John Terrel Breidford

John Terrel Breidford

John T. Breidford of Blaine, WA, passed away in Bellingham on February 16th, 2021.

John was born in Blaine to John and Nina (Freeman) Breidford. He graduated from Blaine High School in 1955. Shortly after, he joined the Air Force. He spent the entire four years at Othello, WA, Air Force Station, where he made lifelong friends. He then returned to Blaine and worked at his parents’ Ford dealership, Breidford Motor Co.

He married Lorna Lee Stephens in 1961, and together they had two daughters, Janet and Jeri. Later he married Anna Markusen. In 1976 they moved to Palmer, AK, where they built their business, Breidford Body and Paint, working together.

John could be seen daily at the Vagabond Blues in Palmer, picking up his favorite Latte. John was an active member and Exalted Ruler of the Elks in Palmer. He loved his home there and many friends, including four-legged ones, Sammy, Sara, and Lu.

John was diagnosed with Parkinson’s, and, after Anna’s death, moved back to Blaine to live near his family. He was an active member of the Blaine senior Center and enjoyed going there daily to work out and visit. We all enjoyed his great sense of humor.

John was preceded in death by his wife, Anna, his daughter, Janet Sutton, stepson, Kurt Markusen, and sister, Virginia Claymore.

He is survived by his daughter, Jeri (Bob) Benasky, stepchildren, Gary (Rainbow) Markusen of Maple Falls, WA; Mike Markusen of Anchorage, AK; and Julie Cowan of Blaine, WA; sister, Sharon (Gene) Luther of Blaine, four grandchildren, one great grandson, and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Memorials may be made to charity of your choice. Due to the current pandemic a private family ceremony will be held at Hillsdale Cemetery at a later date.

Please share your memories of John at www.molesfarewelltributes.com.