M. John Deurwaarder

Marinus John Deurwaarder passed away from natural causes in the morning of January 22, 2016 in the company of his family at Glenwood Place in Vancouver, WA. He came into this world on May 1, 1915 in New Holland, South Dakota and lived there until he was nine years old. He would end up spending the rest of his childhood in Grand Haven, Michigan.

He joined the United States Air Force in 1942 and was part of a 38 aircraft training cadre, in which he was a propeller specialist for four years. After his time in the military, he pursued his education and graduated from Le Tourneau University in 1953. Shortly after in 1955, he moved to El Segundo, California and worked as a lithographer in the printing trades. He then moved to Vancouver, Washington in 1965 to take up a professorship at Clark College. Wanting to continue his education, he went back to school and earned his Master’s Degree from Oregon State University in 1973. John eventually retired from teaching in 1982, but despite his teaching days being behind him, he decided to begin a plastic engraving sign business from a single room in his basement that he operated for 30 years. He loved his business and would often point out to people the signs he had made for the many buildings, companies, and schools in the Vancouver area.

John was always active in his life and found a love for the game of tennis as he got older. He routinely played with his friends and family at Green Meadows Athletic Club, and he represented the United States for several years in the Men’s 90 and above Internationals in Palm Springs, California. Another passion of his was traveling. He adventured all over Europe and took some 14 cruises. He particularly loved Hawaii because of its warm climate, which he felt was good for the body. He was an avid reader and was fascinated with WWII and airplanes. He also enjoyed singing gospel music for the church on Sundays. Throughout his entire life, he found strength and salvation from the Lord.

He is survived by his wife of three years, Alta; his five children, Dan (Chrisann) Deurwaarder, Dean (Melinda) Deurwaarder, David (Penny) Deurwaarder, Barbara Deurwaarder, and Julie Erickson; four grandsons and two granddaughters; three great-grandsons and two great-granddaughters. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Phyllis; his second wife, Helen; and his third wife, Esther.

The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the First Church of God, Vancouver, WA.