A grateful community bids farewell to businessman and philanthropist John Hern.

He had an indelible impact upon this community for many years. A successful local businessman, John Hern owned and operated Courtesy Ford, one Poulsbo’s largest local businesses. He was a major employer as well as contributor to local education, health care and community events.

He and his wife, Teri, provided great assistance and support to Olympic College and championed its local campus. He contributed to the Poulsbo Marine Science Center and was a driving force in the revitalization efforts of Viking Avenue, helping to lure Regal Cinemas and Washington Tractor to the neighborhood.

“Poulsbo and Kitsap County are much better places to live and work because of the significant contributions of John and Teri Hern,” remembers Roger Sherrard, their family attorney.

You are invited to join the community for John Hern’s public memorial, Jan. 24, 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Olympic College in Poulsbo. You can see his obituary at www.valleyofthesunmortuary.com. The family has asked that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the American Diabetes Association.

— Submitted