It is with great sadness that the family of John Robert Cornwell Jr. announces his passing at his home on Wednesday, May 2, 2018, at the age of 83 years. John will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 61 years, Phyllis and his children, Dee Dee and Larry Garman and son-in-law Mike Wincewicz. John will also be fondly remembered by his grandchildren, Jamie and Nathan Brueher, Brian Vasquez, Wes Davis, Lacey Davis, Casey and Cristina Wincewicz and Sean and Kira Wincewicz; great-grandkids, Cameron, Kelcey, Brenan, Devin, Ava, Jayde, Kaitlynn, Korbin, Kaylee, Belle, Cavan, Riley and Baylee; brothers Gary and Floyd Cornwell and sisters Marilyn Lockwood and Joanne Ambrose. John is predeceased by his daughter Theresa Wincewicz and brother Kenneth Cornwell.
John was a self-made man arising from humble beginnings. Though he only had an 8th grade education; John possessed nurturing qualities, such as perseverance, hard work, resourcefulness and becoming a Jack of all trades. He worked at Harbor Plywood, Aberdeen Plywood and Weyerhaeuser Pulp mill where he retired after 32 years. At the same time he earned extra money through working at gas stations, making cabinets, taking an apprenticeship course to become a certified electrician, purchasing and remodeling homes for rentals. John also served in the Navy Reserve and received an honorable discharge. He always worked more than 40 hours a week. He did all this to provide a financially secure life for his wife, children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. John imparted to his family and friends his lifelong learned wisdom both verbally and through example.
John’s interests included family, friends, traveling, hunting, fishing, real estate investments, stocks and bonds.
John was a positive role model, father figure and inspiration to many people in his life. He had seen every poor decision he made and life challenges as an opportunity to learn and grow not as a failure or something to dwell on.
Those who so desire may make memorial donations in memory of John to the Children’s Hospital in Seattle and the Alzheimer’s foundation.
Arrangements by Harrison Family Mortuary of Montesano.
