John Condon

Obituary John Patrick Condon, a well known Tacoma radio and advertising man, died Thursday, June 2nd, 2005 at St. Joseph's Hospital at age 84. John was Black Irish through and through and regularly demonstrated more than a bit of blarney. For most of his life he was involved in sports, politics and the media. He was born in Tacoma to Bess and John Condon on August 2, 1920. He attended Stadium High and St. Martin's High School and College. He was married to Nadine Engh on August 3, 1942. Following Coast Guard service, he began his radio career in 1945 with KTBI Radio. From there he moved to KMO Radio and was General Manger of KTAC. With broadcast associate Dick Weeks, he next formed Weeks-Condon, an advertising and travel agency which the partners operated until 1985. John's love of athletics and its' players is legendary among his many friends in sports. He was instrumental in forming the sponsor program for the high school Class A Basketball Tournament and loved his years as a sponsor. He was very involved in the UPS booster organization and from early years in his broadcast career promoted local basketball and hockey teams. He was active in politics, serving several years on the Puyallup City Council beginning in 1952 and also enjoyed a term as Mayor of the City. He was praised as a skilled parliamentarian by auditors of city council meetings. It's difficult to know which he loved most - Notre Dame football or golf. Every autumn bets would be made with friends who showed the lack of judgment to bet on a team opposing Notre Dame. His golf was played year after year at Fircrest Country Club where he had been a member since 1957. After retirement there was more time for golf and winter vacations in Palm Springs. Especially important now was the time available to call and needle friends. No one was safe from this activity. John is survived by Nadine, his wife of 62 years; daughters Stephanie LeGras (Dean), Shannon Butters (Mike) and Casey Condon; grandchildren Christopher LeGras, Ryan Christian and Kyle Butters, very special nephew and nieces, three "damn grand-dogs" and a legion of friends. He will be missed, but his was a life well lived. Memorial Mass will be celebrated Thursday, June 9, 2005, 11:00 a.m. at St. Patrick Catholic Church. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory can be made to Franciscan Hospice, P.O. Box 1502, Tacoma, WA 98401 or to a charity of choice. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com . Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.