John Korvin, 96, was born on April 10, 1919, in Bonyhad, Hungary and passed away on July 25, at Home Place on Whidbey Island.

He married Theresia Martin in 1944. They were married for 70 years until she passed this past March.

He and his young family fled Hungary and lived and worked in a displaced persons camp in Germany.

He knew he wanted more for his family and took a leap of faith by coming to the United States.

Fremont Baptist Church sponsored their emigration to America and were influential in helping them find jobs and a home and realizing their dreams.

John worked as a foreman at Fentron Industries in Ballard for many years during the day and spent evenings and weekends being a general contractor. He worked hard to provide for his family. Our dad was a proud, hard-working man who persevered through hardships and overcame obstacles to do the best that he could.

He had a strong faith and was very active in churches in all the communities he lived in — Ballard Anacortes, Mount Vernon and Whidbey Island.

Our dad was preceded in death by his wife, Theresia; by three children, John, Magdalena and Maggie; and by a grandson, Joshua. He is survived by son Willy (Robyn, Grey and Levi); daughter Beth (Gary, Lake and Leo); daughter-in-law Consuelo (Herb, Auzha, Crystal, Starr and Genny and families); and many great-grandchildren.

We are planning a celebration of life for both our mom and dad from 2-4 p.m., Sept. 12, at Mount Vernon First Baptist Church.