John T Scholder

John Thomas Scholder, 59, passed away unexpectedly January 3rd, 2018 in Centralia, WA with his loving wife Toni at his side. John was born March 13th, 1958 in San Diego, CA to Thomas and Nancy (Gray) Scholder. John was a 1976 graduate of El Cajon Valley High School in El Cajon, CA. He was active in FFA and football. After high school, he attended Fresno State University and was a member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. He learned his trade of being an industrial electrician with the City of San Diego and was proud to have the opportunity to be assigned to Jack Murphy Stadium He met his beloved wife, Toni Yardley, in 1985 and they were married in 1988. They moved to Woodland, WA in 1991 where he worked for Vanalco. They started raising Southdown and Romney sheep and moved to their farm in Winlock, WA in 2005. In 1996, he became one of the original employees of BHP Coated Steel (Steelscape) and worked there for 20 years. One of his fondest memories is receiving a black Labrador pup as a birthday gift in 1997 from his co-workers. “Belle” Hunter’s Pride (BHP) was his favorite and dedicated hunting partner. John was a very active member and leader in the Ducks Unlimited community for many years, and he served the Ducks in many capacities. His highest volunteer achievement came when he proudly stepped into the role of District Chair for Mt. St. Helens in SW Washington. He was also a member of the Clark County Fair board for 16 years. John loved working with and mentoring youth especially as a football coach and sheep judge. He was always willing to share his knowledge and experience. John loved coffee, college football, and breakfast anytime of the day. We remember his wonderful laugh and him being a “non-cat guy” who owned two cats. Most importantly, he believed in God. He liked John Wayne, the outdoors, National Parks, waterfowl hunting, livestock, the mountains and fairs. John is survived by his wife, best friend, and life companion Toni Scholder, his daughter Amanda Riley (Sean) and stepdaughter Stacy Yardley, stepson Tom Yardley (Heather); two grandchildren Wyatt Riley and Taylor Loehner; his mother Nancy Scholder; sisters Myra Weldon (John), and Martha Taylor; and brother James Scholder. John was preceded in death by his father Thomas Scholder and his beloved grandmother Jadell Arnold. A celebration of life is planned for February 17th, 2018 from 11AM-1PM at the Ridgefield Community Center 210 N Main Ave Ridgefield, WA 98642. The Celebration of life will include a spaghetti luncheon in John’s honor. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Ducks Unlimited, Attn: Barbara Lockard, 3545 Haliegh Place, Longview, WA 98632

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