John McLandress

John R. McLandress, 59, a thirty-five year resident, musician and friend to many in the greater Wallingford/Fremont District of Seattle, passed away peacefully on May 6, 2016 from complications with pneumonia as a result of his living with muscular dystrophy. At the time of his passing, he was with the loving care and support of two of his older brothers, Dick and Randy, as well as the dedicated and caring medical staff at the UW Medical Center. John was born on March 15, 1957 in Wenatchee, WA, and graduated in 1975 from Eastmont High School. He grew up on a family orchard and enjoyed the open spaces of the surrounding Wenatchee Valley, where he had a deeply loving family network. As a very talented and dedicated musician, he devoted many years of his life to mastering the trumpet. He graduated in 1986 from the UW School of Music, focusing his interests on music theory and performance. He taught private lessons for many years and was a mentor to many aspiring young musicians in North Seattle. As a polished performer, he played with such local notable groups as the Seattle Philharmonic and The Magnolia Jazz Band. And often, with his service dog Keiko by his side, you would find him accompanying late-night and spirited pick-up sessions at one of the local popular clubs in Fremont. He loved to entertain and share special meals with his family and friends, and he was an amazing chef in the kitchen, having a knack for perfecting tasty recipes. John will always be known for his positive, can-do attitude. Those who knew him were witness to his awesome power of personal self-determination, which he demonstrated through discipline and hard work. His most amazing and successful career as a musician, and his endeavor to live independently in spite of his severe physical limitations, are just a few examples of the brother and friend we all knew so well. His parents, Donald and Betty of East Wenatchee, preceded John in death. He is survived by his wife, Ann Stephens-McLandress of Edmonds; and four brothers, Robert of Chelan; Richard and is wife, Cathy of Coeur d'Alene, ID; Randy and his wife, Sally of East Wenatchee; and Michael of Bend, OR; and numerous nieces and nephews. A special thank you to David and Chuck for your love and care for John over the years. A Celebration of Life will be held at Lower Woodland Park Zoo, Shelter #3, on Saturday, June 4, 2016 from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Afterward, family and friends will gather at the sundial at the top of the hill at Gasworks Park for a Ceremony of Remembrance. A family Internment will be held on Saturday, June 11, 2016 at 2:00 p.m. at Evergreen Memorial Park in East Wenatchee, WA. Arrangements by Telford's Chapel of the Valley. For those who wish, memorials may be made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. Please contact Telford's Chapel of the Valley at 509-662-1561 for more details.

John McLandress

March 15, 1957 - May 6, 2016