This article is to celebrate the life of John Linder Woon. He was born on November 5, 1955 in Cut Bank, Montana to John David Woon and Laura Beatrice (Linder) Woon. John graduated from Shelby High School in 1974. He received a B.S. degree in pharmacy from the University of Montana in 1980 and a Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of Illinois in Chicago in 1995. John worked in several positions throughout his Pharmacy career. After graduation from the University of Montana, he accepted employment at Montana Deaconess Medical Center (now called Benefis Healthcare System). He was employed there for over 14 years and left there to complete his degree in Chicago. After receiving his PharmD, John was employed in Portland, Oregon by the Oregon Health Sciences University, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and Providence Health System. He served as Pharmacy Services Project Lead for Legacy Health System in the construction and opening of Legacy Salmon Creek Hospital in Vancouver, Washington. John was also employed by Idaho State University College of Pharmacy as a clinical instructor at Kootenai Medical Center in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho and concluded his career with Providence Health and Services as a Senior EPIC Analyst.
In honor and memory of his father, John was an Associate member of the First Special Service Force Association. He served on the Association’s Board of Directors for many years and as Vice President and President. He was also an Advisor to the First Special Service Force Memorial Trust and an Associate member for Special Forces Association with SFA Chapter 28 ‘The Devil’s Brigade Chapter’.
John was preceded in death by his father, John David Woon. He is survived by his mother Laura Beatrice (Linder) Woon Snyder, his wife of over 31 years, Charlotte Ann (Lund) Woon and his daughter, Brandi Lee Baker. Also he is survived by 3 grandsons, Andrew James Baker, Aaron Christopher Baker, and Nicholas Jeffrey Baker. John is survived by his brother William N. Woon-spouse Gayle Woon, sister Davee (Woon) Letford-spouse Dave Letford, and sister Sally (Woon) Doyle in addition to several nieces, nephews, and other grandchildren.
A Celebration of John’s Life will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 4, 2019 at Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home, 3750 N. Montana Ave. in Helena. A light reception will follow in the social hall of the funeral home. Memorials in honor of John are suggested to the Special Forces Association, Chapter 28, 25685 Nine Mile Rd., Huson, MT 59846-9639 or to First Special Service Force Association, P.O. Box 163209, Sacramento, CA 95816-9209 or to Hospice of St. Peter’s Health, c/o St. Peter’s Health, 2475 Broadway, Helena, MT 59601. Please visit below to offer the family a condolence or to share a memory of John.
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Saturday May 4, 2019
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Celebration of His Life
1:00 p.m.
Saturday May 4, 2019
Anderson Stevenson Wilke Funeral Home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Coffee and Cookies
Following the service
Saturday May 4, 2019
Social hall of the funeral home
3750 N. Montana Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
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Dale Stoverud says
We are sincerely saddened to learn of John’s passing. Too young, too sudden and we can only try to understand how stunned and heart broken your family is. We pray for your strength in the days to come, and wish you blessings in the remberence of John. I personally enjoyed working in the pharmacy department back in the Deaconess hospital days in Great falls. He went on to be an outstanding contributor to our profession and to his patients.
Al Claussen says
Upon learning of the passing of one of my closest friends, John Woon, I find the following words to be somewhat inadequate. As I replied to his wife, Charlotte, I’m at a terrible loss for words right now. I deeply feel for the family’s loss.
I first got to know John as he was my preceptor while I did my pharmacy clerkship/externship at the Montana Deaconess Medical Center in Great Falls, Montana in the spring of 1990. As a soon-to-be graduate in pharmacy, I began to realize while under his tutelage that I wanted to be a clinical pharmacist. One of the best lessons I ever learned from him was to not make things (regarding patient assessment and medication counseling) any more difficult than they had to be. However, one of the most IMPORTANT and earliest lessons he provided was ‘to follow the evidence,’ and avoid speculation whenever possible. Through the years, we both understood this was easier said than done, and often had to remind each other with heated discussions over a few beers.
John was my instructor, and for a very short time, my boss. I considered him to be a mentor, especially during my early years of pharmacy practice. While he was working on his PharmD through the University of Illinois at Chicago during the mid-90s, he once casually stated, “you should do this Al…I think it would be good for you.” I vividly remember those words as I embarked on the journey of obtaining my PharmD a few years later. 😉
For the past 29 years, John has at various times been my instructor, my boss, and my mentor. Throughout that time, he has been one of my closest friends and confidants. He certainly knew these things, and I can only hope he held me in similar regard. I will miss him terribly, and will forever carry the very fondest of memories of him.
Gloria Mitchell says
I’m so sorry to hear of John passing.
Thoughts n prayers.
Gloria Mitchell
Now Greg and John are celebrating in heaven together.
I guess God needed another great pharmacist 😍❤️
Frederick Verzani says
Knowing John Woon only a short time, I will miss his enthusiasm and respect of others.
Here’s wishing the family peace and condolences.
Sherry says
Oh my dear friend John may you rest in peace. I have so many great memories working with you. Thanks for your expertise, knowledge and always lending a helping hand. We had some great times outside of pharmacy as well. You can find my dad in heaven and you guys can ” shoot” some bull about guns. Bri and I will never forget the night we all went out in the “Pink Cadillac!” I even remember our girls playing together. Brandi and Charlotte our prayers are with you and your families during this difficult time. What a good man John was and we were so blessed to have had him in our journey. Love and God Bless!❤️
Kevin Howells says
John was a great co-worker, and he’s said probably one of the funniest things I’ve ever heard. We’re working the command center at the Sacred Heart go-live, and a nurse was rather insistent about being able to enter “cat hair” as an allergy to a patient’s chart. This go-live was quite busy, and both John and I had some more emergent situations to fix. The nurse returns a 2nd time, and with more emphasis states that she still can’t enter “cat hair” as an allergy. Well, both John and I told her that we’d look into it, and of course, other emergent situations popped up.
The nurse returns a 3rd time, and she’s quite upset. She says something along the lines of “Guys, I really need to be able to enter this cat hair allergy for this patient.” John looks at her, and with an innocent, and slightly sarcastic tone says, “Ma’am, we don’t dispense cats here!” I don’t think I’ve laughed that hard in a long time, and to this day (years later), it still puts a smile on my face. After the moment, we ended up fixing her problem, and all was well.
Great guy, and great co-worker, to say the least.
Gwen Powers says
I had the great pleasure of being John’s mentor when he joined the Providence Epic Willow Team. We worked together to launch Epic (electronic medical record system) at Sacred Heart and focused on the pharmacy. Even though I was his mentor, it was I who learned the most. He was a brilliant clinician, informaticist and never lacked for a great story to fit any situation. His loss saddens me greatly. My thoughts and prayers go out to Charlotte and family.
Mike Flaherty says
I’m at a loss for words. What a great man!
And until we meet again,
May God hold you in the palm of His hand.
James D Jeffers says
Char – John is held in the highest esteem, at the side of Jesus, and therefore is a savior for us all to emulate, which does not surprise me at all and is truly deserved based upon the Man that John is – a mentor of all that is great and good and will live in infamy for us all to aspire to be like. Pretty simple for me to say, but I always knew John is very special, over all these years – and now I know just how special he is – he has always had his arms around all of us. You should be very proud of your husband/friend/confidant – he is the best that could ever be made and left a Legacy for all of us to celebrate and strive to be – celebrate the time Char as you are the luckiest of us all to have been by his side for all the years – we are envious of what you experienced. Jim, Doris, Russell, Ryan Jeffers
Kathy Turner says
I was very sad to hear of John’s death. I grew up in Shelby and knew the Woon family well. John was smart, kind and friendly, not to mention handsome. I am so very sorry for your loss. In the days, weeks and months ahead, may memories of him fill your hearts with joy and happiness.
Love, Kathy Turner
Eddie Avedikian says
To this day I can still hear John’s voice over my many calls with him. He had such a calm, collected way of talking to people…always with an open mind and always so positive. Every time I was teamed up with John for a project, I knew I was on the road to success. He had such a wealth of knowledge and a distinct way of speaking. I pray for his family as they cope with John’s passing. He will be greatly missed.
Carolyn Scott says
We had the honour of visiting with cousin John and his wife Charlotte at John and brother Bill’s presentation of the Congressional Medal of Honour to the Legion in Coldwater, Ontario, Canada. John was a fine man and we extend our sincere sympathies to Charlotte and their entire family. John’s loss will be felt deeply by the Woon family.
Cousin Carolyn and Barry Scott
Leisa Kraus says
John was a great guy. Intelligent, funny, caring. I worked with John at both Legacy Health and Providence in Portland, OR. He will be missed. Rest In Peace, John. Charlotte, sending my love and condolences to you and your family.
Leisa Kraus says
John was a great guy. Intelligent, funny, caring. I worked with John at both Legacy Health and Providence in Portland, OR. He will be missed. Rest In Peace, John. Charlotte, sending my love and condolences to you and your family. 🙏
Joanna Lyon says
It has been many years but I still remember John as a wonderful, good hearted man. Blessings to you and your family in these difficult times. Joanna Lyon
Jim Carter says
Sorry for your loss Charlotte. Worked with you and John for many years at the old Deac.
Jim and Kathy O'Day says
This world was a better place because of John. He was always thoughtful of others, and put them ahead of himself. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the entire Woon family as we share in this tremendous loss. John may be gone, but he will never be forgotten.
Sharon Pelletier says
Bill and Gayle
Although I never met him, Bill, you mentioned him a time or two or three….. When a family member departs suddenly, the hole they leave is very deep. May memories and love comfort you, and may time ease the pain. Love, Sharon P.
Ann Gidel says
I am very saddened by John’s passing. It has been a very long time since I have seen or spoken to John, the last about the time he returned from Chicago with his PharmD degree. We had worked closely through the Montana Pharmacy Association prior to then, and became friends and respected colleagues. I always admired his generosity, professionalism, and good nature. John will be missed, but never forgotten. My thoughts go out to all his family.
Ann Oehlert says
My thoughts and prayers are with your family. I enjoyed working with John at Sacred Heart. He was a gentleman who was thoughtful and a stabilizing influence. His broad knowledge and experience was grounded with common sense. It is difficult to say good bye to this gentle giant.
Ed Cleary says
On behalf of the Special Forces Association, Cowboy Chapter 71. Ed Cleary and Jerry Baldwin express our sincere condolences to the Woon family for your loss.
Tricia Hofeld says
John has always been a friend and basically an uncle to me throughout most of my life. I am heartbroken for the loss of John and for the Woon Family. I wish I could be in Helena with you to celebrate his life. Love Tricia
Carolyn Pelletier says
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. Please know the Woon family is in my thoughts. I am glad you have many memories to help with this difficult time.
Jessica (Lund) Moon says
This is my Uncle John… a very close and very loved relative.. our hearts are broken. I can’t say enough good things about him and my Aunt Charlotte. Always there for our family… the perfect Uncle and Aunt that anyone could ever dream of. Uncle John was like a second father to me when I was little and until now.. but, started back when we didn’t have any family nearby but him and my Aunt. He was such a generous and loving person. He would always take us some place neat when we came to visit their lovely home – a fun restaurant or a beautiful park. I also have special memories of him at Glacier Park and Coeur d’Alene when our family had reunions. He was such a great listener and genuinely cared about what I was interested in and what I had to say – then he would give his special ‘Uncle John advice’ – wise words of wisdom! He always made us laugh and had a smile to share with an interesting story. I will forever miss him. We are so grateful to have had him in our lives for so many years with so many wonderful memories. Thank you to all of you who have also shared a special memory of him!
Lonnie and Elizabeth Cook says
We are at a loss for words for this great person and are grateful to had the opportunity to be friends.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family. Charlotte if you ever need anything please let us know we will be there to help.
Dave Rushing says
Thoughts and prayers for John’s family and friends. I didn’t have the opportunity to know John very well, but the little time I spent with him was very memorable. He helped me jump start my career at Deaconess when I interned there. His calmness, professional attitude, and personality put me at ease the day I met him. He continued to help me through that time. John and the other pharmacists and techs paved a path for me for which I am eternally grateful. Rest in peace John.
Ken Trumble says
John Woon was a fine man, who left the world a better place than he found it.
As boys, we were brought together as cousins. Remembering that Bill Woon shared some of these adventures too, we explored a cemetery, dug for fossils and hung out together in their family cabin in Montana. All while watching out for rattlesnakes! Like his brother Bill and his father Dave, John was kind, patient and generous to his (likely obnoxious) younger cousin. The BEST and coolest bicycle I ever had was a hand-me-down from John, at a time my parents could not afford to get me a bicycle.
In Calgary, John and I were caught at the army base across the street, playing in a live Centurion tank. (The only thing between us and a crosstown spree was pressing the right sequence of buttons …) As the oldest, John stood at the front while a Canadian army captain gave us (and my reserve army father Richard) a thorough dressing down for our actions. No profanity, but so clear.
John’s academic achievements far exceeded mine, but among academics he was an exception. He was capable of spouting strings of words that any of us would need Google and hours to translate, but he was not that kind of man. Fancy university degrees be damned, he was kind and humble in his successful effort to speak plain English.
Later, my parents Richard & Norma and my wife Shelley, all enjoyed John’s visits to Calgary with Charlotte, his children and also his grandchildren. As family men together, John and I long dreamed and planned to take our children together to the Eastern Woon reunion, near Coldwater, Ontario. Unfortunately, work, life-cycles and my budget (if not John’s) prevented that dream coming to pass.
Reflecting on many years of those occasional talks and encounters, I cannot recall John ever having a bad word to say, about anyone. A few regrets, and many funny stories, but never harsh words or criticism. I don’t know if I could do the same, but John shall always be an inspiration to try and do better.
As a patriot, I have never been prouder than seeing John working shoulder to shoulder with his brother Bill, honouring their father’s WW II service in the FSSF. I don’t know if the poem “In Flanders Field” is well known in the USA. Part of the closing lines read: “To you … we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.” They have done so. They are respected by soldiers past and present throughout Canada and the USA.
Visiting the Woon side of my family has always been an event. Keenly anticipated, tremendously enjoyed (aside from hangovers) and fondly remembered. John Woon shall be sorely missed. Speaking on behalf of all his Canadian relatives, (and John & Sharon (Trumble) Row of Madera CA), we share your sorrow.
Kenneth & Gaylene Rose says
We just heard of the passing of John and would like to extend out deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers for John’s family. We had the opportunity to meet John a couple of years ago during SFA Chapter 28’s annual fundraising banquet. We didn’t get to know John very well, but held him in high regards for all that he has done for the Special Forces community.
May he rest in peace and may his family find comfort in the memories that they will hold dear to them from this day forward.
De Oppresso Liber
Ken & Gaylene Rose
Pleasant View, Utah
SFA Chapter 28 (Montana)
Vicky Braaten Clark says
I have just learned of Johns’ passing – I can’t begin to imagine your loss Charlotte. My thoughts and prayers are with you
and the rest of your family. I am back in MT – will look you up next time I’m in Helena. So, so sorry……