John Stephen Corven

John was born August 12 1931, in San Francisco, California. At 18 John entered the Army as an infantryman and said, “He got to see the world from the back of deuce and a half.” He moved to Alaska in the early 1950’s and began working for the Alaska Railroad as a gandy dancer. John also worked for the United States Postal Service before working his way up from a draftsman to engineer with the State of Alaska Department of Transportation from which he eventually retired.

John met and married his first wife, Edna, and welcomed her son George. They went on to have four more children together, Douglas, Stephen, Adeline Marie and Mary Lou. In a role that was unusual for the times, John accepted full custody of his children and raised them. Together they enjoyed hunting, fishing and camping. The family always had a house full of neighborhood kids and a dog.

John met and married Glenda in the early 1970’s and welcomed her children Vicky, Lanie, Roy, Timmy and Gwen into the family. One summer the couple loaded all nine children into their Dodge Maxi-Van and traveled to Texas and California; including a visit to Disneyland.

Prior to becoming sober more than 20 years ago John enjoyed the nightlife in Anchorage. You could often find him at the 515 Club, 210 Club or Club Paris. John even liked the Kings-X before dive bars were cool!

John met and married Sylvia and retired to the Seattle area. Together they enjoyed listening to live music and travelling to warm places including Palm Springs, Hawaii and Las Vegas.

John lived a long life. He was a fun-loving, kind, caring man and will be missed by his family. His son Steve and daughter Marie took special care to make sure he was comfortable and at home for the end.

John was preceded in death by his son Douglas, daughter Mary Lou, sister Mary Louise, second wife Glenda, stepdaughter Vicky and stepson Timmy.

He is survived by his wife Sylvia, son Steve Corven, daughter Marie Corven, stepchildren, George, Lanie, Roy and Gwen, grandchildren Andrea Landi, Candice Landi, Samantha Landi, William Corven and Hannah Corven, as well as many nieces, nephews and step grandchildren.

No services are planned at this time.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.Evergreen-Washelli.com for the Corven family.