John Walker Gott

John Walker Gott, age 94, passed away on April 1, 2018, at his home in Lacey, Washington. John was born on June 1, 1923, in a farmhouse in Missouri to parents, Biron and Armorel Gott. He had one brother, George Gott, who predeceased him. John’s adventure through life led him many places, as he made stops in Missouri, New Mexico and Colorado before ultimately settling down in Olympia. He avidly pursued education, earning a Doctorate in Education Administration from Washington State University. He worked in education most of his life and served as the Superintendent of Schools for the North Thurston School District over 20 years. He also served as the President and Chairman of the Washington Association of School Administrators, the Director of the Lacey Chamber of Commerce, a Board Member of United Way and a Member of the local Rotary Club. John was a family man. He was married to Coeta Roth (deceased) for over 40 years, and had four children, including Rebecca Hankins (husband, Ken), John B. Gott (wife, Cheryl), Deborah Blackmer (husband, Gary) and Kimberly Doolittle. John is also survived by his grandchildren, Aaron Gott, Seth Gott, Robin Maiani, Brad Blackmer and Brian Blackmer as well as six great-grandchildren. John had a zest for life to go along with his passion for learning. During his life, he enjoyed golfing, boating, fishing, playing cards, playing cribbage, reading, listening to music and books on tape, and managing his investments. He especially delighted in the highly competitive sport of small-stakes poker with his friends, and if one looked closely enough, you could catch him internally basking in the glow of victory when he won a poker hand even while trying to maintain his poker-face. Also in times of victory, whether it be in cards, cribbage, golf or any other game, he would enjoy subtly pointing out not only how he may have won but also why his opponents may have lost. This was all done with a gleam in his eye and a focused smile. A newspaper published in New Mexico once ran a story about John, calling him “quiet, calm and dignified.” He certainly was that, along with respected, trusted, principled, virtuous and very much loved. He will truly be missed. Please leave memories of John or condolences for his family in the Guestbook below.