John T Riseland

John Riseland, age 78, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018 at Hospice House in Bellingham. He was born January 11, 1940 in Bellingham to Julius and Mary Riseland. After graduating from Lincoln High School in Seattle, John attended Seattle U, before transferring to WWU to play basketball. He graduated from WWU with a degree in education. John married Brenda Lindsley on August 18, 1962, and together they raised their three wonderful daughters, Julie, Karen and Jenny. He was a school counselor at Edmonds High School and Meadowdale High School before moving to Bellingham where he finished his career at BHS as a counselor and a basketball coach. John and Brenda are active members of First Christian Church. He enjoyed golfing, creating stained glass pieces, reading, and family. John was known for his big personality, his excellent sense of humor, and his care and love for others. He was a true servant, and volunteered with numerous groups in the community. John was preceded in death by his parents, Julius and Mary, and his brother Joe. He is survived by his wife of 55 years, Brenda, daughters Julie (Scott) Hoerner of Post Falls, ID, Karen (Jim) Frazier of Chehalis, WA, and Jenny (Richard) Jim of Kauai, HI, grandchildren Griffen (Marlayna), Kendall, Tanner, Kevin, Jordan and Shalyn, great-grandson Arlo, brother Jerry (Wanda), and many relatives and friends. A memorial service will be held at First Christian Church, 495 East Bakerview Road in Bellingham at 2 PM on Tuesday, February 6th. Rev. Gary Shoemaker will be officiating. Memorials in John’s name may be made to Interfaith Coalition Family Promise Program, or Western Washington University Athletics Wallie Lindsley Basketball Scholarships. You may share memories with the family at www.westfordfuneralhome.com .