John R. Corning

John R. Corning, 72, of Yakima died Friday at his home surrounded by people he loved. John was born November 18, 1938 at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Yakima to Merna and Lowell “Jiggs” Corning. He graduated from South Kitsap High School in Port Orchard, WA in 1956 where he lettered in tennis.

While being trained as a member of the Washington Army National Guard in Washington, DC, John met and married Pat Huckabee. Together they had had two beautiful daughters, Tracy and Leann. John and Pat lived in Olalla, WA while he served out his enlistment. After serving his country, John moved his family back to Yakima and found his career niche in real estate finance. He loved living and working in Seaside, OR for a few years and has lived and worked in Yakima since 1979, most recently as an Escrow Officer with Fidelity Title.

John was active in the Yakima Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, Yakima Elks and served as president of the Central Washington Home Builders Association. John loved golf and was a member of the Elks Golf & Country Club. He treasured his time on the golf course or at blues festivals with his long-time, close friend and mentor Tom Lovell. John would also enjoy fine scotch and a good cigar with his close friend Keith Baugher. John enjoyed traveling, especially the “trip of a lifetime” throughout Europe in 2003 with his wife and sons.

Twenty one years ago, John met and married his best friend Carolyn (Odell). The large and boisterous group created by the joining of their two families made for many fun times over the last two decades. John lived for the holidays when his large, blended family would gather at his home. He spent days planning and was famous for the prime rib he made for Christmas dinner every year. He was the king of his kitchen and made sure that anyone serving as his souse-chef did things the “correct” way.

Those left behind to cherish John’s memory include his wife Carolyn; daughters Tracy Paradis and Leann Lange, both of Yakima; step-children Gregory Chambers and wife Becki, of Clarksville, TN, Tracey Bishop and husband Paul of Ferndale, WA, and Marty & James Chambers-Welch of Anchorage, AK; grandchildren Samantha and Jordan Paradis, Josh and Kylie Lange and Leanna Bailey; step-grandchildren Robert Bishop and Dylan and Ryan Chambers; and great-granddaughter Addison Lindemann; sister Ann Hoff of Nebraska and brother Tom Corning of Yakima. Also missing John are his two “boys” Jiggs and Moose, his faithful and loving Boston Terriers.

Memorial services will be at 1 pm Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at Englewood Christian Church. To share a memory of John, please visit www.keithandkeith.com . In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Special Operations Warrior Foundation or the charity of one’s choice. Arrangements are under the care and direction of Keith & Keith Funeral Home.