John Edward Southward, born Jan. 29, 1914 in Broadalbin, N.Y., died Dec. 24, 2006 in Oak Harbor.

Preceded in death by his loving wife Lizanna, brothers George and Raymond and survived by his brother Tom, sister-in law Patricia and his 13 nieces and nephews, his great nieces and nephews who admired and remember their uncle with love, affection and respect. John will be greatly missed by his entire family.

John served his country for almost 30 years in the Marine Corp. He enlisted in the service in 1930 at the age of 16 as a private and served in World War II and the Korean War and retired from the Marine Corp as a warrant officer. John was awarded commendations and medals for bravery and honor and witnessed the raising of the flag in Iwo Jima.

John was a lifetime member of the VFW and was involved with the Marine Corps League on Whidbey Island. He will be missed and remembered with admiration, affection, respect and great honor by his fellow military brothers and sisters.

John lived on Whidbey Island for more than 30 years in the towns of Freeland and Oak Harbor. John loved the Island and was an avid fisherman and gardener.

John was a great friend, neighbor and when needed a good handyman. John will be greatly missed by his friends and neighbors.

John was a traveler and was on the go all the time. In his younger years he was a world traveler and in his last years with us, he was a traveler on his scooter — out and about almost daily in Oak Harbor visiting friends in what he liked to call his playground.

John was loved and will be missed greatly by all who knew him.

The family will have a memorial service on June 16 in Oak Harbor.