John Brooks Moser Obituary (1937

Dad was known as "Johnny Mo" to many of his friends in Ellensburg, and as "Johnny" to his mother. He was born at his home on 10th and Kittitas St. to John Beal Moser and Marion Carpenter Moser on Nov. 28th 1937. He was the oldest of three other siblings: Charles "Chuck" Henry Moser, Judy Ann Moser Smith & David Eugene Moser. Dad is the first of the four children to pass away. Dad had a rich childhood growing up during the end of the great depression and the war years. He recalled coming out of the movie theater matinee on a Saturday to find chaos up and down the streets of Ellensburg, thinking the Japanese had attacked, which was actually a celebration that Japan had surrendered. He was no wall flower, hunting, fishing and trapping as a youth. One time, He and his siblings decided to ride their bicycles from Ellensburg to Cle Elum. He was always up for an adventure especially if it was out of doors! Sometimes his antics bordered on harmless trouble, like driving up and down Main St. in an old Model "T" advancing the spark and blowing the muffler off with a back fire that rattled windows. Other antics included catching wild Jack rabbits and sneaking them into the YMCA dance and letting them loose on the dance floor, or just a fun night out at the city dump "Womping Rats" with friends. Dad went on to graduate from Ellensburg High School in 1956 and then enlisted in the Washington Army National Guard where upon he was honorably discharged in Jan. of 1961. His Military Occupational Skill was 11B or Advanced Infantry. During this period of time he lived and worked in the Seattle area at a sporting goods department store. Being set up on a blind date he met and fell in love with a young woman from Selah Washington, Jana Mairye Hoisington, who would become his wife of over fifty years. They were married on June 27 1961. They would go on to have three children, Bret, Trina and David. They in turn gave John & Jana 13 grandchildren whom they loved very much. Dad worked in the family business, Moser's Men's Wear, starting at the age of 5. Years later he eventually took over managing the store from his father and became sole proprietor in the 70's. He worked six days a week Monday thru Saturday, faithfully opening the store at 9am and closing a 5:30 pm for decades. He was dependable and helpful to a fault, sometimes opening the store on a Sunday to help someone who needed a suit on a Monday for an important event. He knew the clothing size of almost every man in Ellensburg from memory or just by looking at a person. Many a wife could call dad and order clothes for their husbands over the phone and they always fit. If you went to a school dance or were in a wedding, you probably rented a tux from Johnny Moser! After faithfully working the store for over fifty years, dad finally retired and closed the store in 2007. In his lifetime dad fished and hunted for just about everything you can imagine, with rifle, bow, shotgun, rod or spear. He had his private pilot's certificate for a time and enjoyed being part of the EAA. He turned the hobby of diving into a business worked out of his store and eventually became a dive master. He golfed for many years and He served on the Civil Service Board for the city of Ellensburg, was a member of the JC's, Eagles, Moose lodge and the American Legion. He supported and had membership for many years in the NRA. Many will remember his long standing membership in the Barbershop choir of Ellensburg. In his later years he was very successful at growing blueberries in his back yard and was a great cook in his own mind. Last but not least, he was an avid Cribbage player and played for years, almost up until the day he was promoted to heaven. To this day several of his grandchildren are very good at cribbage due to him. All of this does not even come close to describing the life of a man who was so much a part of his community. With his passing an "era of Ellensburg" is no longer with us, and will never be seen again. Dad passed away from heart failure at KVH on March 28th at 2:32pm. On April 19th a graveside service will be held for him in Ellensburg at the IOOF cemetery at 12:00 noon, open to everyone. A reception for fellowship and remembrance follows at 1pm at the Palace Restaurant in down town Ellensburg. Food and refreshments are provided. Graveside Service I.O.O.F Cemetery Wednesday, April 19, 2023 12:00 PM 1900 Brick Rd. Ellensburg, WA 98926