The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

John Paul Holmdahl, 86, was born May 19, 1936, in Seattle, Washington, to Norman Holmdahl and Margaret Dodgson Holmdahl. He passed on Tuesday, December 27, 2022. John moved with his parents to Coulee Dam, Washington, where brothers Jim and Tom were born. Their father was a well-respected engineer for the Grand Coulee Dam.

A young John spent part of his youth trapping animals around the Banks Lake area to raise money. He even sold some of the pelts to Sears. He adored his father who taught him this skill.

As a young adult, he helped run the family business, Coulee Dam Hardware. The store sponsored a Little League team every summer, and was an integral part of the community, taking the kids out afterward for root beer floats at A&W.

In 1976, he moved with his family to Spokane, Washington. There, he and his brother Jim, along with John's wife Gloria, started and ran the "Lumberyard" near the old Newport Cinemas. They ran the business until John retired.

He stayed busy after retirement taking wildlife photos. He liked to photograph grizzly bears in Canada, and entice them with black licorice to encourage their cooperation. He enjoyed going to gun shows, where he would meet up with his friends. He also enjoyed art, especially Native American art.

John was a generous, loyal man, always giving help where needed. He was a devoted husband to his wife Gloria, who was the love of his life. He was a good father to his children and a loving grandfather to his grandchildren.

John was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gloria, brother Tom, and son Dale, who passed at the age of 15 in a car accident.

Survivors include his brother Jim Holmdahl (Irene), children: Ray Holmdahl (Ronda), Nora Egger (Bill), and King Holmdahl. Surviving grandchildren include: Jasmine Egger, Scott Holmdahl, and Elizabeth Holmdahl.

Thank you to Windriver Assisted living.

No services requested.