John F Nesbitt, 86, of Vancouver, Washington, passed away August 10, 2011 in Woodland, Washington. He was born at home on February 23, 1925 in Gross, Idaho. Grew up on the Nesbitt Family Ranch Ola Id, and attended the Emmett Public Schools.

John served in the U.S. Army and saw several months of overseas duty in the Philippine Islands, as a line duty NCO and then in Headquarters Armed Forces Western Pacific AFWESPAC in Manila. After graduating from the University of Idaho in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Mechanical Engineering degree, he went to work for the General Electric Co. in Richland WA. Here he met his wife to be and was married to Gloria M. Kurz on September 20, 1952. John was employed by General Electric at Hanford WA for 14 years where he worked on the design and installation of components and systems on four new nuclear reactor programs. He was responsible for and directed the design, procurement and installation of systems for the nuclear reactors and their facilities.

In 1964, he went to work for AMF in York, PA. As a project engineer, he designed equipment to handle and process irradiated fuel. Later he worked on the research, development and testing of snowmobiles. In 1970 John moved to Burnsville MN and worked as Director of Engineering for the International Snowmobile Industry Association. His work involved vehicle standards, design, operations, and use. He returned to Richland in 1975 working for Battelle Northwest where he participated in and conducted various studies and programs relating to nuclear reactors and their fuels. John retired from Battelle in 1986.

John was excited to have worked in the beginning days of the snowmobile industry and was honored to serve as Boy Scouts of America Vice Chairman, District -1963, Chairman, District – 1964, and Troop Chairman -1965 thru 1971. He was listed in "Who's Who in the West 1980-1981.

John's memberships included Richland Lutheran Church, PBOE Elks, Society of Mechanical Engineers, National Society of Professional Engineers, Society of Automotive Engineers, Columbia River Square Dance Club, Sunshine RV Club, The American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, The B-reactor Museum Association, Rod and Gun Club York PA and Richland WA.

His proudest moments include the births of his sons Greg, Doug and Jeff, as well as grandchildren Jon, Katrina, Nicolette and Noelle. John enjoyed hunting and fishing and shot his last pheasant at age 83. Survivors include his wife of 59 years Gloria; sons Gregory and wife Beth of Norwalk, IA, Dougles and wife Tammy of Spring, TX, and Jeffery and wife Cheryl of Battle Ground, WA; grandchildren Jon of Vancouver, WA, Katrina of Houston, TX, and Nicolette and Noelle of Battle Ground, WA; brothers Homer Nesbitt of Ola, Idaho and Dale Nesbitt of Berkley, CA; and sisters Myrtle Siebe of Moscow, ID and Iva Fingerson of Boise, ID.

Preceding him in death are his parents, Elmer H. and Io K. Nesbitt; brothers E. K. Kenny Nesbitt and David George Nesbitt; and sister Nancy Goodell.

Memorial service will be held at 11 am Monday, August 15th at Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland, WA. Graveside service and interment will take place prior, at 10 am Monday the 15th at Sunset Memorial Gardens, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA. Visitation will be 4-7 pm Sunday, August 14th at Einan's Funeral Home, 915 Bypass Hwy, Richland, WA.