October 07, 1947 - July 04, 2010

An amazing man with a gentle soul

After a short but very courageous battle with an extremely rare form of thyroid cancer, John left home peacefully with his wife, Billie, at his side.

He leaves his wife Billie; sons, Nick Kester of Snohomish and Will Kester of Gold Bar; stepchildren, Nole Conrad of Everett and Jamie Conrad of Mukelteo; brothers, Stephen R. (Anne) Kester of Kent and Richard A. (Diane) Kester of Lacey and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Andrew "Jack" and Roberta "Bert" Kester and a sister Ann Loraine Kester.

John was diagnosed Jan. 14th, 2010, with what his doctors said was the rarest of the rare and the most aggressive cancer known, anapalastic thyroid cancer. He fought so very hard, never giving up hope. He underwent 25 days of radiation, 12 weeks of chemo (which did not work) and then started a new round of an experimental chemo on June 15th.

John was a gentle soul and touched many lives in his all too short 62 years. He was loved and respected by all who knew him. John was always there, with a smile, to lend a helping hand. There wasn't much he couldn't do.

John was a fantastic husband, wonderful father, brother, uncle and friend. He was just a great all around guy! His death has left a huge hole in all of our hearts and will always be missed.

John grew up and attended school in Snohomish, graduating in 1966. There were two Billies' in the class of '66 and John married both of them. Billie E. gave him two great sons, Nick and Will. Billie M., who he got reacquainted with at their 20 year class reunion, gave him 20 wonderful years of marriage and was by his side when he left on his new journey.

In the mid 70’s and into the mid 80’s John played and coached women’s soccer. He was instrumental and the driving force behind getting the soccer fields built in Snohomish. Thanks to John, for more than thirty years soccer enthusiasts have enjoyed those fields.

John spent many wonderful days riding his beloved horses, Karman and Albert, in the hills and high country with Billie and his many riding friends. Sitting around the campfire, after a day of riding, enjoying the company of his friends was one of his favorite things to do. He did so many things. He loved to fish, hunt, work on his '64 GTO and tinker with his motorcycle. He even took up golf for awhile. John was always busy doing something, working out in the shop, making bio-fuel or remodeling the "old house”. His "Honey Do List" had become a novel, to which he would just laugh and say "some day".

John wore many hats in his life and worked in many different fields, for the last 20 years, he worked for John Craig at AERO Construction. Most of that time he worked in the field as a foreman but for the past few years, due to a shoulder injury, he worked in the office. He shared his cookies and warm bananas with the girls.

There is so much more that could be said about this wonderful, amazing man that it is hard to stop. He is loved so much and will be missed every single day. As John said, “I Gave It My Best Shot”. And he really did!

FUNERAL INFORMATION

Family and close friends are invited to celebrate John's life at his family home in Snohomish, July 31st at 2:00. Call Nick @ 360-568-4902.

A second celebration, for all who knew him, will be held Sept. 11th at 1:00 at John's home, 2813 S. Lk. Stevens Rd.

Please come to celebrate his life at the big party that he wanted. Bring lots of good stories and fond memories, pictures too, if you have them.

DONATIONS

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to the “Seattle Cancer Treatment and Wellness Center”, in his name. 900 S.W. 16th St. suite 100, Renton WA 98057, or donations may be made to “Save A Forgotten Equine” www.safehorses.org.

Memorial

Miss Me, But Let Me Go  

When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,
Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little-but not too long,
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me-but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,
And each must go alone.
It is all a part of the Master's plan,
A step on the road to home.

When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know,
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me-but let me go.

Author Unknown

The Indian Memorial of Death 

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond that glints in the snow.

I am the sunlight on the ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.

When you wake in the morning hush
I am the swift, uplifting rush
of quiet birds circling in flight.
I am the starlight at night.

Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there, I do not sleep.

Unknown