A lifetime resident of Gig Harbor, John slipped peacefully into the arms of heaven on September 17, 2015 following a year-long battle with cancer. He was dearly loved and will be sorely missed.

Born May 6, 1950 John lived his entire life on the family homestead in Crescent Valley. He was a kind-hearted, generous man who found pleasure in giving to others while expecting nothing in return. A retired longshoreman, John loved to tinker in his shop and once retired he rebuilt his great uncle’s 1936 Ford pickup then built a Rat Rod with the scraps. Both vehicles have been frequently spotted on the streets of the harbor. John loved to tease and could do so very convincingly with a straight face. He taught Elvis how to dance and knows where the elusive Gig Harbor underwater tunnel is, though it was never open on the days his kids wanted to drive through it.

John was a wonderful husband, father, grandfather, uncle and friend. He was a proud veteran of the United States Air Force, a WWII history buff, Life Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars, member of Borgen’s Norwegian Knife Club, an avid gardener, and brilliant problem solver. John was also very proud of his amazing daughters and grandchildren whom he loved and adored beyond measure.

John is survived by his wife of 30 years, Kathy, and daughters Heidi (Rob) Bever of Tempe, AZ and Laura Alvestad of Gig Harbor; also his grandchildren, John (4), Kristoffer (4), and Kate (19mos). He is also survived by his brother Ken (Sue) of Puyallup, brother David of Gig Harbor, 7 nieces & nephews, and countless friends. John was preceded in death by his parents Ben & Ingrid Alvestad and his beloved sister Karen Faker.

A service celebrating John’s life will be held at 3pm October 4, 2015 at Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church, 7700 Skansie Ave, Gig Harbor.

The family suggests remembrances to Franciscan Hospice House, 2901 Bridgeport Way W, University Place, Tacoma 98466 or to Gig Harbor Peninsula FISH, PO Box 154, Gig Harbor, WA 98335.