John Edward Gilroy, a beloved community member in Lake Quinault for the past five decades, passed away peacefully in his home on March 15th, 2023.

John was born in Spaulding, Nebraska on December 30, 1929, to Leo Edward Gilroy and Glendora Manetta Cook. He moved around as a child working in the fruit picking business, spending time in Nebraska and California, attending 5 different schools in the 5th grade before finally settling in the Yakima Valley. There he met the love of his life, Delma Cinderella Poisel, whom he married on June 19, 1949, in Brownstown, Washington.

After marrying, John and family attended Bible college in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree. John was an active minister and church builder for the Assemblies of God, living in Maple Falls, Bellingham, and Bremerton before landing in Amanda Park in 1964 with his 8 children. John became the local Assemblies of God minister there and purchased some property on the North Shore of Lake Quinault. He purchased three houses from the U.S. Forest Service on the south side of the lake. He floated the houses across Lake Quinault to make a home for his family. In 1979 John and Delma moved their family to Orofino, Idaho to start a new Assemblies of God church, returning to the Quinault area in 1984.

In addition to serving as a minister, John worked in the woods on the side to support his ever-growing family, beginning as a tree faller in the 1960s and eventually doing a little bit of everything besides climbing trees. In 1970 John opened his first shake, shingle and ridge mill. He would go on to own and operate several such mills throughout his life, working in them himself well into his eighties, retiring at 88 for the last and final time. He loved working his mills and used them to instill in his children a strong work ethic, something he was very proud of. Many of his children and family worked in his mills, but everyone who worked with John tended to become family to him as well. John also belonged to the Lake Quinault Lions Club where he made many friends far and wide.

John was a classic northwest timber worker, a wise businessman, and a fiercely proud father. But he wanted most to be known for his love of God. God used John in every aspect of his life, in church as well as when he was working in the woods and mills or just enjoying the community. He was a minister, mentor, leader, and friend for countless members of the Quinault community, extending his efforts to support others far beyond his own household. He worked to instill in his children and grandchildren the values of humility, integrity, and compassion. He was a kind man who was slow to anger and had a deep appreciation for the corniest of jokes.

John never thought he did anything amazing or exceptional with his own life, but most everyone that met him remembers the way he touched theirs.

He is preceded in death by his parents Leo and Glendora Gilroy, his brother Patrick Leo Gilroy, sisters Nellie Mae Stankwitz and Charlotte Ann Sanchey, his sons Patrick and David Gilroy, his daughters Carol Schafer and Kathleen Dean and his grandson Glenn Gilroy.

John is survived by his wife, Delma of 73 years, his daughters Candy Cowden, Sheila Kennedy, Crystal (Bob) Reynolds, Toni (Dale) Steinhauer, Anna (Matt) Pratt, and Abby Snyder, daughters-in-law Gloria( David) Gilroy, Angela ( Patrick) Gilroy, sons-in law Jeff (Carol)Schafer and Mike ( Kathy ) Dean, 23 grandchildren and 40 great-grandchildren.

There will be a service to remember this great man on March 25, 2023, at 11:00 AM at Quinault Valley Chapel with graveside services following. In lieu of flowers please send contributions to Quinault Valley Chapel, P.O. Box 654, Amanda Park, WA 98526.

Direction is by the Coleman Mortuary in Hoquiam.

Please take a few moments of reflection to record your thoughts for the family by signing the on-line register at: www.colemanmortuary.net.