09/03/2008: "John E. Vejvoda"

May 1, 1929-August 17, 2008
Longtime resident, "Big John" Vejvoda passed away on August 17th, 2008 in Friday Harbor, WA with his family by his side.

John was born in Chicago, Illinois. He spent his childhood in Chicago and after graduating from high school in 1948, moved to Tacoma, WA. in 1948. He was employed as a commercial fisherman and during that time spent time in the San Juan Islands which he dearly loved.

On October 22, 1949, he married his childhood sweetheart, Shirley Brdar. They raised two daughters, Susie and Nancy and son, John. He loved his family which was always the priority in his life and they enjoyed picnics, camping, hiking backpacking, fishing and boating together. Besides his children, John's greatest joy were his grandchildren, Peter and Katie Kulseth who spent every Sunday with their Poppie.

He was engaged in various occupations before being hired by the Tacoma Police Department in February 1954. He worked as a patrolman, on the vice squad and juvenile division before earning the rank of detective. He retired with the rank of detective sergeant in 1977. After retirement, he worked as a private investigator and in 1979, started Big John's Charter Service which he ran with his wife, Shirley and son, John. He sold the business in 1985 and retired again.

In 1989, he moved to Friday Harbor . He became active in the Lions Club, American Legion and Senior Services. He was a lifelong member of the Tacoma Elks Lodge and the Slavonian American Benevolent Society.

He was bigger than life with a sense of humor and zest for life. He always had a story to tell. He will be missed.

John would like to be remembered through donations in his name to EMS, PO Box 1518, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

A celebration of his life will be held at the American Legion Club on September 13, 2008 at 4:00 PM.