— from Jay Kimball —
Beloved father, grandfather, partner, brother, cousin, and dear friend to so many, John Roselli passed away on November 10, 2014 at age 69. Born in Renton, he grew up in Ballard and was especially proud of his football years, both as player and coach. At age 19, John (“Roselli” to many, “Johnny” to family) was drafted into the military and spent a year in Vietnam as a supply pilot where he rose to the rank of Captain.
He often lamented missing the opportunity to be a “hippie” as a young adult in the 60’s. During this time he was a golden gloves boxing champion. Soon after, he graduated from Central Washington University.
John so loved and delighted in his years as a stay-at-home dad while his wife of 30+ years, Cathy, was a flight attendant. He traveled extensively to Africa, Asia, Europe, Mexico, Central America, Turkey and Greece. He especially loved visiting family in France.
John had so many gifts. He was a gardener/landscaper extraordinaire, often referring to himself as “Johnny Dahlia”. He designed a bird sanctuary with a feast of flowers. His favorite art palate was his vast array of ponds, orchards, gardens, waterfall, bamboo groove, and bird feeders galore. John had an exquisite eye for creating beauty and enjoyed working on abstract paintings. He had a heart the size of a mountain.
He had an enormous wit and gave many friends delight and joy. John loved Orcas Island, loved his home, loved his friends and family unconditionally. One of his favorite pastimes was driving slowly down the road marveling at the beauty and tranquility of Orcas and his good fortune to live here. One of his favorite phrases was “ if you’re not living on the edge, you’re taking up too much room”.
He will be deeply missed by daughter Danielle, son Tony, grandchildren Radler and Coolidge, partner Suzi, son-in-law Juddy, brothers Byron and Jimmy (sister-in-law Shannon), sisters Andree and Susie (brothers-in-law Ken and Al), former wife Cathy, many cousins, especially Clarke, nieces, nephews, and many many dearly cherished friends including his island brothers, The Odd Fellows. He deeply loved his best friend David and his dear friend and employer of 13 years, Win.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the VFW William Matthews Post 1585, ATTN: Quartermaster/Post Relief Fund 625 State St Bellingham, Wa 98225-5331.
A potluck celebration of life will be held Saturday, January 10, 2 p.m. at the Odd Fellows Hall, Eastsound, Wa.
Thanks Jay, Roselli was a deep and charismatic man, gorgeous and kind. Missing him and wishing him well on the next leg of his journey.
I enjoyed many days playing Hackety-Sack with John on the Lopez Island set for the filming of Free Willy 2. It was a pleasure to have known John.