Major John Joseph Read, USMC, Ret.

Major John J. Read USMC, Ret., 79, of Sandpoint passed away Friday, Aug. 23, 2013 at his home. Private family services were held. John was born Feb. 12, 1934 in Wadena, Minnesota the son of Chester and Doris Bush Read. He was raised in Staples, Minnesota and graduated from high school there. He received his BA from California State Chico and his MBA from Oklahoma State. He proudly served our country in the U.S. Marine Corps for 26 years, retiring as a major. John married Norma Alexander on Aug. 28, 1960 in Lake Tahoe, CA. During their married life due to his military assignments they have moved 39 times in 53 years of marriage. After John’s retirement they lived for a time in Sandpoint, ID later residing in Ephrata, WA and Staples, MN where they owned cattle ranches. When they sold the ranch in Staples they moved to Sandpoint in June of 2012. John was an avid skier and spent many wonderful times teaching others to ski. He enjoyed their cattle ranches, and was a member of the Staples United Methodist Church. He is survived by his wife Norma of Sandpoint; two children: John B. (Deanna) Read of Sandpoint, Sheryl Shaw of Pomeroy, WA; 5 grandchildren: Ted Rose, Alex MacDonald, Britt Read, Tyler Read and Cheyanna Read. He was preceded in death by his parents and by 1 sister and 1 brother. Family and friends are invited to sign John’s online guest book at www.coffeltfuneral.com. Arrangements are entrusted to the care of Coffelt Funeral Service.