as president (and shot three holes-in-one). On Whidbey Island, John and Delores were investor-members of Holmes Harbor Golf Club (where John added another ace to his collection) and members of Useless Bay Golf Club. They also belonged to Oahu Country Club in Honolulu, Hawaii.
John and Delores enjoyed traveling throughout the world. John could often combine his travels with his love of golf and wine to play far flung courses and tour wineries throughout the United States and Europe. Shooting a 76 at Pebble Beach was John’s proudest golfing achievement. In his free time at home, John was often busy at work in his woodshop, covered in sawdust and deep in concentration with a pencil behind his ear. His homes are dotted with his wonderful woodworking creations.
John is survived by his wife Delores, his children Terri B’Hymer (Alan), John Teutsch III, Jill Tsuchitori (David), grandchildren Michele Hann (Derek), Dani Kalan, Aaron, Joel and Isabelle Tsuchitori, great grandchildren Mikaelin and Joe Hann and Townes Kalan, siblings Peter Teutsch (Joani) and Sylvia Engel (Steve), and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister, Barbara Hoonan.
A celebration of John’s life will be held next summer. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18