John Richard Heston Obituary (1945 - 2019)

Born Apr 25, 1945, John Richard Heston attended Fairfield High School in Fairfield, IA. View the obituary, post a memory, or share a photo about John Richard Heston.

Graduation Year	Class of 1964
Date of Birth	Apr 25, 1945
Date of Passing	Jan 05, 2019
About	John Richard Heston April 25, 1945 – January 5, 2019 John Richard Heston went home to be with our Lord and Savior on Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, surrounded by family and close friends. John met the love of his life, Mary Heston, while cruising the town square in Fairfield, Iowa back in 1964. After properly asking Mary’s mother for permission to date her daughter, they began a two year courtship. On Nov. 19, 1966, John and Mary were married at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. Their pastimes and hobbies included drag racing, playing pool, bowling, fishing, basketball, men’s softball and camping. In 1971 their lives changed when their first son Shane entered the world. John and Mary found opportunity in Moses Lake, Washington alongside John’s father Ray, where they moved and started a new life with their 18-month old son in 1973. While expanding the family business, Ray’s Marina, their second son Jermey arrives in 1975. John was also an instructor at Big Bend Community College teaching automotive and marine mechanics. J.J. made his appearance in 1977, and it was then that their family was complete. The young family enjoyed camping and fishing at Keller Ferry on Lake Roosevelt. The days were spent casting reels, playing in the water and frying up their keep around the campfire. John served the community as a firefighter for Grant County Fire District No. 5 from 1975 to 1982 and for Grant County Fire District No. 13 from 1994 to 2008. John also served as a commissioner for GCFD No. 13 from January 1998 to February 2017. He loved the smoke in his eyes, the people he helped and the long nights of manning the nozzle, John was also the founding member of the Potholes Annual Bass Club in Moses Lake, Washington, Moses Lake Yacht Club and Moses Lake Gun Club. He also served as a member of the Toastmasters, Eagles Lodge and Elks Lodge. John touched so many lives with his kindness and generosity. He loved helping people and wouldn’t hesitate reaching out to a single mother or a struggling family in town. John was a salesman at Bob’s Auto Mart, and then transitioned to Barry Chevrolet in Ephrata. He loved his co-workers and his customers alike. He then received an opportunity to work for Canfield & Associates in the risk management department where he retired in 2010, Retirement was spent alongside his wife where they enjoyed family dinners, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Andy Griffith reruns, gambling and cribbage at the dining room table. John was incredibly proud of his children and grandchildren. He was their number-one fan and supporter, and loved to read about their accomplishments in the paper and attend their events when he could. He was happiest when everyone was together, laughing, eating and enjoying each other. John was preceded in death by his parents Ray and Mildred, his brother Jack, sister-in-law Jean Smith and niece Paul Craghead. Survivors include his wife Mary of Ephrata: sons Shan (Ronda), Jeremy and J.J. (Carrie); grandchildren Allexander, Hayden, Tate, Cameron, Caitlyn, Jacey, Kylar and Paige; brother Bill (Stella) of Pullman, Washington; sister Judy Bonnet (Ed) of Springfield, Iowa and numerous nieces and nephews. All are welcome to attend a Celebration of Life gathering on Friday, Jan. 11, 2019 from 2-4 p.m. at Bethlehem Chapel in Ephrata, Washington. Memorial contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to St..Jude’s, Wounded Warriors and Blackcat Firefighters Association.