Obituary: Novell, John Kingsley

NOVELL, John Kingsley “King” was born June 2nd, 1937, to John and Christine Novell in Spokane.

He lost his struggle with ALS, “Lou Gehrig’s Disease,” on October 2nd, 2013.

He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Dorothy Novell, children: John Novell and Susan Novell Eberts (Ralph), and twin granddaughters Katherine and Karena, brother Kerry Novell (Pam) and sister, Kay Gordon (Don).

King was a life-long resident of Spokane.

He graduated from Lewis & Clark HS and Washington State University.

He was a member of the Sigma Nu Fraternity.

He was the President and CEO of Alloy Trailers, Inc. and managed over 30 companies.

Always civic minded, he served as the President of West Side Kiwanis (‘67), youngest NW Regional Lt.

Governor of Kiwanis (‘69), Community Colleges of Spokane Foundation Board of Directors (‘82-‘85), the Chairman of the board of Spokane Chamber of Commerce (‘90) and on the Board of Trustees of WSU Foundation (‘90s).

King helped build a strong community through the growth of Spokane businesses, scholarships to Spokane Community Colleges, EWU and establishing the WSU Spokane campus.

King loved his family, spending time at Priest Lake, the game of golf, rooting for the Cougars and late night socializing with his close friends.

Everyone always remembers meeting King for his friendly personality, storytelling and sense of humor.

He loved life and lived it “his way” from start to finish.

A memorial service will be at the Heritage Funeral Home on Saturday, October 12th at 11:00 AM.

In lieu of flowers, we ask you to please make a donation in King’s name to The ALS Association Evergreen Chapter (alsa-ec.org).