John Howard Hubbard

From the moment he entered this world in Colville, WA, John Hubbard touched every life around him. Known for his warm loyalty, quick wit, and a giggle that carried him from boyhood to his final days, John lived a life of faith, hard work, and boundless generosity. John was preceded in death by his parents, Harry and Kathryn Hubbard; his siblings Charles, Jim, Joe, Lela, and Ann; and his beloved grandson and best buddy, Brayden. He leaves behind his devoted wife of 52 years, Julie, whom he met at the Coulee City Rodeo in 1972 and married on February 10, 1973. John often told his children that “your mom is the most beautiful, amazing woman I know.” Together they raised a family that was his greatest pride: • Daughter Jodi (Eric) Davis with grandchildren Paige (Josh) Benthem and Carson • Son Jason with granddaughters Haila and great-granddaughter Cambrie; Bailey and great-granddaughter Millee; and Laynee (Ryan) Bird • Daughter Jennifer (Paul) Fontaine with granddaughters Tayla and great-granddaughter Everleigh; Kendra; and Kyla • Son Jared (Amanda) with granddaughters Sierra and Savannah And, of course, his loyal dog, Buster. John is also survived by his sisters, Mary and her husband Allen Rubert, Margaret and her husband Jeff Harriman; his sister-in-law, Jim’s wife, Denise; and, a “truckload” of nieces and nephews who absolutely adored him. From a young age, John was wild, fearless, and ready for adventure. He loved sports and dreamed of serving in the military, but a heart condition kept him from enlisting. Still, his respect for veterans was unwavering, and he opened his home and land for hunting through the Ben Davis Outdoors program. A cowboy at heart, John rode broncs and bulldogged steers in rodeos. He always had horses, dogs, cars to tinker with, and—much to others’ amusement—a job for someone else to do. He left this trait to his daughter Jodi whom he often refereed to as the dispatcher. John’s love for flying took flight at a young age and lasted for many years—right up until the day his son Jason broke his plane. John’s work life was as rich and varied as the man himself. He drilled wells, ranched, logged, farmed, and journeyed across North America driving pilot cars with his son Jared by his side. Teaching Jared to golf from a young age, deepened not only his love for the game but also the bond they shared. He and Bob Tollefson started Hubbard Tollefson Construction, which led him to Alaska in 1975 to work on the pipeline. There, he bought a concrete plant, fished commercially on the Captain Billy, and spent many seasons fishing with his brother and best friend Jim. In 1979, John and Julie made their home in Riverside, where farming remained a constant. John had been heard several times saying his daughter Jennifer was his most hard working farm hand he ever had. In 2008, he vowed to complete the last two wells in honor of his late brother Joe. Yet, as it often goes, there was always one more to do. Even now, one still remains. In 2018, he purchased a sawmill with his close friend Bart. In recent years, if John wasn’t at home, you’d likely find him with his son Jason and, as he liked to joke, “his favorite sons” — Bart Silverthorn and Reid Rubert. If you were fortunate enough to step into John’s shop, you’d still find traces of his mother’s influence in every corner. It’s as if their familiar conversations still echo there, woven into the scent of sawdust and the well-worn tools. From her, John inherited two of his greatest treasures —his love for woodworking and his steadfast faith in Jesus. John’s faith was the anchor of his life. On April 28, 1985, he chose to be baptized alongside Julie and their daughter Jodi. He shared the hope of Jesus with anyone who would listen. His generosity touched countless lives, from donating the land that became home to a church and school on Hubbard Road, to building projects and devoting countless hours of his time and talents to the Okanogan Valley Golf Club. Those who knew John knew his steady presence and his gift for turning challenges into possibilities. No matter the problem, you’d hear him say, “Well, all right... let’s figure it out.” His father Harry once said, “He was the best neighbor anyone could have.” To meet John was to love him. He had a rare gift for making everyone feel like the most important person in the room—truly the most popular 78-year-old you could ever meet. We can picture his arrival in heaven now: the pure joy on his face as he meets Jesus, greeting Him with a joke, that unmistakable giggle echoing through the gates. It’s a giggle that lives on in each of his beloved children and his legacy—Boogie, Roonie, PeeWee, and Boots. A memorial service will be held 1:00 P.M. at the Okanogan Valley Golf Club on Friday, August 15th 2025. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Omak First Baptist Church.

John Howard Hubbard

August 29, 1946 - August 10, 2025