John William Garner, beloved husband, father, grandfather and friend was called home to the Lord on July 14, 2008 at the age of 86. John was born May 20, 1922 in Quanah, Texas, the third child and only son to James Lee and Zona Garner. The family eventually settled in O'Donnell, Texas where he attended O'Donnell High School. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy in January of 1942. When he first learned that he would be stationed at Whidbey Island – he was confused and upset as he understood that he was being stationed stateside and not some "pacific island". While stationed at Whidbey, he met the love of his life, Nadine, in Bellingham at a dance. We always laugh at the circumstances as dancing was definitely not his strength. They were married on April 1, 1944 and were blessed with 64 years of marriage. Their first child, James Lee, was born in December 1944. While in the Navy he served at NAS Whidbey and then on the carrier USS Santee in the final days of the war. After being discharged in November 1945, they returned to Texas for a short period before returning to the Skagit Valley which they considered home for the next 60 years. Daughter Susan was born in September 1949. He held various jobs in the farm industry working for Bert Robinson Hardware & Tractor and Vaux Tractor Company until joining Shell Oil Company when they began operations in Anacortes. He worked in operations, eventually serving in a mid-management position. During his time at Shell, he was very involved in union arbitration, serving as a union spokesman for Shell. He retired from Shell after more than 30 years. In his retirement they enjoyed traveling, camping and many outdoor activities. His true passion was always Democratic Party politics. For decades he's been known as"the man to see" if you wanted to seek office in northwest Washington as a Democrat. The State Democratic Party recognized him in 2003 with the Warren G. Magnuson Award for lifetime achievement. Additionally he was heavily involved in county government serving in many public service positions. He was a Member of the Masonic Lodge for over 50 years, Elks Club and the Moose lodge. He is survived by his beloved wife Nadine, son James of Sedro Woolley, daughter Susan (Ron) Hunt of Burlington, granddaughter Kimberly (Erik) Grotzke, Sumner; grandson Jason Hunt of San Diego, CA; sister Margaret Eichman, Redlands, CA.; brother-in-law Ed Leidigh of Sacramento, CA; Cousin Billy Coulter of Lockesburg AR and many nieces, nephews and cousins in California, Texas and Arkansas. He was preceded in death by his parents and by sisters Avia and Nancy. Viewing will be held for the public at Hawthorne Funeral Home and Memorial Park in Mount Vernon on Friday, July 18th from 9 a.m. till 5 p.m. A private graveside service will be held on Sunday. John's life and legacy will be honored and celebrated at 4:30 p.m., Sunday, July 20th at the Cottontree Inn & Convention Center, 2300 Market St., in Mount Vernon.