John R. Wish was born on November 7, 1934, in Bellefontaine, Ohio and died at home in Portland, Oregon, on December 2, 2022. He was 88 years old.
John was a retired Professor of Business and Economics who taught at U of O, George Fox University, Lewis & Clark College, Bowling Green State University in Ohio, and the University of Otago in New Zealand. He also started and led an executive MBA program at University of Rhode Island.
John grew up in Bellefontaine, Ohio, working with his parents at the family owned Hopewell Dairy. He received his BS and MBA from The Ohio State University, where he met the love of his life, Mary Ann Seth. They were married in 1957. John served 2 years in the Air Force, stationed in Colville, WA. He earned his PhD at Michigan State University.
In addition to teaching, John loved to read, travel, mentor his children and grandchildren, see movies and plays, discuss history, politics, and ideas for making the world a better place. Family was one of John’s passions, and his definition of family extended beyond his blood relatives. After retirement, John took on many volunteer projects, including the renovation of his Multnomah Friends Meeting House, trail maintenance at Mt. Tabor Park and work with the Portland water bureau. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and loved ones.
Preceding John in death were his parents: Frank Wish and Martha Francis Wish Rosner, his sister, Judith Wish Groves Harter, his granddaughter Jean Anderson and his daughter-in-law, Francesca Wish, nephew Mike Groves, and niece Jane Groves. John is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Seth-Wish, his children, Lisa (Mark), Seth (Kelley), John Frank (Rachelle), Marshall Anderson, his seven grandchildren, two great grandchildren, his sister, Janice Wish Triplett and numerous relatives from Ohio.
John led a long, busy life, full of work, service to his community, and love for his family. A celebration of life will be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Portland, on Jan. 28 at 1 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in John’s name to The Oregon Food Bank, Multnomah County Library Foundation, or the charity of your choice.
