John Landon, Jr.

John Landon, Jr., was called home to Heaven surrounded by family after a three-year battle with cancer. John was born March 3, 1954, and died on his birthday, just as he predicted, 62 years later.

John was the fourth child and first boy born to Roy and Verna Landon. He grew up in Evergreen and graduated from Flathead High School in 1972. John and his brother, Doug, were constant companions around the neighborhood, raiding gardens, snocatting in the fields, and getting into any mischief that came along.

John has always been skilled in carpentry, and proved that by adding a bedroom, bathroom, kitchen nook, and porch to our parent’s small house on Helena Flats Road when he was in the eighth grade. He later worked at Mountain Manufacturing.

At 23, John began his 21-year career with UPS, first driving night shifts, then delivering packages to homes and businesses in Whitefish. The “Man in Brown” was known to everyone in the Whitefish and surrounding communities. He could tell you everyone’s name and address in the whole area. He was often late getting back to the center because he visited with every customer. He was known for his kind heart and generosity, and was a friend to everyone he met.

When John left UPS, he began a second career — Landon Construction. He never had to advertise — he had so many jobs lined up by word of mouth. And because he was a perfectionist and never took shortcuts, people waited for him to do their project. He worked long and hard, until the cancer took over.

John had many experiences in his life — from being held up by an armed robber as an employee at a gas station in Florida, spending time in San Diego and eventually riding his bicycle back to Montana, to being in the middle of the BIG earthquake at Candlestick Park in 1989. Every day was an amazing adventure to John. Now he’s onto another adventure.   

John loved family, and enjoyed gatherings and parties. He didn’t miss many, and we Landons have our share. 

John is preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Verna. John is survived by his wife, Robbie; his son, Patrick; stepsons, Ben and Cody; sisters, Gale Noteboom (Harland Hanson), Diane Loomis, Ginger (Gary) Eastlund, and Sheila (Chuck) Thompson; brother, Doug; many nieces, nephews, grandchildren, and many many other relatives and close friends.

Memorial services will be held Wednesday, March 9, at 2 p.m. at The Calvary Lutheran Church in Evergreen. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to Make-A-Wish Montana Foundation in John’s name.

Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for the Landon family.