John Fredrick Girt, 80, was born March 8, 1939, in Longview, Wash., to Richard Everett and Mary Audrey (Lowe) Girt. He passed away Saturday, Feb. 22, 2020, at the family home in Onalaska, Wash., after a brief battle with cancer.
He married Christina Merle Dixon in her parents’ Clatskanie, Ore., home, Sept. 15, 1963. John earned his bachelor’s degree in forest engineering from Oregon State University, while also serving in the United States Marine Corp Reserves. He owned and operated Girt Logging Company, and later, Girt Enterprise with his son, Mike. John also farmed in Cle Elum, and later in Onalaska, raising cattle and making hay.
John enjoyed spending time with his family, and spent hours playing pinochle with them. He also loved watching his children, grandchildren and great-granddaughter play sports. John was a fan of Pac 12 college sports and NFL football. Another favorite pastime was digging razor clams with his family.
John was preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Christina; and his parents.
He is lovingly remembered by his children, Marla (Chuck) Miller, Mike (Janelle) Girt and Marcie (Erik) De Koker; grandchildren, Chris (Kat) Kaut, Trisha (Hank) Robinson, Tyler Kaut, Justin Kaut, Emily Girt, Riley Girt and fiancée, Chyanne, Madison Girt, Jana Girt, Hazel (Anthony) Hackett, Josie (Julian) Rodriguez, Tucker De Koker and Tanner De Koker and fiancée, Erika; great-grandchildren, Hayden, Savannah and Hudson Kaut, Cecil Robinson, Maci Girt and Adalynn Hackett; siblings, Jean Sidman and Jim (Dee Dee) Girt; and his special friend, Dee Dee Riffe.
The memorial service will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday, March 14, 2020, at Sticklin Funeral Chapel. In lieu of flowers, John’s family requests that donations be made to the Centralia College Foundation Scholarship Fund, the Providence Cancer Center or a charity of the giver’s choice.
