John Lorton is off on a new adventure, leaving us unexpectedly on Tuesday, June 21 to explore what lies on the other side. Born in Poplar Bluff, MO, his family moved west finally landing in Washington state. Father, John, worked construction while mother, Mamie, tended to him and his five siblings.
When Johnny started school, he told the teacher his name was Johnny Twodoor. He usually went home with his siblings after school but one day, mom had to come to school to pick him up. When she asked for Johnny Lorton, she was told no one by that name was enrolled there. Guess they had a different way of enrolling kids back then.
John grew up in the construction industry eventually becoming a mason and owner of Rocky Mountain Stone Crafters. His talent was remarkable as he was also an artist, his artistry coming through not only in stone, but in clay, wood, on canvas in addition to the kitchen.
He loved experimenting with foods and the highlight of this past week was being a chef’s assistant at the Aspen Food and Wine Classic, meeting chef Jacque Pepin and cooking for chef Hugh Acheson.
John leaves behind his wife Sandy, son Aaron and family, daughters Julie and Sandra and families, step-daughter Rebecca Henschel and family, step-sons Charles, Richard and Jonathan Woodward and families, 15 grand and step grandchildren (one on the way), 2 great grandkids (one on the way) plus many, many close and dear family members and friends.
He was a kind, loving, talented, happy man. If you knew John, consider yourself blessed. As per his wishes, he was cremated and his ashes will be spread on the waters off Garibaldi, OR. A local celebration of life will take place later in the summer.
Happy Trails my love and thank you. Keep searching for what’s around the next bend till I can join you on your new journey. Love Always!!!
Sandy and the Lorton/Woodward Clan