John Harley Miner

John H. Miner, 93, of Spokane, passed away on October 25, 2025, at his home with his son, Jeff Miner, caring for him since June 2, 2023.  For the past two months, John was under hospice home care for Parkinson’s, which affected his overall strength and ability to swallow and speak.  He was also treated for cancer in May 2023, and his passing was peaceful and expected.

John was born in Cranbrook, British Columbia, Canada on January 17, 1932, to Harley and Jean Miner.  The family later moved to Headquarters, Idaho - a small town centered around a lumber mill and a railroad hub for central Idaho.  John developed a lifelong passion for trains, both model and real, which may have been inspired by his childhood in Headquarters.

The family eventually relocated to Spokane and lived in the 12^th and Monroe area so the children could attend school.  John graduated from Lewis and Clark High School in 1951, where he helped build and complete a wooden trophy case for the school.  His love for woodworking continued throughout his retirement years. He spent many hours in his wood shop working on various projects, including handcrafted toys and toy boxes for his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

After high school, John joined the Army National guard, later he met his wife of 62 years, Phyllis. They were married on July 15, 1956.  A year later, they welcomed their first son, Jeff, followed by their second son, Kevin, one year later.  For more than five decades, John enjoyed square dancing with several groups including Kountry Kuzzins (60’s), Buttons and Bows (80’s), Jacks and Jennys (2000) and Whirlaways (2020).  He was also active with BSA Troop 245 as an Assistant Scoutmaster while both of his sons earned their Eagle awards, attending most all of their activities and campouts.

Throughout his career, John worked for Cominco American in the 1960’s, R.A. Pearson in the 1970’s and later retired after 14 years with School District 81. Over the years, he enjoyed reading, woodworking, and building model trains.  In retirement, John and Phyllis also loved traveling and took many memorable cruises and cross-country trips together.

John was the second oldest of five sisters, who affectionately called him “Jack”.  He is survived by his youngest sister, Phyllis Rantzow (Carl); his son Jeff; his six grandchildren, Brian (Kellie), Keith (Jaymie), Heidi, Christopher, Cameron (Kyleigh), Shannon McCanna (Daniel); and eleven great-grandchildren.  He is preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, his son, Kevin, his parents and four sisters.

Celebration of Life will be held at 1:00 PM on December 12, 2025 at the North Spokane Dance Center (7424 North Freya RD., Spokane, WA. 99217), with a reception to follow.  All are welcome to attend and celebrate John’s life.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to North Spokane Dance Center in John’s memory or to your local PBS TV station, where he especially enjoyed watching This Old House.