Orville “John” Joseph Boling

John Boling, 82, son of Orville and Mary Jo “Joey” (Beck) Boling, passed away on Jan. 3, 2017, at his residence in Snohomish, Wash. John was born in Elma, Wash., on June 26, 1934, in the Elma midwifery house of his great-grandmother, Mary (Johnson) Norton.

John grew up in Elma, where his parents owned “Boling’s Market” on Main Street from 1945-1965. He attended Elma High School—with a stellar academic record; a loyal member of both the band and debate team and president of his graduating class of 1952.

Following graduation, John attended: Western Washington University in Bellingham, receiving a Bachelor of Education; Seattle University, where he received a Masters in Administration; as well as the University of Washington. John served in the ROTC while attending the UW and served in the U.S. Army for three years, entering basic training in 1957. Placing in the top two of 500 servicemen tested, John was accepted into the “Special Services:” where he served his country.

John, had a long and rich career in education at Snohomish High School where he taught English for more than 38 years. With a special brand of wit and humor, John, sometimes known as “Charlie,” will be remembered fondly by many lifelong friends and colleagues, as well as in the memories of his former students.

Throughout his life John valued the arts and was a staunch supporter of the Everett Symphony, Seattle Men’s Chorus, Seattle Repertory Theatre, Seattle Symphony, Seattle Opera House and an active member of the Wallingford United Methodist Church of Seattle.

Preceded in death by his parents, he is survived by his brother James Dawson “Jim” Boling, and his wife Sandy of Olympia; his sister Karen (Boling) Beerbower and husband, Bob of Elma.

“Uncle” John is also survived by his many loving nieces and nephews: Kim (Bill) Meyenburg; Denise Boling; Kris Watson; Scott Beerbower; J.D. (Jamie) Boling all of Elma; and Randy (Pam) Beerbower of Aberdeen; 10 grand-nieces and nephews; five great-grand nieces and one great-grand-nephew.

A memorial service will be held Jan. 21, 2017, at 2 p.m. in the Elma High School Commons and a second Celebration of Life will be held Jan. 29, 2017, at 2 p.m. at the Thomas Family Farm in Snohomish. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the Snohomish Education Foundation in the name of John Boling, PO Box 1312, Snohomish, WA 98291-1312.

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