JOHN FRANCIS GOVERN, 63, a resident of the Big Lake community near Mount Vernon, passed away at his home with his family at his side on Saturday April 24, 2004, after a short battle with cancer. He was born on April 8, 1941 in Kaska, Pennsylvania, the son of Walter & Sophia Koval Govern.
John was raised and attained his education in Pennsylvania and in 1959, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and was stationed at NAS Whidbey in Oak Harbor. On May 12, 1962 he was united in marriage to Virginia Hoffman in Mount Vernon, WA. John worked at Boeing and continued his education. Leaving Boeing for 2 years, he achieved a B.A. in Business Administration from the University of Washington in 1971. He retired from Boeing after 33 years of service as a Quality Control Auditor. During those years, John enjoyed the travel, which included multiple trips to England and Japan. He then started his own business, Architectural Woodcrafters, where he enjoyed building cabinets and furniture with his son Jack. He was a member of the American Legion Post 37 in Lynnwood and then transferred to the George Baldridge Post 43 in Sedro-Woolley. John and Virginia retired to their Big lake property where they built their dream home and enjoyed entertaining friends and family. They recently formed a trucking business, Govern Transportation with their son Mike, intended to be yet another exciting venture that will continue in his memory.
John is survived by his wife of 42 years, Virginia, at the family home at Big Lake. 2 sons, John Jack Govern and his wife Shari of Sedro-Woolley and Michael Govern of Big Lake. 3 daughters, Melody Bunce & her husband Steve of Sedro-Woolley, Gwyn Govern of Big Lake and Jennifer Govern of Chicago, IL. 9 grandchildren, Aileen Fabian, Melody and Heather Govern, Madison and Mac Govern, Tyler, Kyle and Sean Bunce and Sophia Smith. 1 great-granddaughter, Kali Mae. A sister Louise Conner of Ocean View, Delaware and a brother Edmond Govern of Pottsville, PA.
He was preceded in death by his parents, a brother and 3 sisters.
A Life Celebration will be held on Tuesday May 4, 2004 at 2:00 P.M. at the Govern family home, 23519 Garden Street, Mount Vernon. Pastor Dennis Spinnie will officiate. An open house will follow the Life Celebration until 6:00 P.M.
Memorials are suggested to Big Lake Community Church of the Nazerene.
Cremation arrangements under the direction of Lemley Chapel, Sedro-Woolley. Share memories of John and sign the online guest register at www.lemleychapel.com