Friends on the island are learning of the death of John Strong, a Port Madison resident from 1971-95, who died in Phoenix, Arizona April 8, 2016 from complications of diabetes.

He and his family participated in the Seattle and Port Madison Yacht Clubs, and Wing Point Golf and Country Club.

He operated a successful sales brokerage during those years, Strong and Associates, and was known as the “Candy Man” for donating much of the candy for the Halloween celebration for children at Rolling Bay Presbyterian Church, and then for the larger community celebration eventually held at Wilkes Elementary School.

He was a trout and salmon fisherman, a sailor, a photographer and artist who enjoyed the works of Art Wolfe, Cal Wooley, and local water colorists. When a public access to Port Madison Bay was threatened, he joined neighbors to keep it open, as well as to fairly maintain dock space in the bay.

He is survived by his son Michael (Kathleen) and daughter Lisa (Forrest). There will be a family memorial at Lake Almanor, California in August. He would wish to be remembered as a generous friend.