Dr. John Richard Ames, DDS, 69 of Spokane, passed away on October 23, 2017 at the Hospice House North.

John was born on August 20, 1948 in Bozeman, MT to Thomas Patrick and Helen Grace Preator Ames.  He graduated from the University of Wyoming in 1970 and then from the University of Iowa Dental School in 1974.  John enlisted in the US Air Force later that year and served active duty for 11 years.   On March 21, 1975 John married Katherine B. Eginton in Laurel, MD.   John completed his Oral Surgery Residency program in 1979.  He retired from active duty as a Lieutenant Colonel in 1984 and joined the reserves retiring as a Colonel – the most senior field grade officer rank - in 1999.  John started Cascade Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery in 1985 in Spokane, and ran the practice until retiring in 2015.   

John lived a much diversified life.  He was a pilot and enjoyed flying with his wife to visit their children.   He had achieved a double black belt in Tae Kwon Do and later branched to Tae Chi.   John was an Eagle Scout and while his sons were growing he was active in the scouting program helping them all achieve their Eagle Scout.  He enjoyed sailing and was an active marathoner and triathelete.  He was a member of the Washington State Dental Association and the Spokane District Dental Society, and was very active in dental legislation.  John was also a member of St. Nicholas Orthodox Church.

John was preceded in death by his parents and a brother Thomas.  He is survived by his wife of 42 years Katherine, 4 sons, Richard (Amy Briggs), Samuel, Joseph (Rebecca) and Daniel  He was the proud grandfather to 4 grandchildren; Nicholas, Allison, Madeleine, and Thomas.

A celebration of John’s life will be held on Saturday November 11 2017 at 10:00 AM at St Nicholas Orthodox Church, 1325 E Queen Ave., Spokane, WA.

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