Coupeville pharmacist who impacted many with his gentle and compassionate nature, dies of Parkinson’s at 68.

John Charles Cobb of Coupeville passed away peacefully on the morning of April 9 at home with loved ones by his side at the age of 68. Born in Richland and raised in Kennewick, Wash., John was the son of William and Grace Cobb.

He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1967, as well as Eastern Washington University, and Washington State University, where he received his degree in pharmacy and was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the U.S. Army in 1973.

While serving as a pharmacist at Madigan Army Medical Center, John met his future and beloved wife of 40 years, Carolyn Turner, an army nurse.

John began his pharmacy career as a Clinical Pharmacy Manager, working at the Group Health Clinic in Burien and then Renton and residing in Kent, Wash., until 1987.

After accepting the position of staff pharmacist at Whidbey General Hospital, he moved with his family to their home of 30 years in Coupeville.

He spent the last two years of his career as a pharmacist at Walgreens.

Although John excelled as a pharmacist and manager, his true passions were teaching staff and helping patients. He worked as a consultant in nursing homes, advising on patient health care and working with great compassion on residents’ prescription needs.

While in college in the summer months, John worked as a camp and lookout guard for the U.S. Forest Service in Gifford Pinchot National Forest at Walupt Lake, where he developed a life-long love of nature and the outdoors.

John was a gifted writer and photographer who loved music, animals — especially dogs — model building and fly fishing. He was sharply intelligent, witty and loved to laugh and make others laugh.

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease six years ago, he joined a Michael J. Fox research study and began blogging about his experience, seeking to connect with and positively impact others who may share similar struggles.

We will never forget his enduring kindness, patience and gentle nature, which has helped guide and strengthen our beliefs and shape who we are.

John was a wonderful father and husband, deeply loving and much loved. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carolyn; his two daughters Jacelyn Shiring (Matt) and Claire Gilfillan (Blake); son Jay Cobb (Luka); brother William Cobb; and cherished grandchildren Addison, Finn, Avery and Fitzgerald Gilfillan, as well as Madeline and Miriam Shiring along with many other relatives and dear friends.

John deeply believed and practiced his Christian faith.

He will forever remain in our hearts and memories.

A private celebration of John’s life was held for the family at San De Fuca Chapel in Coupeville.

Friends are encouraged to visit with the family in the coming weeks to share memories and remembrances of John to honor a life well-lived.

The family also wishes to express their gratitude to the Puget Sound VA Healthcare System — particularly the neurology department — and WhidbeyHealth Palliative Care and Hospice for the excellent care John received.