John Bernard Desmond
John Bernard Desmond, age 74 of Lynden, WA died on April 25, 2023 due to a series of medical complications.
Born in Long Beach, CA on Oct. 14, 1948, to Walter and Virginia Desmond. John is survived by his oldest brother Walter Desmond, his loving wife Shellie Desmond and beloved companion Seamus. He was predeceased by his older brothers Dennis and Tim. John leaves behind one precious brother, Walt. He was also a beloved Uncle to Kathleen, Michael, Susanne, Elizabeth, Ceci, Paula, Lorelei, Daryl, Clayton, Terry, Michele, and Matthew.
John shared a lifetime of love with his extended family, education, and immeasurable devotion to his community. John could be called upon at a moment’s notice to provide any assistance and was always a source of incredible kindness and humor when most needed. In each of his chosen professions, as well as extensive volunteer commitments, his dedication to be of service was unparalleled. Even through the pandemic, John volunteered tirelessly, through rain or shine, to provide his community with access to vital healthcare services. That said, John will always be remembered by those who knew him for his sharp wit, intellectual contemplation, and incredible sense of humor he brought to all his endeavors.
John was a lifelong lover of learning, he might say a “philomath” and a consummate student of the English language, a passion he inherited from his father. From his early development, throughout his scholarly years and into his professional career, he found joy in seeing new and fascinating discoveries around him every day. Friends and family knew they could count on him to wordsmith anything if they ever wanted to massage messages and communiques (he would have a heyday with this obituary!)
John was certainly the communications consultant for his entire family.
Throughout his lifetime, John embraced a longtime family tradition of service to others, and his contributions to the community extended far beyond his paid calling. In his “off hours” John devoted himself to many activities as a Board Member of Lynden Community Center, Whatcom County Democrats, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church (Lynden), Christ Episcopal Church (Blaine), Whatcom County Emergency Operations Center, Lynden Cops program and many others.
John graduated high school from St. John’s Catholic Seminary in San Fernando. He later graduated with a bachelor’s degree in English from California State Long Beach University.
His professional life was varied and always interesting. John’s early career was in Emergency Medical Services for Dilday’s and Southland Ambulance Services in Southern California as an EMT, dispatcher, supervisor, and Operations Manager. He then went into the paratransit system with Dave’s transport managing many start-ups and problem areas. While with Dave’s he managed transit services for over a million attendees in and out of Cherry Creek State Park, Colorado for the 1993 World Youth Day held by the Catholic Church. John favorite job was with NPR Affiliate KJZZ at Rio Salado College in Tempe, AZ. He worked in the Development Department and had a large role in many fundraisers including the inaugural and subsequent First Press Wine Auctions. After a move to the Pacific Northwest, he began his last career in the financial arena as a Front Office Manager with Edward Jones Financial Services in Lynden, WA.
Anyone fortunate to have known John however briefly or casually benefitted in some way from his intellect, humor, and love of his fellow man. He will sincerely be missed by all.
John and Shellie were blessed with a 28-year long love story.
Memorial Service to be held Saturday June 24, 2023 at 10 a.m. at Christ Episcopal Church, 382 Boblet Street, Blaine WA 98230.
Private Services will be at All Souls Cemetery in Long Beach, CA later followed by an Irish Wake.
Donations may be made in John’s name to a charity of your choosing or: Whatcom County Humane Society, (360) 733-4762; Lynden Community Center, (360) 354-2921; Worlds Central Kitchen Climate Disaster Fund; or Christ Episcopal Church, (360) 332-4113.
