If we could only choose one word for John Ader it would be

BELOVED

John above and beyond any title was, in all areas of his life, a generous, kind man with an amazing heart.  He was a servant leader, a true civil servant, a world citizen, a man of integrity and ingenuity, an unflappable mediator, a mentor, the community “therapist”, a fundraiser, a friend.

He was the kindest, most loving and thoughtful husband. He worked hard to create a beautiful life for Joanne and himself. 

As a father he was warm, playful and present.  He coached basketball; led story time and awoke even his teenage children by singing “It’s a beautiful day”.  His adult children sought his wise advice throughout their careers.

John also adored being a grandfather. His face was sure to light up whenever his grandchildren entered the room.  And he would offer them a joke, a smile or some funny sound to make them laugh.

His daughters-in-law and grandchildren found him to be the gentlest of men who quietly lived his deep faith through action and not words. Even in his silence, his kind presence could fill the room.  He was warm, accepting, treated everyone equally and made all around him feel heard and seen.

A friend swiftly summarized his presence by saying, “He was such a mighty man. The depth of his heart matched the deepness of his voice.”

John began his working career in Walla Walla, Washington selling Christmas cards from a wagon with his mother at the age of 10 and accompanying his Italian grandfather as he sold vegetables from their garden. He went on to work alongside his stepfather milking cows and harvesting wheat in Conrad, Montana. Later he did maintenance at his church both in high school and college.  John was first in his Italian family to attend college, an accomplishment in his life that brought him great pride and joy. 

After college he joined the IRS and quickly moved from a tax collector all the way up to regional director.  In bringing the IRS to a gentler and kinder space, his intention was to serve the people well. His main mission was to make taxpaying easy and comprehensible for the taxpayer while also helping them understand the true impact of their taxes on the community in which they lived. He led with integrity, vision and most of all heart.

After more than 30 years of service in the IRS John moved on to more global adventures and served internationally as a consultant for the US state department to tax systems in countries that included Russia, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Romania, Croatia, South Africa, Liberia, Egypt, Haiti and the Dominican Republic.

His service didn’t end with the end of his career.  John continued to serve his community in many leadership capacities within Boulder Junction, including the Lions and his church.  His final major act of communal service was to lead an effort which raised almost $3 million dollars to renovate Saint Anne’s church in Boulder Junction.  The renovation created both a worship and gathering space that are accessible and warm, embracing the community it serves.

Amazingly, John made friends wherever he went.  In their last move to Trinity Woods, it took only weeks to create warm connections.  Even in his time at dialysis and in the hospital, he made friends. 

John’s Italian middle name Teodoro could be broken down to Te Adoro which means “I adore you”.  It is true John was so adored in this lifetime by so many.  We will miss him dearly and will treasure the gift of each moment we shared with him.

Some members of John Ader’s fan club include:

His adoring wife: Joanne

His sons and daughters-in-law:Jeff and Dawn, Jim and Deb, John and Diane, Joe and Erin

His daughter: Jayne

His Grandchildren and their spouses/partners: Jake and Genny, Jackie and George, Jasmine and Ryan, Jordan and Emma, Janeece and Syd, Logan and Jackie, Marly and Rex, Lily, Charlie and Nia

His Great Grandchildren: Josie, James and Arlo

His brother Ben and sister-in law Mary Jo Philipps

His Sister Sarah Tjaden

And many more……

Memorial Service details forthcoming