John Patrick Blalock, 74, of Spokane, WA, passed away on May 11, 2025, following a tragic motorcycle accident. Born on December 8, 1950, in Richland WA, John lived fully and followed his own path with vigor, strength, and humor. He had a gentle spirit, a quick wit, and a deep love of nature.

He is survived by his children, Adam Blalock of Spokane, Bonnie Blalock, PhD, of Amesbury, MA, Julia Gandy of Eugene, OR, and Nichole Leturgey of Rock Springs, WY. He is also survived by his long-term partner, Sandy West.

John worked for over 40 years in forensics at Eastern State Hospital, where he was known for his ability to defuse tense situations, solve conflicts, and ability to connect with all kinds of people. He had a rare gift for reading people and staying grounded in tough situations - qualities that served him well both on the job and throughout life.

John was a self-made man whose achievements reflected a life lived to the fullest. In high school and college, he earned national recognition in cross-country and track, earning scholarships to Eastern Washington University, University of Idaho, and Spokane Falls Community College. At 20 he was drafted by the U.S. Army and served a tour in Vietnam, relying on his toughness and sense of humor to carry him through.

After returning to Spokane, John continued to run competitively, eventually earning the nickname, "Gramps," from younger teammates. He ran a 2:20 marathon and transitioned into triathlons in the late 1970s and early 1980s. After teaching himself to swim, and trading vegetables for a bike, John went on to place well at the Kona World Ironman, once again proving his world-class strength and athleticism.

John also had a passion for gardening. He planted around 500 apple trees on raw land he purchased along the Cheney-Spokane Road, eventually building a successful orchard known for its fall apple cider and u-pick apples. To John, it became more than just an orchard, but a place of community, peace, stability, and purpose, where he was always willing to help and listen to anyone that came to visit.

It's hard to believe that someone as full of life as John could be gone. He moved through the world with resilience, warmth, and a spark that made him unforgettable. That spirit still lingers - in the orchard he built, the trees he planted, and the lives he touched.