John D. Paplow Sr.

Obituary John D. Paplow Sr., born in Bellingham WA to Charles and Christine Paplow, passed away September 6, 2005 in Puyallup. John grew up in Tacoma and attended St. Leo's grade school and Bellarmine High School. He was a WWII veteran and life member of VFW, Post 2224; he was involved with scouting for more than 60 years and received the Wood Badge and Silver Beaver Award. He was also a member of the Elks Lodge. "A man with a heart for children and a never-ending sense of humor," he retired from Rainier School in Buckley WA. For over 30 years John was the coach of the Rainier School Special Olympics Team. John also taught swimming and lifesaving to thousands of children as Aquatics Director at the YMCA for 25 years. John was preceded in death by his wife Lois, his parents, brothers Charles, Leonard and Bob, sisters Dorothy and Jenny. He is survived by his children John Paplow, Jr., James Paplow, Irene Hitt, all of Tacoma; Donna Westerbuhr, Janine Hamik of Kearney NE; Martha Stribling of Winnsboro TX, sister Maureen Campbell of California, 18 grandchildren, 7 great-grandchildren and 1 great-great-grandchild. Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, September 10, 2005, 1:30 pm at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Rosary and Visitation Friday, September 9, 2005, 7:00 pm at the Gaffney Funeral Home Chapel. Interment Hubbard Cemetery in Castle Rock WA. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneyfuneralhome.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.