John James Andrew Swinkels

We say goodbye to a beloved father, grandfather, brother, dear friend, and mentor, John James Andrew Swinkels (92), who passed away Wednesday, July 10, 2013 at his home. John was born October 2, 1920 in St. Boniface, Manitoba, Canada to Annie Isabella Dieffenbaugh and John Alphonse Marie Swinkels. After the death of her husband, Annie moved to Northern Montana with John, who was very young. She later married Walter Henry Lininger, whom John knew as his father. He grew up in the Flathead Lake area of Montana, which continued to hold a fond place in his heart until his passing. While serving his country as a U.S. Army weapon specialist during WWII, he met the love of his life, Laura Nathalie Whittington, at a USO dance. They married and raised eight children. They settled in Spokane. John was devoted to his family and worked hard to make sure their needs were met. John and Laura were married 56 years. Laura passed away February 14, 2002. John continued living each day of his life to enrich the lives of his children, friends, and any he met. John retired from the Washington Water Power after 30 years. He continued to visit there weekly, taking his friends cut flowers from his gardens. He is survived by seven of his eight children: Carol Schmauder, Phil Swinkels, Laura Lanning, John (Skip) Swinkels, Richard Swinkels, Michael Swinkels, and Susan Beeman. His son Tim passed away in 2006. He is also survived by his brother Robert Lininger and step sister Catherine Sample, plus 21 grandchildren and 14 great grandchildren. A grave side service will be held on Monday, July 15, 2013 at Riverside Memorial Park, 508 N Government Way Spokane, WA 99224 at 2:30 P.M.