John “Jack” W. Chestnut

February 16, 1927 — July 15, 2016

Jack moved to Vashon 35 years ago with his companion, Gail. First, they rented a house at Gold Beach to see if they could take living with ferry commuting. Next, they bought a house at Dilworth and, finally, moved to 115th Avenue S.W.

Jack loved skiing (downhill and cross-country) hiking, sailing, kayaking and making “homemade Zinfindel wine” with his close friend Howie.

Jack began his adult life at 17 when he went into the Army during World War II. He was stationed in Japan at the end of the war. He went to college at WSU and the U of W. His first career was as a 6th grade teacher which quickly turned into being an elementary school principal for 30 years with the Seattle School District. After retiring and moving to Vashon, he tried his hand at respiratory therapy, the U. S. Customs Service, the IRS, and finally chose the DEA for his second career.

Jack loved people. He touched many Vashon lives each day with his beautiful smile and his gentle, happy teasing. Vashon was the perfect place for Jack to grow old because it truly is a “village.” As Alzheimer’s attacked his mind, he would ask many people for help as he roamed the stores, nurseries, pharmacy, gas stations and restaurants. And you, “Vashon,” responded with caring and gave him great joy.

Goodbye Jack — you made Vashon a better place during the 35 years you lived here. You will be missed.

Jack is survived by his companion of 35 years, Gail Lloyd; his daughter, Lynne Coats and her husband Tom; his grandchildren, Alycia Johanson and her husband Eric, Kyle Jones, Dan Coats and Teddie LloydBuckley; and his great grandson, Dalton.