John Mills Prendergast: 1938 – Aug. 3, 2020

John Mills Prendergast went home to be with the Lord on Aug. 3, 2020, in Chelan, Wash. He was born in 1938 to John Norman Prendergast and Victoria Tredway Prendergast in Seattle, Wash.

He was a loving husband, father and friend, survived by his wife of 58 years, Patricia Emrich Prendergast; sister, Norma Bralley; and brother, William Prendergast. He leaves his son, John A. Prendergast (Lori), of Freeland, Wash.; daughter, Jill E. Hembroff (David), of Kalispell, Mont.; five grandchildren, Samantha (Jeff), Katie, Rebekkah, Jessica and Jakob; and one great granddaughter, Eleanor.

John graduated from Lincoln High School in 1956, where he was a member of the ski team, an activity that he continued into his adult life. He also enjoyed water sports and other outdoor recreational activities.

After graduation, John attended college for two years and then went to work at Buchan Baking Co. From 1961-63, he was active-duty Army at the Presidio, in San Francisco, and continued to serve in the reserves until 1967, when he was honorably discharged.

In 1972, John moved his family to Whidbey Island, Wash., where he operated an independently owned milk delivery business for 10 years. He continued to drive long haul until his retirement.

After retirement, he drove a school bus for a number of years and volunteered at South Whidbey Elementary School and other youth organizations on the island. He was an active member of the Christian & Missionary Alliance Church in Langley.

John was well known for his quick wit, sense of humor and contagious laugh and his many nicknames for people. He never met a stranger and had a knack for putting people at ease. He had a heart for the disabled and the elderly and lovingly cared for his granddaughter, who has Angelman Syndrome.

In lieu of flowers, the family would ask that you consider remembrances to either Angelman Syndrome Foundation or The Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics.

A celebration of life will be announced at a later date.