John Aaron Riddle

Jack Riddle came to rest on March 19, 2021 at the age of 79. He passed at St. Anthony’s Hospital in Gig Harbor, WA with his granddaughter by his side. Jack was born in Ontario, California and resided there until he went into the service at 18 years of age. Jack spent his later years of life in Portland, Oregon and Wildwood, California. Jack moved from Wildwood, California in November of last year to be closer to family.  His great-grandchildren simply adored Jack and will forever cherish the time they spent with him in Washington.

Even though he never complained about the Seattle rain, he was a mountain man and a true Californian. He loved his Wildwood home which he shared with his beautiful wife Barbara (deceased July 11, 2020). It was their sanctuary; drinking coffee on the front porch, watching the wildlife, listening to music, cheering for the Giants, and enjoying the scenery on their long drives into town. Jack and Barbara had a beautiful love story. They were married on August 14, 1960 and they never stopped holding hands.

Jack was a dear and caring man who was always available and eager to help family and friends with whatever they needed. Jack has many lifelong friends in California. He treasured his community. In fact, after Jack retired as a computer programmer in Portland OR, he received his substitute credential and spent many hours working and volunteering at the one-room schoolhouse in Wildwood. The students, families and staff respected and greatly appreciated his time there. Jack was truly a “Jack of all trades."  In addition to teaching, he was an air force veteran, worked for the forest service when he was younger, received a BA from Linfield University in 1995, and was a volunteer firefighter in his later years. He and Barbara were also parishioners of the local Methodist congregation. 

Jack was preceded in death by his beloved wife Barbara Riddle; son John David Riddle; granddaughter Heather Riddle; half-sisters Mafalda (Riddle) Bromley and Susie (Riddle) Newman. He is survived by his daughter Lisa Riddle and daughter-in-law Carol Riddle; his sister Jill (Riddle) Bonzer and his half-sister JoAnne (Riddle) Vaughn; his nephew Mike Bromley; grandchildren Julia Gibbons, Teresa Riddle-Murphy and John Michael Riddle; great grandchildren Greta Gibbons, John James Gibbons, Agatha Gibbons, Louis Gibbons and Eileanõr Riddle-Murphy.

Our family plans to celebrate Jack & Barbara’s lives with a virtual service on Sunday, May 23 at 3:00.  More information will be emailed out as the date approaches. We hope to gather sometime this summer with family and friends to share hugs, and memories…

Jack was well loved at his assisted living home by staff and residents. If you would like to send a card of sympathy or one to brighten someone’s day, please find the address below:

Liberty Place

155 W Lippert Dr.

Port Orchard, WA 98366

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of John Aaron Riddle, please visit our floral store.