John Hammingh of Mount Vernon was called to glory in the early morning of Christmas Eve at the age of 74. He thwarted heart disease and several other ailments for 18 years. They eventually cost him his earthly body – but not his eternal soul.

John was born in Stedum , Netherlands on July 2, 1941 to Henry and Jeanette (Smit) Hammingh. In 1955 the family moved to the United States and settled in Bellflower , California . There he met the love of his life, Elaine Masselink, and in 1963 they were married. He began working in the banking industry and after marriage began taking night courses to eventually earn his degree in business. In 1977 the family moved to Marysville , Washington where John continued to work for several different banks in different capacities as a branch manager, loan officer, and also as Senior Vice President. He led a very active and busy life: he played soccer into his 50's (up to 3 teams at the same time), bowled, golfed, fished, loved to camp with his family and had a deep love for singing in church and in choir. He was also on several boards and groups including (but not limited to): Multiple Sclerosis board in LA, Rotary, Kiwanis, DECA, the Stillaguamish Senior Center , Everett Christian School board, and council member at Cascade Christian Reformed Church. He also found time to be a soccer coach for many years, a soccer referee and also taught a few accounting classes. John had a love for his Lord, his family - especially his grandchildren, and for others. He always tried to make people smile, and loved to tease and to be teased back.

John is survived by Elaine, his wife of 52 years, daughter Janet (Keith) Houtsma of Mount Vernon, WA, daughter Julie (Ron) Alberda of Kenmore, WA, and son Henry (Jayne) Hammingh of Mount Vernon, WA; 9 grandchildren (one by marriage), sisters Pat Hammingh of Salem, OR, Grace Gerritsen of Lynden, WA, Ann (John) Vanderwal of Mount Vernon, WA, sister-in-law Linda Hammingh of Lynden, WA, and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, sister Wilma Sytsma and brother Chris Hammingh.

A celebration of John's life and of our Lord's resurrection will take place at 1 PM on December 31 st at First Christian Reformed Church of Mount Vernon, WA. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to either Shoreline Christian School or Mount Vernon Christian School .