John Francis Norkoski Jr., 105 years old, died peacefully in his sleep at home in Cosmopolis, Wash., on April 21, 2018. He was born on a train near Rosalia, Wash., on Feb. 3, 1913. His father was a section foreman for the Union Pacific Railroad. John spent his early years in Richmond, B.C., Canada, and his grade school years in some very remote areas of Washington and Oregon before starting 7th grade in Cosmopolis. He had to leave Aberdeen High School in his senior year when his family moved to Biggs, Ore. He graduated from high school in The Dalles in 1932, during the Depression.

Over the next five years, he alternated working wheat harvest, laying railroad track and commercial fishing. In 1937, his family moved back to Grays Harbor where he started a career in millwork, retiring from Weyerhaeuser Pulp Mill in 1976. He and Mary Olesiak, whom he met at the Cosmopolis school around 1927, were married Nov. 5, 1938, and celebrated their 79th anniversary in 2017. They lived in Montesano the first year of their marriage and then moved to Cosmopolis to help care for her parents.

John was an avid volunteer. He served as shop steward in various unions. He served a term as a Cosmopolis city councilman. He was active in Democratic Party politics, the Aberdeen Eagles, Cosmopolis Golden Agers and Dorothy Mann’s square dance group. He was a trustee for the Aberdeen Polish Club. He attended Cosmopolis Gospel Chapel where he professed his faith in Christ as his Savior.

He was preceded in death by his wife Mary, brothers Lawrence and Buster, and a sister Barbara. He is survived by sons Joe and Don; grandchildren Kirk, Niki, Katie, Marcy and Sally, and great-grandchildren Willow, Raini, Dranem, Kirjen and Joseph.

By his request, there was a family graveside service only.

To share memories or express condolences please visit www.harrisonfamilymortuary.com. Harrison Family Mortuary of Aberdeen is honored to assist the family.