||| FROM CAROL KULMINSKI |||
John Cyril Heath
John Cyril Heath, 80, of Orcas Island, passed away on October 3, 2024. He was born on October 25, 1943, to Cyril Henry Heath & Winnifred (Gilmore Smith) Heath in Los Angeles, CA. Cyril preceded John in death in 2001, Winnie, in 1984 and his sister, Winnie May (Ed) Bauman, in 1999 and Ed in 2006, his paternal aunt, May Stanton in 2012 & her husband Dr. Ernest Stanton in 1999.
John is survived by Faith, his wife of 55 years, his son, David John Heath (Susie), Carson and Courtney of Asheville, NC, & his daughter, Heather Joy (Ralph K., Jr.) Smith, & Kenny, of Charlotte, NC. He was Uncle Johnny to his sister’s children, Linda, Lorna, Ruth, Susan and John who, along with their families, live throughout Canada.
Many happy times were spent growing up with his cousins, Audrey, Kathy and Dick Stanton, who proceeded to add many more to the family tree!
John dedicated his life to serving his Lord Jesus Christ, his family, his country and his community no matter where he lived throughout his life. He proudly served in the Coast Guard from 1961 to 1965 and continued his commitment to service in the Air Force Reserves from 1973 to 1985. A skilled radio technician and pilot/mechanic, John was also a member of Mission Aviation Fellowship from 1979 to 1983, serving as a Bush Pilot in Honduras, Central America and in Lesotho and Zimbabwe, Southern Africa.
John had a long and fulfilling career with Saudi Arabian Airlines as a Flight Engineer on the L-1011 & the 747 from 1985 to 2002, where he formed lifelong friendships.
John was an active member of the Orcas Island Community Church, singing in their choir as a Bass (& Soprano), whenever on Orcas, leading Sunday hymns & monthly Hymn Sings, and was a member & soloist of Orcas Choral Society for the past 22 years. He also shared his love for music, singing lead in both Barber Shop and Southern Gospel Quartets. His presence was felt both upfront and behind the scenes, and he was affectionately known as “the Man on the Lawnmower” and “Mr. Fixit Man”. He was truly a Jack of all Trades & Master of Many!
John was a loving husband to Faith (Case) Heath and a devoted father to David John Heath (Susie) and Heather Joy Smith (Bo). He cherished his role as a grandfather to Carson, Courtney, and Kenny. A man of deep faith, John shared the message of God’s love throughout the world and was a true Elder of the Church wherever he lived throughout the world.
John will be remembered not only for his service and dedication but for the warmth and kindness he showed to all. He will be dearly missed by his family, Church, Orcas Choral Society, Orcas Island Chamber Music Festival, friends, and the community he served. As he sings with the heavenly choir, we look forward to the day we will reunite and sing together in eternal harmony!
John’s Celebration of Life will be celebrated on November 23, 2024 at Orcas Island Community Church at 11 AM. A Finger Food Buffet Reception will be served afterwards in the Fellowship Hall. All who knew and loved John are welcome!
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to the Jesus Film Project OR SAT-7 USA in John’s memory.
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Sad news this morning.
Faith, we’re thinking of you as we read this and you have our sincerest condolences.
I’ll alway remember that John and I shared an alma mater in Los Angeles Trade Technical College. You were both kind, thoughtful and helpful when we moved here for which we will ever be grateful, thank you so much.
Phil, Janet and Chris