John D. Pugh

John Dean Pugh, 78, of Corvallis and Mesa, Ariz., died on May 9, 2013. John was born on July 6, 1934, in Spokane, Wash., to Edson and Irene Pugh. He was raised on the shores of Anderson and Coeur d’Alene lakes, in Harrison, Idaho, a place he loved to return to to spend the summer. John graduated from Oregon State University in 1956, and began his career as a teacher and coach in Elkton. He went on to teach and coach at Triangle Lake High School, and serve as an administrator at McKenzie High School. In 1970, John joined the administration at Corvallis High School as an assistant principal. He stayed in that position until his retirement in 1989. John married Delores Arlene Smith on Dec. 27, 1955, in Eugene. They raised three children in Corvallis and were very active in the community. John is survived by his wife, Arlene; daughter, Kimberly Spathas (Jeff) of Portland; sons Michael of Santa Barbara, Calif., and Daniel (Harmony) of Corvallis; and five grandchildren. He also is survived by sister Gail Hofstrand of Moscow, Idaho; and brother Chad (Virginia) of Madras. John was preceded in death by his father, Edson; and his mother, Irene Pugh Newton Smith. In recent years, John and Arlene wintered at their home in Mesa, a place John loved. To him it was like being at summer camp all winter long. John always was busy doing something; he played tennis, softball, golf and myriad other sports. John also was a longtime season ticket holder to OSU football and was a proud member of Beaver Nation! He was an avid woodworker, carving many ducks, birds, turtles and other animals which he freely gave to those who admired his work. He leaves behind many friends with whom he loved to socialize. He spent many nights dancing at the grange hall and the senior citizens center. He always was a teacher at heart, loving to pass on his knowledge about anything to anyone willing to listen. A memorial service will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, May 31, at First Baptist Church in Corvallis. In lieu of flowers, John requested that donations be made to the Crane Historical Society, in his boyhood home of Harrison: P.O. Box 152, Harrison, ID 83833; or to make a donation to the charity of your choice.

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John D. Pugh

July 6, 1934 - May 9, 2013