On February 17 at 4:42 pm, with James Taylor singing “Fire and Rain” on the bedside radio and his family around him, John Clifford Hjorten passed from this life. He was always generous with his laughter, heart and song, with a voice that could be envied by the angels. Now freed, we imagine him, cigarette and scotch in hand, playing the Hammond organ with a steak on the grill.

His greatest achievement was his family: his 42-year marriage to Katie Walsh Hjorten and their children, John Jr., Michael and Rebecca, their spouses Erica and Melissa, and his precious grandchildren, Andrea, Julia, Rian, Christina and Hillary.

John was born in 1952, raised on Vashon Island and graduated from Vashon High School in 1970. He traveled extensively as a professional musician. He later founded Pro-Sweep LLC, a 15-year-old business, which in 2009 passed into the capable hands of his son John Jr. and continues to thrive today.

John is also survived by his mother Clarice Hjorten-Walgren, her husband Ted, and his siblings: Bev, Harley, Barb, Dennis, Joyce, Doris and Jerry. His brothers Rick and Gary preceded him in death. As a favorite uncle, John considered all his nieces, nephews and their children to be his special treasures.

A graveside service will be on Saturday, February 25, 2012 at 3:30 pm. A “Joyous Send Off” will be held from 4:30 pm to 8:00 pm and is open to all friends and family at Sustainable Books, formerly the VFW hall, at 22100 Vashon Highway, Vashon Island, WA 98070.

John was a great lover of pies! We invite you to bring your favorite pie or dessert to share at this celebration.

Please go to our online guest book at

www.islandfuneral.com for more information.

Paid Obituary.