John Carl Brattain, 66, died Saturday, January 2, 2010, in Olympia, WA. He was born April 27, 1943, to John and Dorothy (Paxton) Brattain in Longview, WA. He was raised in Tonasket, where he also graduated from high school. In 1964, he married Bette Coe. He received his BA from WSU in 1967, and his Master's Degree in 1975, even while being employed as a speech therapist for the Walla Walla School District (1967-70) and the Pullman School District (1971-75). Following his graduation, he took the position of Director of Special Education for North Central Washington Educational Service District in Okanogan, later transferring to Wenatchee for the ESD. John settled in Olympia in 1984, being employed by the Office of the Superintendant of Public Instruction as a Special Education Supervisor. Following his retirement in 1998, he remained a consultant, then finally an advisor to OSPI. John was a vintage automobile enthusiast and collector, as well as a member of The Horseless Carriage Club of America. He kept close watch over the world of trains and had a special appreciation of the steam locomotive. John greatly enjoyed travelling via these conveyances. The music and mechanics of the pipe organ were also a great pleasure. John was ever caring and responsible for the lives he touched-family, friends, educators and students.

He is survived by his mother, Dorothy Brattain of Spokane (passed away Tuesday, January 12, 2010); former wife and good friend, Bette Brattain of Wenatchee; son, Paul Brattain of Olympia; daughter, Catherine Melton of Wenatchee; sisters, Arloha Scriver and Vickie Linder, both of Spokane; and three grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his father, John Brattain.

Musical selections by Organists Andy Crow and Erik McLeod are scheduled to be performed in John Brattain's honor at 1:00 p.m., Tuesday, January 26, 2010, at the Washington Center for the Performing Arts in Olympia. Private Inurnment will be at Riverside Cemetery, Riverside, WA. Arrangements are under the direction of Sticklin Funeral Chapel, Centralia, WA.