Vilas John Berto Jr: Jan. 31, 1929-Nov. 1, 2016

John Berto would tell you he had had a good life, but was not ready for it to end when he passed away Nov. 1, 2016 at Aegis of Redmond. John was a resident of Oak Harbor.

John was born Jan. 31, 1929 in Centralia, Wash. When he was four, the family built a home on the shores of Lake Washington in Kirkland (then Houghton). He graduated from Lake Washington High School and attended Central Washington State College.

John went to work with United Airlines in 1950 as a baggage handler and quickly rose in the ranks. Promotions in sales and marketing with United took him to San Francisco, Atlanta, New Orleans and Chicago. His last position at corporate headquarters as manager of government and military sales development took him to all corners of the world.

John moved to San Diego, Calif. in 1972, where he followed his dream to live on his sailboat, Sea Fever. His career took him into residential and commercial real estate and leisure resort sales, often working alongside his wife Norma. The couple relocated to Kirkland in 1979. In 2006, they moved to Oak Harbor and were members of the Oak Harbor Yacht Club.

John loved the outdoors, especially boating and fishing. He loved adventure and people and was an avid storyteller.

John is survived by his wife Norma; daughter Debbie Berto and son-in- law Tom Norton of Issaquah; stepson John Halpin of San Diego; five grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; and his sister Verna Thormahlen. He is preceded in death by his sons John and Greg.

A memorial service will be held at noon, Saturday, Nov. 19 at Holy Family Church in Kirkland. Friends are invited to view service details, photos and share memories on the family’s online guestbook at www.flintofts.com. Arrangements by Flintoft’s Funeral Home 425-392-6444.