Vernon “John” Cantrell, 82, passed away on September 19, 2018 in Gresham, Oregon. He was born on January 28, 1936 in Hood River, Oregon to Benjamin and Cora (Peterson) Cantrell. He was raised in Hood River on the family’s orchards, and he was part of the first graduating class of Wyeast High School in 1954.
John met his future wife, Darlene Urwin, while he was attending Northwest Nazarene College. They were married on June 7, 1958 in Nampa, Idaho. They have four children: Denise, Claudia, Janine and Vincent.
John was proud to serve his country as part of the Air National Guard during the Korean War.
John and Darlene relocated to the Seattle, Wa area in the early 1960’s to raise their family. He and Darlene were active in the Kent 1st Church of the Nazarene. It was here that they fostered many friendships. John had a great impact on several of the young men in the congregation through is infectious personality and loveable nature.
John had a gift in creating relationships. In each personal relationship, he made each person feel as if their connection was special. He was light hearted and fun, but through his deep faith in God he could provide love and acceptance.
John loved the water and the boating opportunities provided by the San Juan Islands and Puget sound. He had several boats and took many adventures, with the most memorable being through the Inlet Passage to Alaska.
In the 25 years he spent in Washington State, he was able to build a career and be part of several entrepreneurial ventures. In 1986 he took his adventurous business and personal ambitions to Kaneohe, Hi. It was here that he grew a small environmental services company into a formidable business servicing Honolulu International Airport and the City/County of Honolulu.
Again, John took his faith in God and helped to grow Hope Chapel of Kaneohe. He was a board member and trusted elder.
John will forever be known for his adventure, fun, love for life. He was well loved.
John is survived by his loving wife, Darlene Urwin-Cantrell; his children, Denise Cantrell-Winkler, Claudia Cantrell, Janine Cantrell-Burt and Vincent Cantrell; eight grandchildren and five great grandchildren.
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