Obituary of John Albert Reese

John Albert Reese, our beloved “Papa John” passed away September 20, 2021 at home in Shelton, WA after a short, but courageous battle with cancer. John was born in Gilroy, California on April 16, 1946. He grew up on a farm in Morgan Hill, CA where he built and maintained many lifelong friendships. John joined the US Army Special Forces shortly after high school where he then served in Vietnam as a Green Beret. Honorably discharged, he then returned to California where he met and married Jeanette Reese. After having two children, the self proclaimed hippies packed up their panel van and relocated to Washington State to live amongst the trees, rivers, and lakes in the beautiful PNW. John provided for his family as a plumber. John was never one to sit still long and had many hobbies including classic cars, motorcycles, and football. Go Raiders! First and foremost, however, was his family. He took immense pride and responsibility as a provider, and as patriarch, has happily fulfilled that role throughout life and still. John always said if he’d known how much fun the grandkids would be, he would have had them first!Priceless memories made throughout the years include making river and beach trips, playing in the snow in the jeep, dirtbikes, boating, road trips, etc. If Papa was anything it was spontaneous and fun, simply laughing was never a difficult task and he loved making the children in his life happy. His children, grand and great grand children, have years of funny stories and loving memories due to his fun nature. John is survived by the love of his life of over 40 years, children John and Jamie, and numerous grandchildren, niece/nephews (biological and “adopted” as he was so cool he was claimed by many as their Papa John). Please contact family for service information.