John Gustav Coffelt of Molson, Washington, passed away on May 15th, 2026 at the age of 61. His death was an unexpected shock to all. We believe he died instantly, without suffering, from a heart attack.

John’s friends and neighbors referred to him as the “Park Ranger” because he took care of things on the hill, kept an eye out for everyone and everything, and served as the local naturalist and historian. He came from a long line of farmers and gardeners; it was in his blood to work the land. A couple of friends affectionately called him their garden gnome, which made him chuckle. He was a true steward of the land. John was a brother, an uncle, a god-father, a loyal friend, and loving dog dad.

Although John had many experiences and traveled extensively in his early years he found his true home in the highlands. He loved his mountain home and often enjoyed some of the most magnificent sunrises and sunsets from a special hill behind his cabin. Highland living brought out John’s truly rugged, independent and capable nature. In the words of John’s eldest nephew, “Uncle John was a true Mountain Man”.

He was always available and willing to help a neighbor in need and many strong friendships were born from his genuine desire to be of service. John truly enjoyed sharing his knowledge with newcomers: teaching them about hill-living, helping them get through their first harsh winter, and showing them how to live off-grid and in harmony with nature. Many of these folks became close friends, and in John's eyes, friends equaled family.

Roads and trucks were John’s happy place. When he was little, he was fascinated with trucks and big rigs, like most little boys, and that fascination stuck with him a lifetime. He used his collection of big rigs to help others improve their homesteads, plow snow, and maintain roads throughout his own and surrounding property. One of John’s favorite pastimes was driving the roads in his beater truck with his beloved dogs, Pete and Claude, joyfully running behind him.

John enjoyed the simple things in life: friendship, nature, conversation (boy was he a talker!), community, a good book, ice cream, playing cards with old friends, and being of service. And like his father before him, he brought swearing to an art-form level. He was a collector of friends, tools, equipment (big & small), antiques, old farm implements, rocks, coins and stories.

John will be missed, more than he could ever imagine, by more people than he could imagine: his extensive blood family, dedicated chosen family, devoted canine family, and friends.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Amos and Judy Coffelt. He is survived by his siblings: Anna (Karl), Silvie, Jake, and Hannah (Scott), nieces, nephews, his aunt and uncle Jan & Russ Cofflet, many, many cousins, and his beloved dogs Pete and Claude. John is also survived by the true friends he considered family and acquaintances he considered friends.

A celebration of life will be held at a later date. In the meantime, enjoy a sunrise or sunset and check in on a friend or loved one.