John William Fishback, 79, passed away Nov. 19, 2015. He was born Nov. 13, 1936 in Naches, Wash., to John J. Fishback and Ellen Bennett Fishback. He spent his early childhood in Naches until the family moved to Connell, Wash. In 1946 the family, including baby sister Jeffra, moved to Washougal, Wash.
This was “home” for most of their lives. After graduating from WHS in 1955, Fishback attended Washington State College, pledged to the Phi Delta Theta fraternity and found the love of his life, Pat Lewis.
They married Aug. 17, 1958 and continued at WSC. Graduating in June, 1959, John did some graduate work. He received his teaching certificate, moved to Stevenson, Wash., for his first teaching position. While there, son Jay was born. Daughter Libbi joined the family in 1966. John received his principals’ credentials and master’s degree from Eastern Washington State College. John and family moved to Washougal to begin his elementary principal career at Hathaway Elementary School.
An unexpected opportunity occurred in 1983 when John became principal at Garden Springs and Sunset Elementary with the Cheney School District. He retired from education in 1992.
Before moving from Cheney to Sun City West, Ariz., John was diagnosed with cancer in 2012. He was preceded in death by his sister, Jeffra Schultz-Anderson. John is survived by his wife of 57 years, Pat; son Jay (grandchildren, John and Sara), daughter, Libbi Bryan and husband, Darin (grandchildren, Shelby and stepson, Matthew and brother-in-law, Bo Schultz-Anderson, (nephews, Steen and Dane).
A memorial service was held Dec. 14 and a celebration of life is planned for July 2016 in Washougal.
Because of John’s desire to make a difference in the lives of children and having battled cancer, the family would hope you would make a donation in his name to: Make-A-Wish Alaska and Washington, 811 First Ave., #520 Seattle, WA 98104 or online at: akwa.wish.org.
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