John O’Donnell

Long-time Islander John (Jack) O’Donnell died peacefully on June 1, 2007, at his daughter’s home in Harrison, Idaho. He was 84 years old.

Jack was born in Los Angeles, Calif., on May 17, 1921, to Don and Josephine O’Donnell. He entered into active duty January 1942 and was serving as a radioman second class on the USS California when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor.

He married Vivian Stanley in 1946 and had three children: Brian Michael, Timothy James and Kelly Kathleen O’Donnell.

The West Coast was his playground. He traveled from Long Beach to Novato, Calif. He skied Mount Hood, Ore., and enjoyed the jazz clubs of Seattle.

His time on Vashon began in 1949 when his mother married John Venen, radio engineer for KOMO.

Very much the renegade and bohemian, Jack loved the arts. Whether it was jazz music, plays, art or poetry, he relished it all.

His favorite escape was kayaking the harbors and back bays up and down the coast earning the name “Paddling Jack” from his friends.

Survivors include his sons, Michael of Coeur d’Alene, Tim and daughter-in-law Donna, daughter Kelly and son-in-law Jerry Lebsack of Harrison, Idaho, and granddaughter Michelle of Long Beach.

The family wishes to thank Hospice of North Idaho for making it possible for Jack to pass peacefully in his daughter’s home.

A graveside memorial service is set for 2 p.m. on June 22, at Vashon Island Cemetery. Please bring stories, pictures and memories to share. The family asks that in lieu of flowers donations be made to the local hospice or animal shelter of your choice.