||| FROM BETSY LOUTON |||
John Marshall Louton died peacefully surrounded by his family on January 19, 2023. John was born on September 4, 1942, in Chicago, Illinois and raised in Woodstock. He attended Ohio State University and ultimately received his PhD in Chinese Philosophy from the University of Washington. John worked on translating classical Chinese texts and poetry the rest of his life.
John Marshall Louton
John was an avid hiker wherever he was, including the Cascade Mountains in the Pacific Northwest, Zambia’s bush country, and the parks and mountains of Taiwan and China. From 1986 to 2006, John served as a U.S. Foreign Service Officer and was stationed in Zambia, India, Albania, Taiwan, Beijing, and Chengdu China. He made a significant impact during his time abroad, including his involvement in the opening of the American Embassy in Albania and delivering a heartfelt eulogy for Stanley Shapiro in the Great Hall in Beijing. John was passionate about the Fullbright Foreign Student Exchange Program and believed in the importance of cultural understanding for successful diplomacy.
After retirement, John and his wife Betsy settled on Orcas Island, Washington where he served on the Orcas Center Board of Directors and taught a class on Chinese Philosophy at the library. He worked tirelessly moving rocks, digging holes, fixing gates, and weeding endlessly alongside his loving wife Betsy. He advocated tirelessly for campaign finance reform by writing letters to his political representatives. He was at his happiest walking in the woods with his dogs.
Memorial services in honor of John will be held on Orcas Island and Seattle, with the time and details to be announced. Donations can be made in John’s name to the International Myeloma Foundation, the Southern Poverty Law Center, or the Orcas Island Chamber Music Foundation.
John will be deeply missed by his wife Betsy, daughters Amy and Samara, daughter-in-law Rosemary Caperton, son-in-law Michael Frank, grandchildren Gavyn, Maya, William, and Elliot, brother Tom Louton, and sister-in-law Barbara Putz.
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Thanks, Betsy. I have fond memories of John from his visits to the library, including his great class on Chinese philosophical traditions.
Betsy- I am saddened to learn of John’s passing. He was such a kind soul. A true gentle man. I really enjoyed working with him, and as stated above, I was always impressed how hard he worked to make your property a special home. Blessings to you and your family at this time
I am extremely sad of John’s passing. I crossed paths with him when he was working in Albania. Our exchange was brief, but what he said became my life’s experience. Strangely, I looked him up tonight after recalling one too many times one of these lessons. He is gone. RIP you beautiful soul!
John and I were roommates at Ohio State in 1962. and shared an apt with Keith Johnson the following year. John was a Beautiful Mind and I appreciated his friendship and stories. He was a kind and generous man who kept in touch for the remainder of his life. I loved him as I would have a brother. I wish John Godspeed and and peace. And I wish Betsy and his daughters kind and wonderful thoughts about John’s soul..
Thank you for the beautiful tribute Betsy. We weren’t sure we were going to fit in on Orcas when Stephen and I first moved here in 2011. A chance meeting with John when I was hiking and an hour long conversation convinced me we were going to be just fine. 12 years later and you’ve both been such dear, good friends to us. John was sharp as a tack and led such an interesting life. I will miss being regaled by his wonderful stories – he was just delight to be with and I will treasure the time we all spent together.
Love and hugs to you and your family Betsy.