Obituary: John Cheney, 82, White Salmon

John Cheney of White Salmon, WA, passed away unexpectedly on May 10, 2025, at the age of 82. 

He was born April 25, 1943, in Santa Ana, CA, where he grew up.  After graduating from Santa Ana High School, he enrolled and graduated from the University of Colorado with a degree in Business Finance in 1965. 

To fulfill his military responsibility, he applied, was accepted and enrolled in Navy Officer Candidate School.  Upon completion he was commissioned March 25, 1966, with a rank of Ensign in the United States Navy. 

During his six-year service in the Navy, he was based at Naval Air Station Cubie Point, Subic Bay, Philippines.   After two deployments aboard the aircraft carrier USS Ranger as a Naval Flight Officer in the A3 Skywarrior, a jet powered strategic bomber, he was assigned shore duty at Offutt Air Force Base in Omaha, Nebraska, with the U.S. Strategic Command, a Joint Command responsible for our nation’s nuclear and global command and control.

John and Laura were married in 1970 and lived in Omaha until his honorable discharge from the Navy in July 1971 as a Lieutenant.  

They moved to White Salmon in early 1972 where they raised 3 children while John was employed at SDS Lumber Company until retirement. 

He had a fascination with flying and aircraft from an early age which drove him to achieve his private pilot license during his college years.  In addition to his passion for flying, he was a member of the local American Legion, the ham radio club, enthusiastic about motorcycle riding, photography, and especially had an insatiable desire to explore the world where he was often thrilled to find geo caches. 

He is survived by his wife Laura, and children Alan (wife Hollie, grandson Paul), Grant, Diana Russo (husband Jake, grandchildren John, Jade, Jace), and his dry sense of humor. 

A celebration of life for John will be held on June 21, 2025, at the Gorge Room at the Hood River Inn from 2-4p. 

The family wishes to extend their heartfelt gratitude for all the kind words, thoughts and prayers, flowers, and other gracious support they have received from family and friends.  We also wish to pay tribute to the First Responders who rendered timely and skillful emergency care to John. 

Donations in John’s memory may be made to:  Providence St. Vincent Foundation (Tax ID 93-0575982) in support of the Providence Heart Institute, Providence St. Vincent Medical Foundation, 9205 SW Barnes Rd., Portland, OR, 97225; Western Antique Aeroplane & Automobile Museum (WAAAM) 1600 Air museum Rd., Hood River, OR 97031-9800;   Maryhill Museum of Art, 35 Maryhill Museum Dr., Goldendale, WA 98620.