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John Radcliffe, 71
Aug. 22, 1945 — Jan. 27, 2017
For someone who lived with chronic diseases (Parkinson’s and cardiomyopathy) for more than 14 years, John taught us all how to make lemonade from lemons. He was group line dancing at the senior center, singing at a local mall with his Parkinson’s support group, working out at the Kroc Center two to three times a week, and organizing a pool group at his retirement home. Two days before he collapsed, he was working out on the elliptical trainer at the Kroc Center and the following day he was playing pool with his buddies.
John was a professional athlete and skier. He was accredited by the French National Ski School, one of only five Americans to receive that honor the year of his accreditation. He worked for the Club Mediterranee as a snow and water ski instructor for 32 years. By the time he retired from the Club, he had worked and traveled in 57 countries. He then worked for FedEx for 15 years in Colorado before returning to his Idaho roots.
John tackled life with gusto. Whether he was working out in the gym or working the crowd, he approached them the same — full steam ahead. He was the consummate entertainer. He never met a stranger. John will be remembered for his corny jokes and his outrageous socks. He memorized two Garrison Keillor jokes a day to share with whomever he met. Both of these things gave him an opportunity to open a conversation with anyone anywhere. He was hard to ignore. John faced his physical limitations head on. He would say, “If I have a good day I go to the Kroc. And if I have a bad day I go to the Kroc.”
John was an inspiration to many. He will be sorely missed yet dearly remembered. He struggled with depression his whole life and yet, over a year ago, he announced that one day the depression was miraculously gone. And it was. When asked what changed he said, “I did.” He lived out his new found joy, sharing his happiness by extending numerous acts of kindness to many, especially those who struggled with ill health, disabilities, or loneliness.
John is survived by his sisters, Alice Greene and Jennifer Dorn; brother Bill Radcliffe; brother-in-law Michael Greene; and four nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Kroc Scholarship Fund c/o The Kroc Center, 1765 W. Golf Course Road, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815.
John loved his Coeur d’Alene community. His family would like to thank the North Star staff and residents who gave John a life purpose as well as a home; his doctors, Dr. Rousseau, Dr. Britt and Dr. Fritz who cared for John compassionately; Home Instead and the care giving team, especially Heidi, Mary Ann and Glenda who became extended family; the Northwest Parkinson Foundation and singing group who gave John comfort and hope; and the Kroc Center staff who kept him young at heart.
A memorial for John will be held at 1 p.m. Monday, Feb. 6, 2017, at the North Star Retirement Center, 2340 W. Seltice Way, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho. Please visit John’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.