John Gaston

 John Gaston passed away November 17, 2020, at his home, in Fairbanks, Alaska, with his wife Helen by his side. He fought a long battle with cancer.
Born November 9, 1944 in Rochester Mills, Pennsylvania, to Ora Armstrong and Layard Gaston.

He fondly shared many memories of his growing up on the family farm. Including his adventures in raising hogs, ice skating on the creek and other shenanigans with his brothers, cousins and neighbors.

After graduating high school he moved to Virginia where he met his wife Barbara Shilling. They married in 1966 and soon after moved west, to Idaho and Nevada. In 1975 he moved to Alaska to work on the Trans Alaska oil pipeline. The family followed in 1976. Shortly after he opened his own business, Industrial Machine Shop. He operated the shop until he was too sick to work.

He married his wife Helen in 2005.

He enjoyed the great state of Alaska and all it has to offer. Especially gold prospecting, and fishing.

He is preceded in death by his parents, brother Dan Gaston, sisters Jeanne Fox and Ilene Calhoun.

He is survived by his wife Helen Wissman, a son, Patrick Gaston, daughters Valerie Gilligan and Bonnie Emery. 14 grandchildren and 5 great grandchildren; Brothers: Ed Gaston, Al Gaston, Huck Gaston, Charlie Gaston, George Gaston, Nick Gaston and Vince Gaston.
He will be buried Monday 2 pm at Pine cemetery, Rochester Mills Pennsylvania. Arrangements have been entrusted to Shumaker Funeral Home, Inc., Punxsutawney.

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