John Richard Stephens, age 69, of Oak Harbor, passed away on Wednesday Oct. 26, 2016, following a lengthy illness.

John was born on Jan. 20, 1947, in Sioux Falls, S.D., to John Riley Stephens and Florence Genevieve (Everwein) Stephens.

At the age of five, the family moved to Riverside, Calif. John graduated from Riverside High School.

After graduation he worked for the U.S. Forest Service and was a member of the El Cariso Hot Shots. In 1969, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving his country for three and a-half years.

On Aug. 12, 1972, John married Miria Faye Edwards.

John pursued his education and received his MLS degree (Master of Library Science) from the University of Southern California. John was employed for 30 years by the City of San Diego as a Youth Services Librarian.

He had been a member of St. Johns Lutheran Church in El Cajon, and was also a member of the American Library Association. John retired in 2008 and made the move to Oak Harbor in that year. He was a member of Oak Harbor Lutheran Church and the Order of St. Bernard.

John was a lifelong seeker of knowledge and a history buff. As a librarian, he was passionate about books, accompanied by glasses of ice cold coffee. Other hobbies he enjoyed included beachcombing, antiquing, leather crafting and — since he was a history buff-studying the world wars.

John is survived by his wife Miria; son John Raymond Stephens of San Diego; twin daughters Beth Anne Stephens of Oak Harbor, and Wendy Lea Stephens of Bellevue; also his brothers and sisters Sandra and Alan Svidal, Paul and Laura Stephens and Andrew Bazeley, all of San Diego; as well as a great many beloved relatives. He was preceded in death by a sister, Susan Bazeley.

A memorial service was held 2 p.m., Tuesday, Nov. 1, 2016 at Oak Harbor Lutheran Church, Pastor Jeffrey Spencer officiating and Pastor Marc Stroud co-officiating.

A later memorial service will be held at St. John’s Lutheran Church, 1430 Melody Lane, El Cajon, Calif. Final interment will be at Tahoma National Cemetery.

Memorials can be sent in John’s name to Oak Harbor Lutheran Church.

Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences at www.whidbeymemorial.com