

John Masterson passed away on Jan. 25, 2011, at his home in Seattle, Washington after a courageous and extended fight with multiple myeloma. Loving members of his immediate family were with him during his last hours. Arrangements are being made with the Evergreen-Washelli Funeral Home in Seattle, Wash.
John Anthony Masterson was born June 9, 1951 in Davenport, Iowa, a son of Edwin Henry and Irene Cecilia (Van Camp) Masterson. He graduated from St. Alphonsus Elementary School (1965) and Assumption High School (1969), in Davenport.
John settled in the Pacific Northwest, living in Seattle where he discovered Nichiren Buddhism and, together with the Soka Gakkai International (SGI), enlightened and enriched the lives of many friends. He was passionate about art and philosophy, and was an extremely talented artist. John became a renowned and accomplished graphic artist and was the owner operator of Sign Art of Seattle. His many signs and graphic art adorn sign boards and buildings in and around Seattle, including those at the Seattle Space Needle. John also owned and operated a restaurant, Café Gauguin, in Seattle. John was also a black belt in Kenpo Karate and owned University Kenpo in Seattle, where he taught Kenpo Karate.
John enjoyed reading extensively on myriad subjects in history, philosophy and literature and was an accomplished writer and poet. He enjoyed discussing world events and had very strong political opinions which he could discuss with friends and family for hours. There was never a dull moment with John. His friends and family knew him also as "Jahn" which he preferred.
Survivors include his son, Ryan Sol Gunther, with Pam Gunther; daughters: Keely Xaixai Masterson with Paula Young; Ajase Irene Bui with Nga Bui and step son Jared Michael Young: his brothers Edward Francis Masterson (Wife Maryetta Leahy) Davenport, IA; Robert Leo Masterson (Wife Sandra Carlisle) Galesburg, IL; Col. Joseph Albert Masterson, USA (Ret) (Wife Antoinette Seaman) Crestview, FL; Lt. Cmdr. James Gerard Masterson, USN (Ret) Lexington Park, MD; Stephen Luke Masterson, Davenport, Iowa and Seattle, WA; his sisters: Mary Catherine Soto (Masterson) Gary, IN; Dorothy Louise Votroubek (Masterson) Davenport, IA; Irene Cecilia (Masterson) Cepican (Husband James L. Cepican) Bettendorf, IA; and Anne Theresa Masterson, Seattle, WA.; stepmother Elda (LaFeber) Masterson, Mesa, AZ; stepbrother Chester Douglas Masterson (Wife Shirley Johnson) Fenton, IL and many nieces and nephews.
John's parents, brother-in law Robert Owen Votroubek and step brother Bruce Lee Masterson preceded him in death. May they rest in peace as they welcome John into their fold, as he passes beyond this earthly veil.
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