John W. Washburn

April 19, 1929 - September 1, 2015

John W. Washburn, April 19, 1929 to September 1, 2015 John Washburn passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 1 in Saratoga Springs. John had a full life, including 48 years spent with his wife Jane Rudman Washburn . Along with their two kids Kathy and Michael they enjoyed life in the Southern Adirondacks boating the Sacandaga, and camping in the nearby mountains. John graduated from the Oneonta Teacher’s College in 1951 and entered the US Air Force. John served his country honorably during the Korean War, leading an air-traffic control unit in Japan. He was discharged from the Air Force in 1964 as a First Lieutenant. He joined the US Coast Guard as a reservist in 1978 and retired as Warrant Officer and Chief Boatswain’s Mate in 1992. John was a teacher in the Gloversville School District from 1968 until 1987. In his retirement he co-founded Search Team 5-1 a leading wildland search and rescue team and led countless searches for lost hikers. He was an avid outdoorsman and guide, leading many Adirondack adventures as well as a few excursions to Southeast Alaska. He was author of several books including one on Irish history and a definitional guide to Search and Rescue called “Point Last Seen.”. He served his community on multiple boards, the Coast Guard Auxiliary, Rotary Club, and was a Boy Scout leader inspiring young scouts many of whom went on to Military Service. John and Jane operated Trailhead Lodge, a bed and breakfast in the family homestead in Benson from 1989 to 2011. John is survived by his wife Jane, his daughter Kathy (Trevor), son Michael (Natanya) and grandchildren; Jessica, Brielle, Carlin, Ayla, and Ezekiel. Visiting hours with the family will occur on Thursday evening September 10, from 6 to 8 at the Northville Funeral Home. Services will be held on Friday September 11 at noon at St. Francis Church in Northville. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Francis Catholic Church in Northville. Condolences may be made to the family online at www.northvillefuneralservice.com.