John J. Lillestrand
December 14, 1943 — March 14, 2015
John Joseph Lillestrand
December 14, 1943 - March 14, 2015
John Joseph Lillestrand was born on December 14, 1943 in Seattle. He peacefully passed away at home with his family on Saturday, March 14. His death was due to cancer.
John grew up in Clackamas and graduated from Clackamas High School in 1961. He was very athletic, playing all sports and involved in many school activities. Following graduation, he enlisted in the Army, serving from 1962-69, mostly in California. When he returned to Oregon he began his training as a machinist.
John married Saundra Wood in 1964 and they had two daughters while living in Northeast Portland. When John became a journeyman machinist at Boeing, they moved to Gresham. His wife, Saundra, passed away in 1993.
John was elected president of the IAMAW (Machinist Local # 63) in 1989 and served for ten years. He greatly enjoyed his union job and always tried to do the best for his co-workers. He returned to his machinist position at Boeing and then retired in 2000.
In 1998 John met Peggy Wilcox of Corvallis, and they were married on July 16, 2000. After retirement, John joined the Gateway Elks Lodge. He was a very active member, becoming an officer and then Exalted Ruler in 2009. The Elks were an important part of his retirement years.
Hunting and fishing were great enjoyments for John, along with camping and trapshooting. When he was younger, John played a lot of tournament golf, with his home course being Rose City Golf Course. John also loved cars and doing his own mechanic work. He owned many cars from the age of 16, and also received many speeding tickets!
"Big John" is fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. He was six feet, nine inches of outgoing personality and friendship to all.
He is survived by his wife, Peggy; daughters, Lynda Robbins and Kirsten Lillestrand, both of Vancouver, WA; and step-children, Andrew Wilcox of Vale, OR and Amy Wilcox of Portland. He has one brother, Dennis Knapp, of Joseph, OR and four grandchildren.
A Celebration of Life and Memorial Service will be held for John on Tuesday, March 24 at 1:00 p.m. at the Gateway Elks Lodge, 711 NE 100th Ave. in Portland.
He will be in our hearts forever.