John Wold, 91, passed away on Sunday, July 20th, 2014 in Seattle. He was born on October 4, 1922 in Vigrestad, Norway to Ole and Marie Vold. He was the third of seven children in the family. As a child he lived and worked on the family farm in Vigrestad. Just after WWII he served in the Norwegian Army and was honorably discharged. 

At the age of 25 in 1948, he immigrated to the United States traveling on the Queen Mary from Southampton, England to New York and then by train to Seattle. John worked in a logging camp in Missoula Montana with other Norwegian immigrants in 1949. From 1950 to 1959 he worked in the fishing industry in Alaska both in the canneries and on fishing boats.

In the off season he worked at Detail Millwork Door Factory in the Fremont area of Seattle. From 1960-1967, he worked for the Space Saver Door Factory in Mountlake Terrace. He worked there until September of 1967 when he was hired as a Longshoreman on Seattle Waterfront and was a proud member of the ILWU-PMA, Local 19 for 20 years until his retirement in 1987.

No matter what he did, John had a good work ethic and was sought after by his employers. He even said once that he couldn't get a vacation when he returned from Alaska because his boss at the door factory was glad he answered the phone and wanted him back the next day. In 1955 John met Eldbjorg Kristiansen through mutual friends at the Sons of Norway in Seattle.

They courted for two years and were married in 1957 at Ballard First Lutheran Church. They were married for forty two years until Eldbjorg passed away in 1999. In his retirement years John enjoyed visiting "Kaffestua" at the Sons of Norway in Ballard.

It was there that he made new friends and enjoyed playing the accordion for others, enjoying the camaraderie and culture of their Norwegian Heritage.

John was also an avid fan of soccer. If there was a game on T.V. he was most likely watching it. "Far Far" as he was known also enjoyed spending special times with his grandson, Evan whom he adored.

John is survived by his son Erik, daughter-in-law Beverly, grandson Evan of Mukilteo, his sisters Solveig (Egil), Gerd (Kjell) and Mary all of Norway, numerous nieces, nephews and cousins all of Norway.

John is preceded in death by his wife Eldbjorg of Seattle, parents Ole & Marie Vold, brother, Gunnar (Halldis), and sisters Bodil (Trygve), and Johanna (Harald) all of Norway.Tusen takk to Valborg (Val) Nordbo and many thanks to the staff of Norse Home, Foss Home, Group Health and Virginia Mason Hospital.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorials be made to: Sons of Norway, Norse Home, or a charity of your choice in John’s name.