John Eric Stiles

John Eric Stiles, aka BIG JOHN, BJ, TINY, died peacefully with his family by his side at the family home in Gleed, Washington on June 21, 2017 at the age of 69. He was born on May 21, 1948 in Yakima, Washington to C. Wayne and Jessie Fairley Stiles.

John is survived by his sister, Peggy Hiebert of Gleed; brothers, David Stiles of Yakima; Steve (Waeva) Stiles of Tieton, Washington, and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins. John is preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, Clint Hiebert; and sister-in-law, Juanita Stiles.

John graduated from Davis High School in 1967. After graduation he worked for Yakima Specialties, Inc. for a number of years. Later he was employed at Northwestern Fruit (now known as Apple King) for 38 years until an injury forced his retirement. John volunteered at the Union Gospel Mission weekly with his sister, Peggy. John enjoyed all music from country to rock ‘n roll and especially loved bagpipe music.

John was a man who had few bad habits. Very early in his life, while living on East “A” Street, he convinced younger brother, Steve, to try smoking cigarettes near the Yakima River. The experience was cut short when brother, Dave, was curious of the site of smoke coming from the dike; David never told our parents. Many years later at the home in Gleed, a second attempt was made. John and Steve stole a pack of dad’s Pall Mall cigarettes, carefully placing them in a Prince Albert can, forged the first channel of the Naches River and buried them in the sand. The following day they crossed the river channel, dug up the tin, only to find they were soaked. It was back to smoking monkey vine for a period of time. John decided smoking was not something he wanted to participate in after the chicken shed fire of ‘62. It is quite possible that dad also convinced John not to smoke.

He never missed an opportunity to become a friend to anyone he met, young or old. John is a legend of the Gleed community. Because John didn’t drive, he frequently requested rides home from Northwestern Fruit, M & M Market (later Mike’s Empire Foods), or Curly’s Tavern. Big John enjoyed beer and was known to substitute a pitcher for a glass. The size of his hands made it look perfectly normal. John received rides in small cars, big cars, big trucks and sometimes in the back of small trucks. He appreciated every one of those rides.

John talked often about a road trip to Canada with his nephew, Don; Don’s friend, Kenny; and good buddy, Dave Wilson. The trip was made in a 1968 Ford convertible complete with a pinched-off brake line at the right rear wheel. How they survived it, we will never know.

In addition to John’s gun buddy, Dave Wilson, he enjoyed many gun shows with cousin, Jerry Lemon. (Keep in mind, that a big hearty breakfast was first on the list.)

John loved to go to the casino with his sister, Peggy. Win or lose it didn’t matter, he was among many friends. John loved to give hugs and he wasn’t afraid to tell you that he loved you. Being a big man, your hand would disappear with his handshake. He was truly a gentle giant.

Special heartfelt thanks to Stan Reda, R.N. of Heartlinks and to the Gleed Fire Department. Also to Peggy for caring for our brother after mom and dad’s passing.

The memorial service will be on Saturday, July 1, 2017 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home at 11:00 a.m. A potluck reception will follow at the family home in Gleed. To share a memory of John visit www.lepfuneralhome.com.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Heartlinks, www.heartlinkshospice.org or the Gleed Fire Department.