John Ledford, 86

John Ledford, 86, passed away at his home in Mattawa, Wash. Sunday, Jan. 15, 2017.

John was born in Thoeny, Montana, to parents Alva Glen Ledford and Effie Francis Buckallew Ledford.

He was the firstborn son, following seven sisters, Mary Frost, Martha Lowe, Doris Baniff, Phyllis Clapper, Marjorie Ledford, Georgia Bailey, and Corlea Blackler. His younger brother Allen G. Ledford was born three years later.

Shortly after John’s birth, the family moved to Elmdale and Sidney, Mont., eventually settling in the Missoula area. As a young man, John married and had four children, all surviving him. They are Pat DeAnguera, Don Ledford, Tim Ledford and Gwen Mills.

In 1977, John met and married the love of his life, Debra Carol Ledford, and had their youngest son, Tyler Hunter Ledford. John was an adventurous and very independent man, who always worked for himself, starting and running several businesses. He built commercial fishing boats with his brother, Al, and then with his wife, Debra. They owned a sapphire and gold mine, a bar and restaurant and then he went on to build 28 homes in their life together.

He built his most beautiful homes in the Superior area from 1996 until 2012.

John was the type who could draw a house plan on a cocktail napkin and, from that drawing, build the home, changing the design to suit himself along the way.

He leaves a memory on this earth that will never be forgotten or ever matched in the hearts of his loved ones and friends. He was a true gentleman in every sense of the word.

A celebration of life will be held Jan. 29 at noon, at the Grace Lutheran Church (Mattawa. Wash.)

Condolences can be sent to Debra Ledford, 19946 E. Desert Aire Dr. SW, Mattawa, WA 99349.