John Jerry Bukoskey, 72, died unexpectedly Oct. 7, 2014, in Reno, Nev., after suffering a stroke.

He was born Oct. 18, 1942, in Seattle. He grew up in Greenville, Calif., where his mother raised him and three siblings before moving back to the Seattle area where he spent the majority of his adult life. He devoted many years to volunteer firefighting and spent many years as fire chief in Black Diamond. He also served as a union representative for the International Longshoreman and Warehouseman’s Union for the state of Alaska. He moved to Smith Valley 15 years ago with his wife Sue. He is remembered as a talented, well-rounded and hard-working man who could stand at a board meeting and give a speech or plumb a house. He was very passionate about the fire service and employee rights and benefits. He loved farming, building, fixing things, playing poker and watching the Seahawks with his wife.

He is survived by wife Sue; children Leeann Bickler and husband Monte, Lynn Belcourt, Christy Fend and husband Matt, Chanda Mariotti-Berger and husband Micah and Shannon Mariotti and wife Angie; 14 grandchildren and one great-granddaughter.

At his request, there will be no service. There will be a family gathering to share special memories at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Black Diamond Fire Department for EMS equipment, 32316 148th Ave. S.E., Auburn, 98092.