John Turner Proffitt
Age 76
May 23, 1936 Panama, OK
February 19, 2013  Evergreen Hospice, Kirkland, WA
  

John was born in Oklahoma, moving to California as a young child where he attended school until his graduation in 1954. In his early twenties, he met Carol McCloskey and they moved with her family to Kirkland. John loved the area and swore he would never live anywhere else. As a teenager and into his late thirties, John was an avid bowler until sustaining a knee injury. He spent most of his career managing bowling lanes, including Totem Bowl (currently Tech City) in Kirkland.
 
In the 1980’s, he received an AA from LWTC and opened his own tax business, and in the years prior to retirement he managed convenience stores. John loved working with the public and his customers idolized him.

John found great joy in family trips to Lopez Island. In later years, he enjoyed trips to San Francisco, CA, Lincoln City and Seaside, OR with his wife, Rosemary plus camping trips to the Washington coast with family and friends. 
John spoke often of his unforgettable “reunion” trip to OK with his Mom and Rosemary, visiting and laughing with aunts, uncles and cousins he hadn’t seen in over 30 years.  He had a blast and NEVER got over the food they laid out for "supper"!

Some of the hobbies he enjoyed most were photography, skeet shooting and gardening, especially tending to his roses. In later years, he loved the computer and "I-anything".
  
In speaking of his children,  John always admired his son John Carl's optimistic spirit and tenacity with any challenge. So often he was  our "MacGyver to the rescue!" He was also so proud of his step-children, Terry, Lorie, Mike and Walt, whose passing truly devasted him. Each of their lives have been admirable in many ways.

 John's grandson, Tyler, followed his dad and uncles' tradition by playing baseball for many years, giving John continued joy and pride, attending the games regardless of the Northwest weather.  In later years John discovered a "renewed fondness" for the casinos and, fulfilling his grandfatherly duty, introduced Tyler to the slots as well as the extensive buffets.
Ty's visits to their home, bringing with him his great sense of humor, were something John and Rosemary both looked forward to, and will continue to bring Rosemary comfort.
The entire family felt especially blessed the day Tyler took Kate Ayers as his bride.  She has become an immediate source of joy, love and happiness to each of us. 

Never to be forgotten, John took great pride in his granddaughter, Stephanie, watching her grow from a smart, petite "spitfire"  to the beautiful, accomplished woman we lost so tragically in January. 
They shared a special bond in that their birthdays were only 1 day apart (the ever stubborn Steph!) and they would often go for breakfast for their own celebration...moments John would  cherish always.   
    
 John took great joy in his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren as well as his many nieces and nephews who will all miss him greatly. 
“XXOO’s” Grampa and Uncle John-John

John and his wife, Rosemary, were especially blessed in their retirement years by the birth of a nephew, Joe Swanson, 7 and his sister, Kate, 4. It was like having the grandchildren all over again.
From sleepovers, helping dress dolly, reading books, telling corny jokes to bringing him his coffee and bagel, sending him videos in the hospital that always made him laugh and calling him up on "Facetime", there was just no end to the abundance of happiness and unconditional love he felt each week when surrounded by their presence. As anyone can imagine, their hugs were the best medicine he could have had and they helped make his last years with us truly bearable and joyful...thank you, Ann & Eric, for sharing your "gifts".

John is survived by his wife, Rosemary, his son, John, stepchildren Terry (Sue) McCloskey, Lorie (Steve Weldon) McCloskey, Mike (Melody) McCloskey, and his grandson, Tyler Proffitt and granddaughter-in-law, Kate Proffitt.

John is preceded in death by his parents, Carl and Odie Proffitt, his stepson, Walt McCloskey and most recently, his granddaughter, Stephanie Proffitt.
In lieu of flowers, donations are gratefully appreciated to any of the following: AllysHouse.net (Oklahoma City, OK), the American Cancer Society or a charity of your choice.

A special "Thank You" to all of John and Rosemary's family, friends and medical teams for their kindnesses, patience and devotion to both of them before, during and after John's passing. They both gained comfort and strength from your love, hope and prayers.

To each of Rosemary's siblings, you know how much your friendship  meant to John for nearly 40 years. He appreciated everything you have done  for him and are doing for his wife still. For your many visits to the hospital and Hospice, the flowers and food, posters from the little ones, he thanks you again.
To her brother, Bill Grange, thank you for taking on so much of the Memorial Service responsibility. It will be beautiful because it has been touched with your huge heart and wonderful wit. To her sister-in-law, Janice, for taking on the challenge of the flowers for the service and her brother, Jack, for recent "roof duty".

Rosemary would especially like to thank her niece, Becky Grange, who has shadowed her since the moment John left us. She has been with her daily through so many tasks, decisions, more decisions,  taking on responsibilities that would have (and often did)  overwhelm her. "I love you, Becca, and know that I will always carry you and your many friends, Jamie, Alecia, and Jen close to my heart. I could never have done this without you and only hope I can repay you in some way, some day."  
Thank you, Roger and Connie, for "sharing" her with us.
 
Your memories of John can be shared here at: forevermissed.com.
A celebration of John’s life will be held Sat, March 23 at 2:30 p.m., Lytle House at Bothell Landing, Bothell, WA 
Directions (due to ongoing construction) will be posted on Facebook or Forevermissed.com at a later date. Carpooling is also suggested due to limited parking.
We look forward to seeing you on the 23rd!

John, we know you are happy now and watching over us with love.
God Bless