John A. Sinkovich

Obituary John A. Sinkovich   John A. Sinkovich, 91, passed away on Monday, May 11, at home in Tacoma. He will be dearly missed by his wife Mary, the love of his life, for 57 years. He leaves a loving daughter Marla; son-in-law Lynn Walters; grandchildren Quinn and Kira who he said made every day worth living. John was born on April 27, 1924 in Ruth, Nevada and moved to Tacoma in 1937. He attended Stadium High School and graduated from the University of Puget Sound with BA in Science (‘53) and BA in Education (‘57). John was an educator in the Tacoma school district for 27 years, teaching at McCarver Middle School, and science at Stadium and Wilson High Schools. While at Wilson, he was head of the Science Department and was involved in coaching football, basketball and golf. He enjoyed teaching and meeting with former students who shared their accomplishments. John began commercial fishing at the age of 15. He fished summers in Puget Sound, the San Juan Islands and Alaska for over 45 years. He loved the challenge of the sea and spending time with his nephews, John Stewart, Frank Jr, Fred, Matt & niece Dobrila Marinkovich. After retiring, John and Mary enjoyed family gatherings, traveling and golfing. He especially enjoyed sharing time with his best buddy brother-in-law, Joe Marcelia. John was a member of Fircrest Golf Club, Tacoma Elks #174 lodge, the Slavonian American Benevolent Society. He was predeceased by his mother Mary; father Michael; and sister Maxine DeMark. John is survived by his wife Mary; his daughter, Marla Walters (Lynn); and grandchildren Quinn & Kira Walters; sisters Helen Stewart, and Beverly Marcelia (Joe), and many nieces, and nephews. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated Saturday, May 16, 2015, 11 a.m. at Holy Cross Church. A memorial gathering to celebrate John's life will follow at Fircrest Golf Club. Please leave online condolences at www.gaffneycares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003. We love and miss you papa John.