John Cunningham - In his own words - 2016

If there is to be a gathering commemorating my life, I sincerely believe that it should not be one of mourning. Let's be honest, I had many good years, why lament over that.

I was fortunate in uncountable ways – some of it was by design and some fortuitous.

I loved the Pacific Northwest – my parents settled here, and I managed to live here 90% of my lifetime.

I loved the mountains – I was able to climb many, up and down the west coast, including Mt Rainer and Mt Baker in this state.

I loved the forests – I had innumerable trips into our forests backpacking, camping and hiking with friends and relatives.

I loved lakes and seashores – I've enjoyed uncounted small yacht trips spaced from Hawaii to Florida, from the Great Lakes to the marvelous inland waterways of the Pacific NW. I lived over 40 years in relative privacy on the shores of Lake Washington.

I loved ladies – I married Glenda who was talented and gentle and a fine mother to our three children. I later married Barbara, the most caring, loving, and enthusiastic person, who became the love of my life, which says it all. No regrets there.

I loved family and friends – I'm proud of my children and their unique and accomplished lives. I feel like I've been blessed with some extraordinary good friends, both men and women, over my lifetime. The good times were truly superb. Their tolerance of my unruly behavior was appreciated by me. My regrets here are for several early deaths.

I loved books – I've read several thousand, fiction and non-fiction (a lot of history).

I loved travel – one way and another I've been able to visit all continents, save Antarctica. These trips, often with friends, created lifetime memories.

I don't want to present my life as all sunshine and roses, but my regrets are few. I had disagreements but early on I developed a habit of resolving disagreements quickly and never holding grudges. It simplifies life.

I never believed that accumulating wealth was a major objective of mine. However, I acquired jobs that allowed me much freedom of action and were rewarding enough that I received sufficient compensation to permit me to comfortably pursue my real goals. My work was interesting – life was good.

Given all these things, life was quite a party. It seems not so much that I was marching to a different drummer, but while others might be marching, I could be found playing frisbee. So, while I disappear into the sunset, enjoy the memories.

Bob Hope said it best: "Thanks for the memories!"

John