John Raymond Rockstad

John Raymond Rockstad
January 20, 1954 – March 7, 2020

John Rockstad was born on January 20, 1954 in Everett, WA. He moved with his family to Bainbridge Island later in 1954, and lived on Bainbridge for most of his life. He is survived by six sisters and two brothers: Paul Rockstad of Concrete, WA, Susan Lester and Patricia Lunde of Seattle, WA, Margaret Huling of Ridgefield, WA, Noel Hanish and Theresa Rockstad of Poulsbo, WA, Rita Elsberry of Bainbridge Island and Matthew Rockstad of Las Vegas, NV. All of his life, John loved fishing and clamming, and he loved sharing his “catch” with others. He was a talented cook and was always inviting family and friends over for an elaborate barbeque. Although he was a paraplegic since the age of 41, he didn’t let that stop him from doing the things he loved, like fishing, riding his handcycle and traveling around the West in his van or going to Hawaii to visit friends.

During John’s last days, his concern was always for how his death would impact others. Fortunately, he had the luxury of being able to communicate that to his friends and family, and let them know how important they were to him. He will be missed!

Due to current circumstances prohibiting us from having a public funeral for John, services will be for the immediate family only, with a celebration of John’s life in the summer in the form of a barbeque (one of his favorite things) for his friends and extended family members.


Arrangements are entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA.