John Darrell Pock

John Darrell Pock, "Darrell," of Soap Lake, Wash., passed away peacefully April 15, 2024, at the age of 72.

Darrell was born July 10, 1951, in Omak, Wash., to Alfred and Ferne Pock. He graduated from Washington State University in 1978 with a Bachelor of Science in Wildlife Biology. After moving to Ephrata, Wash., he started his professional career at the Grant County Public Utility District as a wildlife biologist where he worked to protect the local wildlife and preserve cultural resources. His extensive knowledge and expertise were relied upon for many important programs throughout his 35-year career, up until his retirement from the PUD in 2013.

His children remember him as a loving and dedicated father who encouraged them to work hard to reach their goals. Darrell was passionate about hunting, shooting, hiking and all things wildlife. He had an adventurous personality and loved being outdoors exploring different areas around Eastern Washington. He lived life by "always taking the backroads" and exploring the path less traveled. Darrell loved sharing memorable stories and adventures as well as his wildlife knowledge with others. He was also an avid reader who enjoyed science fiction, a talented artist, a proficient gardener and a sought after craftsman highly skilled in woodwork and furniture refinishing.

Darrell is survived by his children, Jada Wang of Seattle, Wash., and Jasmyn Blancaflor of Seattle; grandchildren Cooper, Hana and Rei of Seattle; siblings, Lynnell McFarland of Spokane Valley, Wash., Shannon Pock of Omak and LaKaye Petersen of Spokane Valley. 

He is preceded in death by his parents John Alfred Pock and Ferne Mae Pock (Carpenter) of Omak.

Thank you to all the family members and friends as well as Grace Castillo of Fred's Haven Adult Family Home who provided care and support throughout the last few weeks.