John Thomas “Jack” McWhinnie Jr. of Umatilla passed away on Dec. 8, 2025 in Hermiston at the age of 84.
He was born on Jan. 14, 1941 in Fall River, Mass. to John Thomas Sr. and Gladys Gustafson McWhinnie.
Jack grew up in East Providence, R.I., where he attended Sacred Heart School and LaSalle Academy and graduated from East Providence Senior High School. He began working as a commercial/industrial insulation installer soon after graduation from high school. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard, where he served for six years.
Jack married Patricia Goveia in 1963 in East Providence, R.I. and from this union three children, Kevin, Craig and Melissa, were born. The couple later divorced.
In the late 1970s, Jack became an traveler in the insulation union where he traveled throughout the United States working as an industrial installer. He eventually traveled out West where he met Toshiko Boullester in Umatilla. Jack continued his work as a traveling insulation installer but made his home in Umatilla. He married Toshiko Boullester in New York on Aug. 16, 1986. He retired from the insulation business in the early 1990s.
Jack was very actively involved in community developments and served on the Umatilla City Council. He was instrumental in the construction of the Umatilla Medical Clinic as well as building and remodeling several homes. He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed traveling, boating, playing golf and watching college and professional sports. He was a hard-working man who had a great vision and accomplished many things throughout his lifetime.
He is survived by his wife, Toshiko; sons, Craig and Gerald; daughters, Melissa and Grace; several grandchildren; brother, Donald; and many extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; brother, David; and his parents.
Services were held on Dec. 12-13, 2025.
Please share memories of Jack with his family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
