John Stephen Flack, 79, of Bellevue, WA, passed away unexpectedly on July 30 while playing golf. Born January 15, 1946, in Pasco, WA, to William and Bonnie Flack, he grew up in Yakima and graduated from A.C. Davis High School in 1964. A natural leader and athlete, he joined the Marine Corps Reserves in high school, later earning a B.S. in Zoology from Oregon State University.

Commissioned in the U.S. Marine Corps, John served as an artillery officer and intelligence officer, with tours in Okinawa, at sea, and across the U.S. He was honorably discharged in 1981, at the rank of Captain. After his military service, he worked in mortuary science in Enumclaw, at Alaska Airlines, and as a project manager at Boeing, including helping establish offices in Ghana, South Africa, and South Carolina.

An adventurer at heart, John pursued scuba diving, mountaineering, sailing, flying for Angel Flight, skiing, soccer, and later, golf—forming lifelong friendships along the way. He will be remembered for his integrity, loyalty, and zest for life.

He is survived by his partner, Kathleen Larson Florio; children, Kirsten Flack (Andrew Gardner) and John C. Flack (Danielle Miller); siblings William Henry, Katherine, and Jim; grandchildren Luke and Elsa; and many nieces and nephews. Honoring his wishes, he will be buried at sea—fitting, he often joked, since he had eaten enough crab during his lifetime to “return the favor.”

A comprehensive obituary and details for a forthcoming Celebration of Life gathering are posted at https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/bellevue-wa/john-flack-12471699