John Newton "Jack" Laugbon

 

Last updated 12/31/2020 at 1:16pm

July 30, 1937-December 15, 2020

The evil Covid-19 pandemic took Jack away on December 15, 2020 after a brief stay at the Multi-Care Valley Hospital in Spokane Valley, where both he and his wife of 62 years, Ann were hospitalized.

Born in Spokane to Dewey and Elsie Laughbon, home was north of Davenport on the Spokane River. Following the completion of the Grand Coulee dam, which flooded the family ground, the family relocated to farm near Rice. After eight years of schooling in the two-room school in Rice, Jack attended Kettle Falls High School, graduating in 1955. On October 5, 1958, he married Anna Oens. In 1961 they moved to Wilbur, where they farmed for 45 years. Jack earned the Lincoln County Water Conservation Farmer of the year in 1992 for the many miles of terraces in his fields.

Jack and Ann both drove school bus in Wilbur for 37 years. He truly loved watching Wilbur kids grow, and he took great joy in driving the children of the kids who rode his bus early in his career. Redskin volleyball and wrestling teams often honored him for his dedication. "Uncle Jack" to many, he also helped form the Wilbur Ranch Hands 4-H club.


Jack loved to garden, and that hobby continued as he and Ann retired to Davenport in 2004, where he was a substitute bus driver until he was forced to retire due to a knee ailment. Jack also enjoyed spending time with family and friends at Laughbon Bay, where he taught many to water ski.

Jack loved to travel with Ann, making it to all 50 states, Europe, and on several cruises.


In 2018 Jack and Ann moved to Holman Gardens in Spokane Valley, where he was able to continue his love of gardening. He also rediscovered the joy of playing pinochle.

Jack so loved, and was very much loved by, family and friends. He is survived by Ann, his wife of 62 years; sister Dorothy (Larry) Skinner of Holman Gardens; children Ron (Tammy); step grandsons Daniel and Stephen Brown of Spokane Valley; daughter Donna (Ken) Snyder of Spring, Texas and their children Robin (Peter) Ten Eyck of Austin, Texas, and Kevin Snyder of Fayetteville, AR; and son Jake and his daughter Ande of Ellensburg. Jack is also survived by special family member Axel (Karie) Godron and children Viviana and Owen of Munich, Germany.

Due to the pandemic, a celebration of life event will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, a memorial contribution in Jack's name may be made to the Wilbur Creston Wildcat Booster Club, Davenport Gorilla Booster club, or the charity of your choice. Strate Funeral Home is caring for the family.

 

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