JOHN FREDERICK HASTINGS

John Frederick Hastings, life-long resident of Skagit County, died peacefully in Stanwood on Tuesday, November 10 after a courageous battle with a brain tumor.

John was born to Esther Thulen Hastings and Frederick Hastings on May 6, 1937, as an only child.

However, he grew up with his cousin, Gail Thulen and considered Gail as a brother. He attended school in La Conner and was active in sports and graduated in 1955 as co-valedictorian. He went on to obtain an AA degree from Skagit Valley College.

He went to college with the idea to become a history teacher, when an opportunity in the form of an entry level job with the National Bank of Commerce showed itself.

John was a banker first and farmer on the side. Unless you asked him, then it was just the opposite. He started in the banking business in 1957, where he was a teller, and worked his way up to vice-president, 43 years later retiring from Western Bank, where he specialized in agriculture lending.

In his career, he worked for seven different banks. He often said that, during all of the bank mergers, one year he received five different W-2 forms and never changed his desk. He was well liked and had clients from Lynden, all the way to Centralia, Chehalis and over to Eastern Washington. When he wasn’t banking, you would find him out on the tractor.

John was the number one fan of the sports that his children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren played. It did not matter what sport, school or location — but he was an avid La Conner fan. He was a real competitor, which was evidenced by his playing basketball with friends, most of whom were in their 20’s through 40’s, until he was 72.

He had a beautiful life; in fact, he wrote a book about himself in 2012 and titled it “It’s a Great Life.” He spent his younger years hanging out with his cousins, playing basketball and helping on the family farm. He enjoyed camping, hunting, golfing and traveling with friends. John enjoyed traveling in his and Linda’s motorhome, having many fun times in Winthrop and Bridgeport. He also loved being with his children, seven grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He loved spending time with them, especially the 4th of July and Christmas.

John was strong, determined, thoughtful and the word used most about him was “kind.” He was always willing to help those in need and valued the importance of education and family.

John is survived by his wife of 58 years, Linda; three children, Ron (Becky), Barry (Kristi) and Christina Torrey (Rob); grandchildren, Nathan, Trisha, Kecia, Sarah, Rachel, Leslie and Whitney. He also leaves behind, sister-in-law, Paula Smith (Roy) and numerous cousins.

Services were held Monday at Mount Vernon Presbyterian Church.

Memorials may be given to La Conner Scholarship Fund, P.O. Box 1277, La Conner, WA 98257. Arrangements are under the care of Kern Funeral Home of Mount Vernon.