John J. Blattman, 87, passed away on Aug. 25, 2010 at Oak Harbor after a lengthy illness.

He was born in Mt. Vernon and graduated from Mt. Vernon High School with the Class of 1940. After high school he worked on the steam powered stern wheeler, The Skagit Belle on the Skagit River, and then for Western Electric who had a contract for the construction of NAS Whidbey. He joined the Navy in 1942, serving at NAS Whidbey and in the Pacific. He married Ena Kay Brunz on Jan. 15, 1943.

After the military he returned to NAS Whidbey where he spent his career until retiring in 1973. During his career at NAS Whidbey he received many awards for his dedication. Upon retiring, he began another career as a commercial fisherman, fishing the waters off the Washington coast and southeast Alaska. He built a cabin in Port Alexander, Alaska; residing there part of the year.

He played accordion with the Roseland Quartet. He was a lifetime member of the American Legion, VFW, NRA and North Whidbey Sportsman’s Association. In addition, he was a charter member of the San de Fuca Volunteer Fire Department.

John was preceded in death by his parents, John and Doris. He is survived by his wife of 67 years Ena Kay Blattman, two sons, Terry (Jan) of Camano Island and Dale (Cindy) of Seabeck, his sister Doreen of California, five grandchildren, 11 great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Per his wishes, there will be no services.