John Creighton Akins of Oak Harbor died of natural causes June 11, 2010. He was 90 and had been a resident of Regency, Summerhill and Home Place.

John was born near Winnett, Mont., on the Golden Rule Ranch which was homesteaded by his parents. The name of the ranch described both his and his wife Mary’s lifestyle, and the legacy they imparted to their five children: Barbara Thelen, Oak Harbor; John I. Akins, Auburn; Fred Akins, Port Townsend; Marian Renvall, San Diego; and Ron Akins, Mercer Island.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 65 years, Mary Immel Akins of Oak Harbor, his five children, 13 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

John graduated from Iowa University cum laude in civil engineering and worked critical occupation status for Standard Oil Co., Chicago, during World War II. Later he worked for Carson Engineering and Construction, Helena, Mont., and for Nelsen Mortenson Construction in Seattle where he ran projects in Alaska. Subsequently he worked as an estimator and project coordinator for Ostruske-Murphy Construction in Tacoma, which later became Donald B. Murphy Construction. He retired from Murphy Construction in 1984.

John was both a provider for his family and an involved participant in west Tacoma community affairs. He was active in West Tacoma Optimist Club and the West End Athletic Association.

Family and friends will honor John at a memorial service at Narrows Glen, 802 Laurel Lane N, Tacoma, on July 17, at 11 a.m. in the Bridgeview Room. In lieu of flowers, memorials made be made to Whidbey General Hospital Foundation.