John Henry Dailey

John Henry Dailey Feb. 5, 1946-Nov. 4, 2023 November 4 th , 2023, the world lost a wonderful and well-loved soul. John Henry Dailey (77) of Vader was born on February 5 th , 1946 in Hayesville North Carolina to Henry and Wilma Dailey. His family moved to Washington when John was 2 years old. He met his future wife, Virginia (Ginnie) when they were in middle school. They became high school sweethearts and married when he returned from his service in Vietnam. John and Ginnie celebrated 55 years of marriage in September. They have two children. Lori, who is a NICU Nurse, and Jason, who runs the Little Crane Café and The Tracks in Vader. They have three Grandchildren, Marcail, Kacy, and Kyle, who followed in John’s footsteps by joining the Military, and a Great Granddaughter, Raven, who was her Papa’s world. When Lori and Jason Lemire married, he also gained 5 bonus grandsons and their spouses. Justin and Samantha, Jordan and McKenzie, Jeremy and Meisha, James and Carly, Joel, and 2 great grandsons, Kayden and Jason. As one of 10 siblings, John loved having this large extended family. John Served in the United States Army right out of high school and deployed to Vietnam. He was a Sergeant in the 3rd Battalion, 39th Infantry Division when he was honorably discharged. After the Military, he was a Logger for Weyerhauser for 22 years. In 1988 he and his wife Ginnie bought the Little Crane Cafe in Vader. Their business became a staple of this community and continues to be to this day. If you visited the Cafe chances are John stopped by your table to talk with his rosy cheeks and smile. He never knew a stranger. John enjoyed spending time in his community, including watching Toledo and Winlock high school sports teams and helping with the local May Day celebration. John had an affinity for the outdoors. It was a rare occasion when he was caught indoors. He was a hobby farmer by trade, taking care of their cows and chickens. You could always find him puttering around in his yard messing with this or that. He grew a big garden every year and had people stop to admire how tall his corn grew. He loved music. You’d often hear him humming or singing little tidbits of his favorite songs. Big Bad John by Jimmy Dean was one he would always sing with his Grandkids. John was also a hunter for many years. He used to out hike his grandkids at elk camp. He would just laugh when they would complain about the switchbacks. John loved his life and everyone in it. He was a proud Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Brother, and Uncle. He was proud to be a Veteran and was rarely seen without a Vietnam Veteran hat on. John is also survived by his siblings Walt Dailey, Liz Vader, Barbara Craft, Sue Bonagofski, George Dailey and Jan Lofberg. He also has numerous nieces, nephews and their extended families. He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Wilma Dailey, brothers James (Bud), Joe, and Bob Dailey and a sister who died in childbirth. A Memorial Service is planned for November 18, 2023, 11:00 am at Vader Assembly of God Church. Potluck reception to follow.

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