Obituary of John Leonard Cruse

John Leonard Cruse, Sr. August 30, 1933 – January 16, 2014 Predeceased by his Parents, Clement and Anna Marie Cruse; Parents-in-law, Harold and Chloe Harper; Grandson Angel Cruse Gofigan. John’s love and memories will forever remain in the hearts of his wife of 53 years, Donna Mae Cruse. Children, spouses and grandchildren: John, Jr. and Claudia Cruse (Kyle and Andrew); Marie-Therese and Herbert Gofigan (Symone Littlefield, Keoni and Angel(pre-deceased)); Stephen and Joy Cruse (Stephen Craig and Donald Cody); Donald Cruse and Sonia Braga (Nicolas). He is also survived by his sister, Ann, of Tucson, Arizona. John was born in Phoenix, Arizona and passed away at Shelton Health and Rehabilitation Center in Shelton, Washington. John attended Arizona State University where he received his Batchelor and Master’s Degrees. He also attended UCLA where he studied for his Ph.D. in Asian studies. He served in the Air Force during the Korean conflict. He taught history and English in California, Guam and Washington. John was also a vice-principal and principal and served as associate dean of Guam Community College where he and his family lived for 15 years. John was awarded a Fulbright Scholarship to India in 1968 where he met Mother Teresa of Calcutta and later adopted his son, Stephen. He was an active participant in St. Edwards Parish in Shelton where he served as a lector and church historian. After retiring in 1995, John and his wife moved to Harstine Island where they built their retirement home. John was an active philatelist (stamp collector) and had won many awards with his Vatican and Chinese stamp collections. He was also an avid gardener and grew roses for his wife and fuchsias for his own hobby. John has also filled his property with Japanese Maples. A vigil service was held on January 23, 2014 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Edwards Catholic Church followed by the funeral Mass on January 24, 2014 at 11 a.m. May he rest in peace.