| Graduation Year | Class of 1974 |
| Date of Passing | Mar 06, 2016 |
| About | Fly High Hawk! John Marion Comfort | June 26, 1956 - March 6, 2016 Born in Vancouver, Washington, John’s early childhood began in Newberg, Oregon. When he was seven, his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada. For his senior year of high school, he moved to North Idaho to live with his uncle Carroll and aunt Ellie Comfort and cousins, on a ranch his uncle managed. He earned his undergraduate degree in religion, philosophy and history from George Fox University in Newberg, OR; attended Goshen Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana; and earned his masters of arts in teaching and educational therapy from the National College of Education. John was the oldest of four brothers and one sister. He loved being an uncle to his nieces and nephews and was always interested in their education and advancement. He attended many family events and most of the annual Comfort Family Reunions. Whenever family got together, John always brought his bag of games. He loved to play and discover new games, as well. During his college years, he worked as a lifeguard and swim instructor for Chehalem Parks and Recreation and in the summers John led youth hiking excursions in the Santiam Wilderness for weeks at a time. John’s profession and passion was teaching. He taught 4th and 5th grade at Hall Elementary School, in Gresham, for 27 years, where he was also chess team coach. He continued as a student himself, learning about the earth and environment. He enjoyed the outdoors; hiking, cycling, and walking his dogs Max and Mickie. For many years John was a member of Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist. John passed away at the age of 59 in Newberg at the home of his brother. For 47 years he suffered with Ankylosing Spondylitis, functioning with continuous pain. His last four years he battled Chronic Lymphoid Leukemia. John leaves behind his father and mother, Marion and Marcille; brothers Steve (Elizabeth), Dan (Betsy), and Randy (Annie); numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his sister Judi (Jon Fodge). The memorial service will be held Saturday, March 19 at 1 p.m. at Eastrose Fellowship Unitarian Universalist, 1133 N.E. 181st Ave., Portland, Oregon 97230. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Hall Elementary School Student Body Fund mailed to: Hall Elementary School, 2505 N.E. 23rd St., Gresham, Oregon 97030. |
