John Phillip Pribyl

 John Phillip Pribyl, age 62, entered into glory on Sunday, January 14th, 2018 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s. 

He leaves behind his wife of 41 years, Carol (Kvale) Pribyl; his six daughters, Aubree Dawson, Nicole Lewin, Jaqualine Bechtel, Veronica Hawkins, Darcee Moon, Callie Salzman and their husbands; his brother, George Pribyl and sisters, Frances Neuhoff and Judy Morris; 22 beloved grandchildren and many, many other family members and friends.  

He was born and raised in San Bernadino, California, on August 19, 1955, the youngest son of George and Aline (Buchanan) Pribyl. He met his wife Carol at a summer camp in Montana and after pursuing her several years and after three years in the Army, the two married in June of 1976. They lived in California until 1983 when he and his family moved to Washington State. He remained in Tacoma until his death, a busy father and an active member and elder at Faith Presbyterian Church.  

John began waiting tables as a means of paying the bills to get through college but after graduation from Cal State LA, he remained in the restaurant business for the rest of his professional life.  He rose from waiter to manager of several different restaurants and private clubs including the Fircrest Golf Club and a downtown private business club, The Tacoma Club.

His magnetic and sociable personality made working in the service industry a natural fit and wherever he went, he made lifelong friends.  His humor, laughter and love of storytelling made him the life of the party no matter where he was.  He had a passion for history, good literature, fancy cooking, classic rock & roll and baseball (not to mention a good bowl of ice cream) and he easily drew others into his passions with his infectious enthusiasm.  

He loved his babies and his grand babies well and was never so happy as when he was surrounded by family (unless he was taking a long nap in the sun.)

Above all, he loved his Savior, Jesus Christ and taught his children to do the same.  He served his home church faithfully for many years, both as a deacon and an elder and took great joy in playing for the church softball league.  

His life touched so many people for the better and all those who loved him have been grieving his loss over several years, the nature of his last illness taking him from us, one little piece at a time.  We rejoice that he is now at peace with Christ, whole again in mind and body, even as we mourn his death below.

A Viewing will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 19th from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

A funeral service will be held at Faith Presbyterian Church on Friday, January 19th at 3:00 PM. 

620 S Shirley Street, Tacoma Washington

A Graveside will be held at Tahoma National Cemetery on Monday January 22nd at 9:30 AM

 Service Information