J HOWARD MCINTOSH III
December 17, 1938 ~ July 9, 2015
J Howard McIntosh III passed away on July 9, 2015 at the age of 76, after a short illness. He was a long time resident of Castle Rock, Washington and was residing at a care home in Vancouver at the time of his death.
J was born December 17th, 1938 in the town of Grandville, Michigan to Jack McIntosh and Marion Beadle McIntosh. He had one sibling, his sister, Nancy. He married Patricia Smick on June 23, 1962. The two shared 53 years of marriage and had three daughters. J is survived by his wife, Pat; three children, Holly Parr of Longview, Heather McIntosh of Portland, and Heidi McIntosh of Castle Rock; and six grandchildren who he adored, Tyler McIntosh, Jacob Kimball, Elaine Kimball, and Gracie Kimball, of Castle Rock, LeeLee Parr, of Longview, and Henry McIntosh of Portland. He also leaves behind many extended family members in the Clark County area.
J's earliest years were spent in Michigan. When he was still a young child, the family moved to Vancouver, Washington, and then to Ridgefield where J graduated from high school in 1957. From there he attended Clark College where he played on the tennis team, and then moved to Central Washington University where he earned his teaching degree. He began his teaching career in Castle Rock in 1961. After teaching for a few years, J entered the Masters program at Oregon State University where he earned his Masters in Science Education, afterwards returning to Castle Rock for the duration of his teaching career spanning 38 years. He coached several different sports during his teaching tenure as well as after retirement, including cross country, boys tennis, and later, girls tennis. He loved tennis whether he was playing, watching, or coaching. His mottos were, "Can't never did anything," and "You can DO eet!" He was active in the teacher's union, serving as CREA president for several years, and WEA president for a year.
J was known to his colleagues as a consummate professional and was a positive influence and role model to his students. He inspired many to go into the fields of medicine, science, and teaching due to his passion for teaching and learning, and his compassion for his students.
After retirement, gardening and travel became passions for J. He loved collecting plants and attending garden shows. He cultivated unusual varieties of flowers and edibles. He also spent many hours with his grandchildren, attending their sporting events, teaching them computer basics, and just hanging out. He enjoyed reading Michener novels and had an avid interest in reading about General Custer. He also indulged in many of Stephen King's thrillers. On his trip to the east coast, he visited King's hometown in Maine. In addition to books, J enjoyed movies, his favorite being "Avatar". He also watched "Legally Blonde" every time it came on the TV, as well as owned it on DVD.
J spent the last fifteen years as a caregiver to Pat as she dealt with the effects of cancer. Even as he battled his own cancer and then rapidly progressing brain disease, he selflessly dedicated himself to managing Pat's medications and many appointments while continuing to make himself available to the rest of the family.
Thank you to Deby and Doru for taking such good care of J during his illness.
A memorial service celebrating J's life will be held at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting on J's behalf to have donations sent to the Castle Rock District Office for a memorial bench in his name to be placed at the Castle Rock High School tennis courts. Donations can be sent to: 600 Huntington Ave. S, Castle Rock, WA 98611. Checks should be made out to the Castle Rock High School Tennis Program in honor of J McIntosh.
" . . . Two roads diverged in a wood, and I - I took the one less traveled by, And that has made all the difference." The Road Not Taken, Robert Frost, 1916
Please sign J's Guest Book at www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Our thoughts and prayers are with u. Our hearts go out to pat & families. Sorry for your loss. Hope to see you soon.
Linda Lane Graves
July 23, 2015
J was always so kind, honorable and intellectual. Legally Blonde is one of my favorite movies too! Our hearts go out to your family along with our prayers. Hugs and love to you all.
Tami Holyk Crane
July 19, 2015
Pat, I am so sorry for your loss. I am praying that our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ will put His loving arms around you, comfort you greatly and give you peace.
Kathy Hitchcock
July 17, 2015
J was a great friend and colleague. Betsy and I are praying for you, Pat, and the family. Love, Mike
Mike Bannow
July 14, 2015
Sending my condolences to the family. May God give you strength and peace during this difficult time (Psalm 29:11)
July 14, 2015
So very sorry to hear of his passing. He was a kind man & a good teacher. My condolences to Pat and to Holly, Heather & Heidi. He was well thought of in our family.
Mary Pumphrey
July 14, 2015
So sorry for your Loss, prayers to the familyhe was such a kind hearted man and gentle spirit. God bless
Susan Oja/Ness
July 14, 2015
Showing 1 - 7 of 7 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more