John Clinton Derville Jr.

John Derville Jr. lived a full and happy life as a family man and owner of General Tool and Supply Co. He was born Sept. 22, 1917 in Portland. Although he lived most of his life in Portland, his favorite memories were of summers spent visiting his grandparents in Steilacoom, Wash. After graduating from Grant High School, he met his future bride, Phoebe Breyman at the University of Oregon. They were married in 1940 and last year celebrated their 76th anniversary. John served in the Army Air Corps from 1943-1945 training to be a B-25 bomber pilot. The war ended before he could be deployed to Japan. Upon leaving the service, he joined the family business, General Tool and Supply Co., becoming president in 1962. From early years, he enjoyed videography, taking movies of his family through the years as technology improved. He was also a member of the Portland Yacht Club, the Multnomah Athletic Club and the MGT Car Club. Many treasured times were spent on the family boat "Happy Daze". Whether for aging relatives or the family cats, John will be remembered for his compassionate care. John's retirement in 1982 afforded him more time for his videography and world cruising with Phoebe. The last 10 years of his life were devoted to caring for Phoebe until her death in October 2016. John is survived by his son, Bill and his wife, Brenda; daughter, Susan Stonecliffe and her husband, George; five grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren. A Celebration of Life with military honors will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 26, 2017 at Finley Sunset Hills Mortuary. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Oregon Humane Society.