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301 East Third Avenue
Ellensburg, Washington
John Andrew Savage, DMD, FAGD
On Tuesday night, November 12, 2013 our loving husband, father, brother and dentist lost his very short battle with kidney cancer while hunting in Montana with two of his sons.
John was born on January 17, 1954 in St. Louis, MO to Bob and Charlotte (Miller) Savage.
John is survived by his wife Susan and their eight children, Tyler, Trevor, Justin, Riley, Tommy, Andrew, Alison and Kelby. He is also survived by his father Bob B. Savage, DDS, his brother Rory (Jennifer) Savage and his sisters Steffi (Mike) Davis, Jennifer (Bob) Burnell, Jill (Frank) Litwiller and Becky Savage. John also leaves behind seventeen loving nieces and nephews and six great-nieces and nephews.
John graduated from Langley High School in 1972. He completed a B.S. in Zoology and a B.A. in Anthropology at the University of Washington graduating in 1978. He studied forensic anthropology at Central Washington University. In 1982 he followed his father's footsteps into dentistry and attended Washington University in St. Louis. He earned his DMD in 1986. Throughout his career, he was very education-oriented. In June 2013 he earned his fellowship in the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Savage was a member of the American Dental Association, Washington State Dental Association and the Yakima Valley Dental Association.
John met his wife Susan while working in Bethel, Alaska where he was a commissioned officer in the US Public Health Service at the Yukon-Kuskokwim Native Alaskan Hospital. They moved to Ellensburg in 1995 to start their dental practice, Mountain View Dental Center, PS. John and Susan were married August 5, 1995 in Fort Wayne, Indiana.
While working in Alaska he was also an avid fisherman and hunter for Alaskan big game. He would share many vibrant stories of hunting, fishing, flying and camping in the Alaskan wilderness. He also spent a lot of time hunting in the Kittitas Valley, Montana, Utah and Idaho with his kids. His family was his world and his impact will be felt for generations to come.
Dr. Savage brought his compassionate and caring dentistry to Ellensburg where he built his private dental practice and raised his family. Dr. Savage enjoyed every day of his career as a dentist. He felt privileged to be able to serve the Kittitas Valley and beyond by providing oral health care and promoting the oral health of his community. He took his role as a healthcare provider very seriously by being a life-long-learner and challenging himself to continue to expand his dental skills.
A Public viewing is Friday, November 22nd at Steward & Williams from 9AM-Noon. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, November 23rd at 2:00 pm at the CWU SURC Ballroom located at 400 E. University Way, Ellensburg, WA.
Charitable gifts may be sent to the American Dental Hygienist's Association Institute for Oral Health at 444 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 3400, Chicago, IL 60611 or online at www.adha.org/ioh. An education fund for his children has also been established at US Bank under Susan's name.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
November 27, 2013
Rhonda Savage
Dear Sue and your wonderful dental team, I'm so sorry to learn about your loss. John was an amazing person and dentist. I'm honored to have known him. Rhonda
Rhonda R. Savage, DDS
November 23, 2013
Ann "Nowlin" devocht
So sorry to hear of the loss of John, may you find strength over the next few weeks. Cherish those memories, your family is in our prayers.
November 23, 2013
Gayle Chang
May this candle shine bright in memory of a wonderful man, husband and father.
November 22, 2013
Barbi Lynch
Susan and family
I have had all of you in my thoughts and my heart since last week. I wish that I could be with you tomorrow in person, but know that you will be in my thoughts and prayer all day. I regret that I did not get to know John better but his presence will always be around and everyday you will notice something that will bring him back into your thoughts.
Barbi Lynch
November 22, 2013
Paula Greene
The Savage Family:
It is with great sorrow to hear of John's passing. As young adolescents, we were friends, (The Greene Family, Paul and Wanda) and Bob and Charlotte's (The Savages). Our parents spent time together and in our youth we all shared many fun times. John was a typical high school student. He had many friends and was respected amongst his peers. Many girls had a crush on him including myself. He always smiled and treated everyone with the up-most respect. It is a sad day. The Savages have been like family to us and have shared with us in our loss of family members as well. I hope in time, the great memories you have built with John will help in your healing. Know we are sorry for you loss. My prayers are with all of you. May God bless you all in this time of grief and he gives you comfort in the years ahead.
With loving memories of John and the entire Savage family,
Always, Paula Greene
November 22, 2013
Bob & Lisa White
Lisa and I will hold your family in our thoughts and prayers... we're so sorry for your loss.
November 22, 2013
Jill Rethman
Words cannot express the sorrow I feel for you and your family. He will live on in your heart and in the lives of your beautiful children. Many thoughts, prayers and feelings of Aloha are headed your way.
November 22, 2013
Linda Jorgenson
Bless all of you as you mourn your terrible loss. You will be in my thoughts and prayers.
November 22, 2013
Beth Nicely
Susan, you have been heavy on my heart for the past two weeks. I only wish I was closer to give you and your kids a give you all a big hug. I will continue to keep you all in my prayers. Love you all!
November 22, 2013
I am so sorry for your loss!! You and the kids have been in my thoughts and prayers!!!
November 22, 2013
Sherri Lukes
Never met John personally but enjoyed my time at UYP last year where I was able to get to know you a little better, Susan. As a public health advocate/educator I so admire your service in Alaska....both of you. My sincerest condolences.
Sherri Lukes, RDH, MS
November 22, 2013
Vicki Munday, RDH
John will live on in all of you! He was an amazing father, husband and dentist. I will never forget the jokes we shared and the time he tried to wipe "dirt" off my nose that was actually a brown spot on my nose from the sun. We laughed so hard. Hold on to all the memories.
November 22, 2013
Caryn Solie
May the memories of John's love, joy and laughter hold you up. You all have a very special angel watching over you.
November 21, 2013
Nancy Bradshaw
So very sorry to hear of your loss. It was always a pleasure when visiting the Mt. View clinic, even if there was drilling involved. I remember you both fondly.
November 21, 2013
Valerie Bartoli
Mrs. Savage-On behalf of the Washington Academy of General Dentistry, I want to express how sad we are to hear of Dr. John passing. I remember when the family came to see Dr. John receive his Fellowship with the AGD. How two of the children fall fast asleep while the group celebrated the awards given that day. We remember Dr. John for his smile and fun nature and will be truly missed. My god comfort you and your family-Valerie Bartoli, Executive Director for the Washington AGD.
November 20, 2013
Patricia Murphy
Sue and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and give you strength and comfort at this time of sorrow. Love to you all.
November 20, 2013
Norma Cline
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
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