Obituary of John Para

John J. Para, Othello Pioneer John J. Para was one of six children born to Italian immigrants Catherine and John Para, who settled in the Othello area in the early 1900's. John J was born at the Para Homestead near Crab Creek on July 26, 1923. His earliest memories include learning his prayers, always ending with the nightly plea, "please don't let the rattlesnakes bite us." John's childhood instilled a deep sense of family, faith, work ethic, and survival. John was never happier than on his horse on the range with his dog at his side. In his teenage years, John earned the All-Around Cowboy honor and the Saddle Bronc Championship at Lind's first rodeo. He was an 8-letter athlete and graduated from Othello High School in 1941. John followed his father into the ranching business and was very proud that his family has continued this tradition. At an early age he was successful in raising cattle with his father and later in partnership with his brother Tom. At the age of 22 John earned his pilot’s license. He established Johnny's Flying Service and specialized in aerial spray, dry land wheat weed control, and gave flying lessons. He served on the Chamber of Commerce and was a spokesman for the Road Committee. He became an independent lobbyist and spoke at meetings all over the state, including 3 sessions of Legislature in Olympia, selling the need for roads in the Columbia Basin, specifically Hwys. 26 and 17. Commitment to this project earned him the honor of cutting the grand opening ribbon with Senator Bill Raugust for the dedication of Hwy. 26 in the early 1950’s. John also worked with Grant Co. engineers to establish "Farm to Market" roads in the Columbia Basin. John married Gladys Hutchinson in 1951 and together they raised 8 children. Among his favorite memories is time spent with his family celebrating his annual birthday party at their cabin at Lake Chelan. Governor Rosellini appointed John to the State Conservation Committee where he worked with the animal science department at Pullman College to establish agriculture and development of the Columbia Basin. He also helped organize the Washington Cattle Feeders Association and later became its Chairman. This took him to Washington D.C. several times where he met with Senators Jackson and Magnuson and 7 representatives of state concerning numerous issues, among them Fair Freight Rates for the livestock industry. John served on the Washington Beef Commission and the Farmers Home Administration and was a member of the Soil Conservation District where he served as Vice President of Central Washington. He also served on the Othello City Council in the mid 1950's. His many investments include a decade long cattle feeding operation in Kansas and a sheep and cattle ranch in New Zealand. A diagnosis of terminal cancer in 1978 slowed John only temporarily. Amazing faith and a determination to prevail made him a cancer survivor. John golfed his way into retirement, was president of the Othello Golf Association and celebrated a Hole-in-One with his sons at his side. John married Clara Tucker in 1983. Traveling extensively and wintering in Arizona, they spent some 20 years together until her death in 2006. In later years he cherished most visits and calls from his children and sisters and when family members asked his advice. John was preceded in death by his parents Catherine and John Para, his brother Tom and sister Kay, and his wife Clara. Survivors include • siblings: Sister Mary Jane, Elvena, Francis • first wife: Gladys • children: Jake, Amy, Steve, Dan, Mike, Molly, Robin, Joan, Greg, Cheryl • grandchildren: Matthew, Levi, Ali, Annie, Lucas, Tony, Zach, Tyson, Mick, Chelsea, Sam, Hannah, Andrew, Nile, Rio, Noah, Michael, Christy • great grandchildren: Victoria, Alice, Mhari, Ethan, Ella, Axl, Skylar • nieces and nephews: Many! and their children John J. Para died Wednesday evening, August 12, 2015, at his last home at La Country Care assisted living facility in Othello. He was 92 years old. The family gives heartfelt thanks to Lupe and the staff at Country Care for their loving, attentive, and compassionate care of our dad and grandpa in his last two years of life. Before the move to Country Care, Carolina, Rebecca, and Dora were devoted to Dad and served him lovingly and well. We can’t thank you enough. Dr. Randy Bunch, Home Health Care, and Hospice also played important roles in his care in his last days. We thank you sincerely. There will be no funeral service for Dad. With the family present, we will scatter his ashes on Para land outside of Othello. To leave an online condolence to the family, please visit our website at www.stevensfc.com.