John William Weist, 83, passed away Sunday, April 17.

John was born in Agular, Colo., to Henry and Helen Pearl (McKelvey) Weist. When John was 2 years old, the family moved to Centralia, Wash. John grew up fishing, hunting and working on the family farm. In 1945 John and his family moved to Lebanon where John graduated from the Lebanon High School.

John worked as a logger (choke setter and tree topper) until he joined the Armed Forces in 1950. He was a gunner in the Korean conflict. He retired from the Army in 1955. That same year on his birthday, he married the love of his life, Shirley Christensen. He always said Shirley was the best present he ever had. Shirley preceded him in death.

John worked hauling logs for Stokes until joining Nix Transportation in 1959. He ran flat bed trucks in Oregon, Washington and California. In 1978, John became Truck Boss for Nix Transportation. He worked for John Nix, Jr. (Nix Transportation) until 1998, when he retired.

John raised two daughters, Helen (Hayes) Ramirez and Donna Marie (Weist) Mainord. His daughters fondly remember awaking on weekend mornings to their dad happily whistling while working on a hobby or home project. He would make up funny song lyrics, had a wonderful signing voice, and a joyful sense of humor. John loved holidays, especially Thanksgiving. He especially enjoyed having the family together, talking, laughing and having a good time.

John loved fishing, hunting and camping with his family. John was an avid rock hound. He enjoyed lapidary and building wood wishing wells and other yard ornaments.

John was known as "Uncle Johnny" by his nieces and nephews; "Big John" by his friends and co-workers, and "Dad" by his daughters friends. John was a champion for those who could not defend themselves, a confident for those who needed an ear, a role model for many, and a man of honor, integrity and wisdom for all who knew him.

John was a member of the American Legion, the NRA and the Oregon Trucking Association.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Shirley (Christensen) Weist; son Mark Allen; daughter Cheryl; his parents; and siblings Eugene, Barbara and Rodney.

He is survived by his daughters, Helen and husband Jerry Ramirez, and Donna Marie Mainord; three grandchildren, John Anthony Lawrence, Teresa Marie and Mark Allen Ramirez; and two great-grandchildren, Gabriel and Joshua Ramirez.

As per John's wishes, a graveside service will be at 2 p.m. Friday, April 29, at Willamette Memorial Cemetery in Albany. In lieu of flowers, John requested contributions be made to Samaritan Evergreen Hospice. The family will have a celebration of life for John at a later date.

AAsum-Dufour Funeral Home is handling arrangements ( www.aasum-dufour.com ).