November 18, 1916 - August 6, 2009
John Martin Eilertsen, 92 years old of Coal Harbour, British Columbia died August 6th at the Cumberland Lodge Rest Home in Courtenay on Vancouver Island.
He was born November 18th, 1916 in Ellensburg, Washington to Jack and Dot Eilertsen. In the early 1930’s the family moved to Stanwood, Washington to open a local lumberyard. There John worked with his father in the lumberyard. He loved all sports, but particularly skiing. In 1945 he competed in the Jumping and Cross-country tryouts for the Olympic team in Lake Placid, New York. He didn’t make the team, but placed 13th in the country and came home with some wonderful stories.
He met and married Margaret Oas of Everett, Washington in 1940. From 1944 until the end of World War II John served his country in the Army. They made their home in Stanwood, Washington for the next 18 years.
Because land for logging in Washington was getting more expensive in 1952, John bought land on the far end of Vancouver Island. Canada suited him and in 1958 John, Margaret and their youngest son, Joel, moved to Coal Harbour, B.C. After more then 35 years in logging and millwork he closed his mill in 1972 to drive cat for Utah Mines. He retired from the mines at the age of 70. After his retirement he became a devoted golfer. He got his first hole-in-one in Port Hardy that first year, and his last hole-in-one in Yuma, Arizona when he was 89.
John was as active in community affairs in Coal Harbour, as he had been in Stanwood. He was chairmen of the Roads Committee for the Chamber of Commerce and worked to get the road from Campbell River to Coal Harbour paved. He and Margaret, also worked to build a hospital in Port Hardy. John served as Director of Area C for the Regional District Board. He also served on the Hospital Board with his wife.
After his beloved Margaret died in 1994 he traveled between Arizona, Stanwood, Coal Harbour and Wasilla enjoying his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren…and of course golfing.
John enjoyed his family, golfing and hunting with his son, John. He was a wonderful father, a loving husband and worked hard to contribute to his community. We will miss the twinkle in his eyes and his easy going ways.
John is survived by his three children: daughter, Janet Larson, son-in-law Cliff of Stanwood, WA, son, John Eilertsen of Wasilla, AK, son, Joel Eilertsen and daughter-in-law Chora of Coal Harbour, B.C., Canada. Grandchildren: Keith Larson, Cynthia Hayertz, Monique Ratzlaff, John Eilertsen, Rochelle Goad, Tammie James, JenAnn Eilertsen and Lillianna Ortman plus 11 great-grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life to be announced at a later date.