John Yanutik Iii

John “Johnny” Yanutik III, age 51, of Merlin, died September 5, 2019 of medical complications while riding his motorcycle.

John is survived by his father John “Senior” Yanutik Jr; sister Raquel Wilder and her husband Aaron; son John “J.J.” Yanutik IV and his wife Lindsay; daughter Kailei Yanutik; grandson John “Dub” Yanutik V; nephew Christopher Wilder; and cousins Michael “Tex” Davenport and Michelle Davenport; and his faithful dog Sam. He was preceded in death by his mother Esther Yanutik in 2004 and brother Chris Yanutik in 1993.

John was born January 19, 1968 in Santa Monica, California to John & Esther (Kauhi) Yanutik. In 1978 he moved with his family to Oregon. In 1986 he graduated from North Valley High School where he participated in athletics and was a part of the triple crown in 1984. John then joined the United States Navy and after his honorable discharge worked fulltime with his father at American Welding. In 1992 John began his 30-year career as a Hellgate jet boat pilot.

John was a great family man and father who loved spending time on the river, at the Oregon dunes, and watching the Rams win football games.

All are welcome to John’s memorial service at 1:00 p.m., September 14, 2019 at Edgewater Christian Fellowship, 101 Assembly Circle, Grants Pass. A celebration of life will follow at Indian Mary Park.

The family would like to thank everyone for the outpouring of love and support. Special thanks to the Brotherhood of Pilots and his Hellgate family.

In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Evergreen Bank on behalf of his daughter Kailei Yanutik and his son John Yanutik IV.