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JOHN N. PRAGER
April 26, 1949 ~ November 18, 2017
John N. Prager, a Vancouver, WA native, passed away on November 18, 2017 at the age of 68. The eldest of eight children born to Kenneth and Veronica Prager, he graduated from Hudson's Bay High School in 1967. He recently attended his 50th class reunion and enjoyed reconnecting with former classmates.
John attended Clark College before transferring to Western Washington University in Bellingham, where he studied sociology and anthropology from 1969 to 1972.
While studying in Bellingham and working in La Push during the summers, John developed a love for the Olympic Peninsula moving to La Push in 1975. He worked for the Quileute Tribe Fisheries as a traditional territories researcher in response to the "Boldt Decision" protecting tribal fishing rights. It was there he met his wife and lifelong partner of 42 years, Peggy (Beck) Prager.
He later worked for Ulin's Auto Parts in Forks from 1978 to 1989. During this period, John and Peggy pursued their love of the Olympic Peninsula, fishing, camping, gardening, exploring and happily participating in Forks community life.
In 1989, John and Peggy moved back to Vancouver, where he worked as a salesman for Winzer selling heavy equipment and machinery parts.
John was taken from us too soon and will be missed beyond words. His laughter was infectious, and his generosity and kindness was felt by every one he touched. His love for knowledge and sharing it was a great joy for him. John was the family chef and his cooking was better than that of most restaurants.
John's most endearing quality was his love for and devotion to his wife Peggy and his family. His grandchildren, nieces and nephews put a sparkle in his eyes.
He leaves his wife, Peggy; children: Becky Brewer (Marshall), Kevin Hasely (Vicky) and Rachel Beck; grandchildren: Savannah, Brandon and Nylah Brewer, Ethan and Evan Hasely; siblings: Timothy (Donna), Terry (Nancy), Michael, and Joseph Prager (Nancy), Paula Empting, and Kenneth Prager (Kim). His brother, James, preceded him.
A Celebration of John's Life will be 1 p.m., Saturday, December 16, at All Saints Episcopal Church, 2206 NW 99th St., Vancouver, WA 98665 with reception to follow.
Please sign his guest book at: www.columbian.com/obits.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
So sorry to hear this. Me and my siblings and the Prager's attended Walnut Grove Elementary school together. My Sister Dianne and Paula were very close friends. My heart goes out to all of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Leisa McDowell
December 27, 2017
I will miss The Walnut Grove folks on Saturday...sending my best thoughts and prayers. We went to the district Spelling Bee together in 6th grade and I froze on the first word...I think John did well for our school. Lots of old memories. All the best to family as you enter the holidays and a season of grieving.
Kathy Stolee Olson
December 14, 2017
I remember John well from high school and I'm sorry that I didn't attend our 50th reunion and see him. He was truly one of the good guys and, from his obituary, he lived his life with that same warmth, care and consideration. My heartfelt sympathy.
Teresa Pooley Scavia
December 12, 2017
I saw John's obituary in yesterday's paper. I remember him well from High School and am sad to learn of his passing. It was unfortunate that I missed our 50th high school reunion in September. My condolences to John's family and friends.
Bonnie Sease
December 11, 2017
John, u were an inspiration in all of our lives going to miss ur words of wisdom n knowledge. U were the go to person who had an answer for everything. God has a perfect angel. We all love n miss you. Love Ken, Kim, Robert, Tim, n Micheal
Pragers
December 11, 2017
after reading the obit today I spent some time remembering john and my childhood members he was a good friend and will be missed
dan rutkowski
December 10, 2017
I met John last summer when we were watching our granddaughters perform on the last day of their horse camp. It was easy to see what a loving relationship John had with his granddaughter, Nylah, who is a friend of my granddaughter Rachel. I am sorry for the loss of this special person in your lives.
Gail McLean
December 10, 2017
It was great reconnecting with you.
RIP my friend
Scott Keller
December 10, 2017
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