John Michael Spates

March 9, 1951 - August 5, 2011

John M. Spates, 60, passed away August 5, 2011. Born in Seattle, Wash., March 9, 1951, John later moved with family to Santa Rosa, Calif. In 1969, he graduated from Cardinal Newman High School, where he was a three sport athlete and star for the Cardinal football team. After high school he lived on the Russian River and enjoyed working with leather selling it in San Francisco's Haight-Ashbury district. In 1974, John moved to the Applegate Valley building a log cabin and starting a barn construction business. John left his log barn legacy all over the southern Oregon landscape; a person doesn't have to travel far to find one of his barns still standing strong. What can also be easily foundJohn's enormous amount of friends. He found the good in people, never forgot a name, and was always quick to help a buddy, especially if they needed work or a place to stay. John enjoyed spending time camping with family and friends. He also loved fishing southern Oregon's lakes and rivers, or taking a trip to the coast to catch crabs or go bottom fishing. He is survived by his father, John Spates; his mother, Beverly Heraty; brothers, Dennis and Tim; his sons, Jesse and Shannon; and his precious new granddaughter, Marlee Adrina Ann Spates. A memorial service will be held Wednesday August 10, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., at Memory Gardens, 1395 Arnold Lane, Medford, Ore. www.memorygardens.com