John Frederick Witte

John Frederick Witte died the morning of May 12, 2018 in Portland, Oregon after a long illness. John was 76 years old. He Died in the presence of his wife Terri. John Died a peaceful death in a loving environment cared for and blessed.

John Received his PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Oregon at Eugene. He retired from Reed College in 2014 where he worked for many years as a Senior Research Associate mentoring many enthusiastic young students to reach their goals. Many gave thanks for the help they received with problems they encountered while learning the complexities of Organic Chemistry.

John was an avid gardener cultivating his own gardens in Portland where he gained a reputation as Farmer John in the neighborhood. His entire front yard is a beautiful display of Blueberry bushes in bloom that will be productive for many years to come.

John will be remembered for his contributions as an educator, as a master gardener, his caring for our environment and his kindness to others and his contributions with the Lents Food Group supporting locally grown and consumed produce.

He is survived by his wife Terri Parkin and her adult sons from a previous marriage, Glen Eddy and Austin Eddy and john's extended family John Colter Hessel, Robert Falcon, Scott Hessel, Leah Witte, Kerstin Lein, Deidre Witte, Elise Madeleine Witte and Justin Witte: as well as his grandchildren Angela Dow, Peyton Lein, Haley Lien and Isaac Lein as well as his great-grandchild Annelise Dow.

John will be cremated according to his wishes in a private ceremony in Portland. Anyone wishing to offer condolence is invited to contribute to Bristol Hospice.

American Poet Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886

Because I could not stop for Death - He kindly stopped for me - The Carriage held but just ourselves - And Immortality.

We slowly drove - He knew no haste and I had put away my labor and my leisure too.