John Charles Whipple

John Charles Whipple was born on August 8th, 1953 in Ritzville, Washington to Dick and Netta Whipple. He passed away peacefully at his home on June 2nd, 2021 in Puyallup, Washington. John is survived by his wife Nancy, sons Paul and Ryan, daughter Michele, brothers Mike, Mark, Pat, Joe, Kevin, and his sister Sandy. He grew up in Sprague, Washington and graduated from Sprague High School in 1971. He went on to graduate from Eastern Washington University and University of Washington Banking School. His banking career spanned for 43 years and he retired in March, 2020. Family services were held on June 11th, in Puyallup, Washington.

EULOGY

John Charles Whipple was born on August 8, 1953 in Ritzville, Washington to Netta Mae (Reed) Whipple and Richard Charles Whipple. He was one of seven children, with brothers Mike, Mark, Pat, Joe, Kevin, and Sister Sandy. He grew up in Sprague, Washington.

He went to St. Joseph’s Academy and graduated from Sprague High School. While growing up, John had a milk route, paper route, worked at the cemetery and local Texaco gas station. He enjoyed hunting Ducks and Geese with his family. In fact, some of his best stories occurred while hunting, including an encounter with a nest of rattle snakes and a firing mishap in the mud. He enjoyed taking out his “little sissy” Sandy on long rides on his motorbike on the back country roads. He took pride in his first car, a Ford Mustang, that was a hobby project and mode of transportation. The Whipples are known for their pranks. Some of the most memorable ones on John involved a spider scare on Halloween and a car pool trick by his brother on the way back from Oregon.

After he graduated from Eastern Washington University, he went on to work at First Bank in Portland, Oregon. He went on to work for Old National Bank in Seattle and Spokane, Farmers and Merchants Bank in Spokane, and First Interstate Bank in Spokane and Seattle. He then went on to work at Key Bank in Tacoma, Washington for 18 ½ years, and then Home Street Bank in Seattle before retiring. His work ethic was exemplary, also putting in extra time to be sure that things were done for his team.

As a home owner, he was good at repairs and maintenance. He loved landscaping and gardening. Some of his most memorable outdoor projects were large gardens, walkways, and his waterfalls. The annual family vacation was something he always looked forward to all year. For decades, most of the Whipple clan would all get together in the summer and rent a number of cabins at Roads End Beach in Lincoln City for a week. There would be lots of quality family time on the beach, and enjoying meals and games together. He passed that tradition along with his immediate family. It had also become a tradition to go on special vacations for graduations to Hawaii and Disney Land. He also very much enjoyed taking cruises with his wife, including trips to Alaska and the Caribbean.

Family was extremely important to him. He took pride in being the best brother, husband, and father possible. He also had very positive relationships with friends and co-workers. He was easy to talk to, very funny, and compassionate. He always took time to talk to you. As a pet owner, he was very close to his dog Snuggles and grand pup Sonar. He is survived by his Wife Nancy, Children Paul, Ryan, and Michele; as well as his brothers and sister.

In retirement, he enjoyed life wearing a more casual wardrobe of Jeans, Shorts, and Casual Shirts. He was best known for his collection of striped shirts. His alarm clock was set for a much later time than 5:15 AM when he was working.  He was truly able to let his hair down and start enjoying the more laid back life of retirement.