GOELLER,John William, 70, was born May 12, 1942 in Spokane, WA to Raymond W. and Impie Pauline (Hill) Goeller.
He passed away July 6, 2012 in Spokane.
       A graduate of North Central High School in 1960 and later of Washington State University in 1965, John earned a Masters Degree in Counseling and Guidance from Whitworth College in 1972. After teaching in Seattle's Shoreline School District briefly, he returned to Spokane accepting a position in the Mead Public School District as a teacher, and subsequently a counselor. After retiring, John was President of the Retired Spokane Teachers' Association and soon after embarked on a second career by co-founding and publishing the Directory for Seniors and Their Families (now titled innovAGING) from 1994 until 2003. 

     John is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 47 years Gail Anne (Gladder) Goeller and his children, both living in Spokane: Gregory John Goeller married to Patti, and Karen Goeller married to Bill Bloom. He is also survived by three grandchildren: Jonas and Lucas Goeller, and Ava Bloom and outlasted by brothers, Raymond Goeller (New Orleans, LA) and Joe Goeller (Duvall, WA). 

     John delighted in being in Nature especially at Lake Coeur d'Alene where his family purchased property in the 1950s. He loved participating in physical activities including running marathons, cycling (including a bike ride from Seattle to Boston), fishing, mountaineering, kayaking, sailing, skiing, golf, and refereeing high school sports. Country, bluegrass and folk comprised the background music to his life. An optimist at heart, even after being officially diagnosed with early-onset Alzheimer's Disease (AD), John continued to view adversity as a challenge. Two years after his diagnosis he founded an early-onset support group for others with an AD diagnosis as well as their primary caregivers. More importantly, he lived as a free spirit, with a memorable laugh and a sense of humor coupled with the gift of storytelling. Compassionate and open, John was ever a man's man with a soft heart. Our family is forever grateful to the Clare Bridge of Spokane staff who "held" John in his last year. Their commitment to John and our family throughout this challenging process has been remarkable. 

     In lieu of flowers, contributions in his name may be sent to Clare Bridge of Spokane (5329 West Rifle Club Court, Spokane 99208); Providence Adult Day Health (6018 N. Astor, Spokane 99208); Hospice of Spokane (121 S. Arthur, Spokane 99210); or earmarked for the "Early Stage Alzheimer's Group" via the Inland Northwest Alzheimer's Association.