He was born on July 27, 1946 in Stockton, Calif., to Elwyn and Betty Lou Witherow Findley. John moved to Hermiston, Oregon and had worked at Hermiston Foods as a boiler/refrigeration mechanic until he retired in 2013.
At 25 John met his wife of 44 years, Gretha. Gretha had 2 toddler boys when they met and John was instantly dad to Brian and James. Soon John and Gretha married and had a daughter Shona Rae. In 2001 Shona had a severe asthma attack and passed away far too soon in life. From that time on John was ready for the day he would be reunited with his sweet daughter in heaven.
John was a hard worker and was not afraid of any kind of work when it came to providing for his family. John spent many years working on a farm in Tillamook. In 1995 John decided it was time to move and John, Gretha and Shona moved to Hermiston where he worked at Hermiston Foods until his health forced him to retire in 2011.
John was a huge race fan, specifically NASCAR and Dale Earnhardt. In his early years John raced oval dirt track in his 1955 Chevy. Through the years John would tell many a story about his race years, the cars he owned and the adventures he had in each. John never outgrew his love of cars and going fast. His last project, a 1982 Chevy Camaro sits in his garage waiting for his boys to rebuild the motor in his honor, because due to John’s heavy foot, he blew the motor.
John loved his family dearly and having his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren with him brought him great joy. John was a small man with a very large presence and will be greatly missed.
John is survived by his wife Gretha, sons Brian (Jessica) Gallino, James (Angie) Gallino, grandchildren Kyle Moltman, Derrik (Sarah) Klimp, Nicole Shipman, Mercedes Gallino, Garett Gallino, Gage Gallino, Haley Sanders and great-grandchildren Maddison Klimp, Kiana Perez, Hope Sanders, Scottee Dawson and Austin Wolnez, brothers Russ (Yvonne) Lyons, Paul Findley, John Thomas Findley, sisters Colleen (John) Jones, Betty Riggs, Rosemary Johnson, Margaret (Harvey), Barbara (Tom) Becker, Mary Forman and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
He was precedes in death by his parents Elwyn and Betty, his daughter Shona, his granddaughter Lacee Gallino, sisters Carol and Patricia.
Pedal to the medal Pops – You got your checkered flag, race on …
A celebration of life potluck gathering with military honors will be held on Saturday, August 13, 2016 from noon until 2 p.m. at the Irrigon Moose Lodge, 220 3rd St. NE, Irrigon.
Please sign the online guest book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
