John Daniel Workland, Sr.

October 16, 1930 - June 03, 2016

John Daniel Workland, Sr. Obituary Dad passed away unexpectedly from complications arising from his 5-year battle with Dementia. We were blessed to be by his side as he opened his eyes, smiled at Mom, closed his eyes, and took his final breath. He died peacefully, blanketed in the love of his family. "Buster" as he was known to many (due to his wearing of "Buster Brown" shoes as a child) was the 5th child and 1st male born to Dan and Ruth Workland's family. He had seven sisters and four brothers: Marie (D), Lucille, Anna Mae (D), Margaret (D), Frances, James, Frank (D), Daniel, Michael, Suzanne (D), and Patricia. He attended Sacred Heart Grade School and Gonzaga High School (now Gonzaga Prep) where he graduated in 1949. He met Cleo Johnson while out bowling and they married in 1956. They celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary this past April with their two children John Jr. (Shawn) and Jo Ann (Bill) Stanley. As John Jr.'s family grew, Mom and Dad spent as much time as they could with their four grandchildren; Christian, Danny, Shaina, and Thelma Jane. In the early years, Dad worked as a Labor Foreman for Henry George and Sons before moving on to the Langham Tavern that he managed and then owned and operated until he sold it in 1973. In the late 50's, he attended the 6th Army Intelligence Training School, where he received a National Agency Check Classification of Secret. He spent eight years in the US Army and Army Reserves where he received a medal for Superior Marksmanship With A Sidearm. He also lectured on Military Censorship. During racing season, he worked in the money room at PlayFair Race Track and later, he was President of the Local 400 Hotel, Restaurant and Bar Association Union. After retiring, Dad kept busy on the Parish Council and as Head Usher at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes. He served on many boards and panels including the Fairmount Memorial Association Board of Directors and United Way. He was active in the Democratic Party and served on multitudes of committees and councils including an appointment by Governor Locke as President of the Governor's Industrial Safety and Health Advisory Board. In his "spare time," Dad was President of the Croatian Lodge and organized many of the lodge picnics and events for over 40 years. Mom and Dad got to travel all over the United States, Canada, and Mexico while attending Union Conferences and later with Jo Ann and Bill for family vacations and Cougar football games. His favorite places were Maui and Ainsworth Hot Springs in BC. Even though Dementia had robbed him of speech, Dad basked in the attention of his friends and the adoration of his family. His eyes and smile always let us know that he felt happy and loved. He is missed beyond words. Our family wishes to send heartfelt thanks to Dad's caregiver (and buddy) Henry Sherrill, the wonderful staff at Providence Adult Day Health, the amazing drivers of Paratransit, the always friendly staff at Broadway Court Estates, and finally, the caring and compassionate doctors and nurses of Sacred Heart Medical Center's ER and 7th Floor. Words alone cannot convey our gratitude for all your help and support. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Providence Adult Day Health, 6018 N. Astor Street, Spokane, WA 99208 or The Fisher Center For Alzheimer's Research Foundation, https://www.alzinfo.org.Visitation will be on Wednesday, June 15th, from 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM at Heritage Funeral Home, 508 N Government Way. Vigil will follow at 7:00 PM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, 1115 W. Riverside Avenue. Funeral Mass will be on Thursday, June 16th at 10:00 AM at the Cathedral of Our Lady of Lourdes, followed by burial at Fairmount Memorial Park, 5200 W. Wellesley. � To plant a beautiful memorial tree in memory of John, please visit our Tree Store. Read more Events JUN 3