John Herbert Tolrud, age 92, died June 29, 2013 in Richland, WA. He was born on January 27, 1921 in Toronto, South Dakota to Henry and Gunild Tolrud. John was the 14th of 15 children. He spent his childhood in the Toronto area and then at age 18 went to work for two years in the Civilian Conservation Corps in Lanesburg, Minnesota. During World War II, John moved to Portland, Oregon and went to work as a welder in the shipyards.

In 1945, John met Annabelle Coutts at an amusement park. They were married on June 2, 1946 and recently celebrated their 67th anniversary. In the first years of their marriage, they lived in McMinneville, Oregon where John owned an auto repair and painting shop. In 1947, John and Anne moved to Richland where he worked in the Richland Fire Department for 27 years. They had two children, Jalene Kaye born in 1948 and Randall Lee born in 1951.

John is survived by his wife Annabelle, daughter Jalene Darrell Robson of Nampa, ID, and son Randall Rachel Tolrud of Burbank, WA. His nine grandchildren include from Jalene's side Amy Shane Riley- Nampa, ID, James Faith Robson- Melba, ID, Emily Steve Curtis- Nampa, ID, Jennie Aaron Littleton- Nampa, ID, John Sara Robson of Nampa, ID and from Randall's side Jeremy Amy Tolrud- Richland, WA, Joseph Brooke Tolrud- Burbank, WA, Lily Obadiah DeWeber- Eltopia, WA, and Deborah Cisco Alvarado- Kennewick, WA. He also leaves behind 20 great-grandchildren and many dedicated nieces and nephews.

John was a long-time member of the Richland Lutheran Church. He was proud to be 100% Norwegian, and loved eating lutefisk and teaching his grandchildren Norwegian sayings. He was an avid wood-gatherer, always looking for firewood to feed his Wilenco fireplace any time the outside air temperature dropped below 50 degrees. He spent his vacations fishing Washington's lakes and made a yearly pilgrimage to the coast for deep sea fishing, clamming, and crabbing. Grandpa loved to eat the "bounty from the sea", and was a master at finding the absolute largest, gooiest oysters on the beach! Yum… John and Annabelle loved taking trips in their camper, and visited Arizona, Alaska and John's family in South Dakota. They also enjoyed cruises and vacations to Norway, the Bahamas, Hawaii, and Alaska, often accompanied by their children.

John truly lived his life for his family. After retiring, he and Anne thought that it would be a good idea to winter in warm Arizona. They lasted until Thanksgiving, when it became apparent that home with the family was where they belonged! That was the end of the "snowbird" idea. John was faithful and loving and would do anything for his family. He gently played on the floor with the little ones, letting them comb and fill his hair with barrettes, attended their tea parties, and even played dolls with them. As the grandchildren grew, "Grandpa Firetruck" would use his fireman's knowledge of Richland to map out a circuit of garage sales, escort them to find a truckful of "treasures" and then sneak them off to a fast food breakfast.

As a young man, John would play baseball for hours in the park with his son and any little guys who wanted to play. He was a friend to the children and it was a common event for little baseball players to show up at the door and ask Anne if John could come out and play baseball. When his children and grand-children began playing sports, Grandpa could be counted on to attend every game – which became more and more of an achievement as the family grew! His lawn chairs became a permanent fixture in the trunk, since there never seemed to be much of a break between baseball, football, soccer, volleyball, and basketball seasons… John's work ethic and kindness made him a favorite in the neighborhood if someone needed something fixed. He repaired hundreds of bicycles over the years, often getting up in the middle of supper to adjust a bike seat or air up a flat tire. He believed a man was only as good as his word and lived by that belief.

John began playing the fiddle at age 65 and was devoted to helping his grandchildren and great grandchildren obtain musical instruments and sometimes lessons. He passed on his love of music, and his legacy now is that many of them are musicians and love to sing and play. Grandpa was active in the Washington Old-Time Fiddlers Association and spent so many hours playing music at retirement homes throughout the area. On one of these trips, he was stopped by one of Richland's finest police officers, who asked him where he was going so quickly. John shared that he was on his way to "play music for some old people!" He was 89 at the time The officer must have appreciated John's response, because she told him to take it a little slower and sent him on his way.

Grandpa, you were the prototype of what a perfect grandpa should be. We will all miss you and will be looking for you when we get to the other side. You told us all that you will be waiting there and watching for us. Thank you for your example of service, love, and a life that was lived to the fullest. We are better people for having known and loved you.

At John's request, there will be a small graveside service for family members. A viewing will be held Wednesday July 3, 2013 from 3pm to 7pm at Einan's Funeral Home in Richland for anyone who would like to pay their last respects. Memorials can be made to "Good News Media Ministry" care of the Richland Lutheran Church, 901 Van Giesen, Richland, WA 99354 or to a charity of your choice.