John Elkins

John D. Elkins, 80, of Port Orchard, Washington, died on May 28, 2004 at Harrison Memorial Hospital in Bremerton, Washington. He was born on October 16, 1923 in Seattle, Washington to Lester Leo Elkins, Sr. and Ruth Jane Vier and raised in Skagit County. John graduated from Concrete High School in Concrete, Washington in 1942 and received a BA from Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon in 1951. He received a Masters degree at Central Washington University in Ellensburg, Washington. He married Louetta F. Ridout on June 21, 1997 in Tacoma, Washington. He served in the US Navy during WWII in the Pacific Theater, achieving the rank of Signalman 1st class. He was a logger and with the U.S. Forest Service before becoming an educator. John taught school in Twisp and Upper Snoqualmie School District. He served as a Superintendent-Principal at McCleary, and later a Superintendent at Taholah School District in the Quinault Indian Reservation. John became the administrative assistant to South Kitsap School District, retiring in 1993. John was a member of the Elk's Club #1082 of Hoquiam, Washington and a life member of the American Legion #132 in Concrete, Washington. He enjoyed hunting and salmon fishing, and was an avid South Kitsap High School and University of Washington sports fan. He is survived by his wife Louetta of the family home, a brother Kenneth Fry of Davenport, Washington, Sisters Rosemary Radonski of Montesano, Washington and Beverly Nobbs of Yountville, California. Services will be on Wednesday, June 16, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at Rill Chapel's Life Tribute Center in Port Orchard, Washington. Inurnment will be at Miller-Woodlawn Memorial Park in Bremerton, Washington. In lieu of flowers the family suggests memorial donations to South Kitsap High School Athletic Department, in care of Steve Reischman, 425 Mitchell Ave., Port Orchard, WA 98366.