June 26, 1931 - December 04, 2011
John Albert Edwards Obituary
Passed away peacefully on December 4, 2011 with family by his side after an eight year battle with Lewy Body Dementia. John was born June 26, 1931 in Lewiston, Idaho to John and Madge (Black) Edwards. The family moved to Spokane and he attended West Valley High School before transferring to North Central where he met the love of his life, LaVonne Teal. He and LaVonne graduated from NC in 1950 and were married October 6, 1950. John attended Kinman Business University before starting a long and successful career in the food and restaurant industry, including Territory Manager for Miller Brewing Co. In 1977, John realized his lifelong dream of creating a specialty beer tavern with the opening of The Viking Tavern in Spokane, which he and LaVonne owned until their retirement in 1996. Credited by many as being the first to introduce European imports and microbrews to Spokane, John was an industry innovator who created a beloved institution that inspired a generation of local restaurant and bar owners. With his warm smile and firm handshake, all felt welcome around John. He was the consummate host, always ready with a story and a laugh. He had an incredible sense of humor and a twinkle in his bright blue eyes that could light up a room. John was a talented golfer, with two holes in one and a Hangman Men's Club Championship among his accomplishments. His greatest golfing joy came when he had the opportunity to play the Old Course at St. Andrew's in Scotland. John's passion for life was palpable to all around him - be it golf, his home and garden on Manito Boulevard, scotch, Christmas, antiques, his family or his wife, John loved deeply and openly, gave generously and lived fully. He is survived by his wife of 61 years, LaVonne, brother Dick (Nancy) Edwards, daughters Susan Jackowich and Sally (Marc) Akiyama all of Spokane; eight grand-children and 10 great grand-children. A memorial service will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011 at 11 a.m. at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N. Government Way, Spokane. Special thanks to the entire staff at Riverview Care Center for the compassion shown to John and his family and the dignity and level of care provided to John to the very end. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a charity of one's choice .
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