Some lives are measured by wealth or recognition. John’s was measured by hard work, perseverance, and the love of family.

John Robert Sylvester passed away on July 22, 2026, at the age of 85.

John was born on September 10, 1940, to Claude and Ann Sylvester in a tent near Gold Creek, Idaho. As he often liked to tell the story, there wasn’t enough time for his parents to reach the hospital in Sandpoint before he arrived. It was a humble beginning that reflected the life he would lead – one rooted in resilience, simplicity, and a deep love for the forests and small communities of the Pacific Northwest.

The third of seven children, John spent his childhood following his father’s logging work through Idaho, Washington, and Oregon before returning to North Idaho. He often shared stories of one-room schools, logging camps, camping in canvas tents, and youthful adventures that reflected both the challenges and joys of growing up in a hardworking family.

As a young man, John left school to work in the apple orchards of Tonasket, Washington, sending money home to help support his family. He later returned to North Idaho and spent many years in the forest products industry, working in sawmills, driving logging trucks, operating heavy equipment and eventually becoming a timber faller. He believed there was dignity in honest work, and no job was ever beneath him.

When a serious back injury ended his logging career, John simply began again. He earned his GED, completed an Associate Degree at Blue Mountain Community College, and graduated from Oregon State University in 1984 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. His path eventually led him to Hewlett-Packard in Corvallis, Oregon, where he worked until retiring in 1996.

In 1971, John married the love of his life, Glenda. John had three children from his first marriage; Pat, Tom, and Debbie. Glenda had four children; Gerri, Debbie K, Christine, and Darren. Together, John and Glenda built the life they wanted through partnership and perseverance. Together they managed apartments, operated a construction company, owned and RV park in park in Sweet Home, Oregon, and eventually returned to St. Maries, Idaho in 2006 to build the log home the would lovingly call their own.

Retirement gave John the opportunity to pursue some of his greatest joys – crafting rustic furniture by hand. Family members treasure not only the pieces he created, but the love, patients, and craftsmanship that went into each piece.

Throughout his life, John faced physical challenges with quiet determination. He was a lifelong learner, a gifted problem solver, and someone who believed that if something needed fixing, you simply got to work. More than anything, he loved his family and earned the respect of everyone who knew him through his honesty, generosity, dependability, and quiet strength.

John is survived by his loving family: Brother Jerry, Sisters Mary and Clarice, Children: Pat, Tom, Debbie, Gerri, Debbie K, Christine, and Darren, nieces and nephews and 31  grand and great grand children

Those who knew John will remember his steady handshake, his dry sense of humor, his wonderful stories, and his remarkable ability to build almost anything. Those who loved him know his greatest lessons were rarely spoken – they were lived: work hard, keep learning, take care of your family, and never be afraid to begin again.

As per John’s wishes there will be no service. The family invites you to honor John’s memory by lending a helping hand to someone in need, spending time with those you love, or creating something with your own hands. John believed the things we build – our homes, our families, our friendships, and our character – are the things that last.

“I have a hobby of building rustic furniture and it keeps me as busy as I want to be. Just making furniture for the relatives is a full time job.”