John Alder was someone who showed up

Fig Tree volunteer John Alder, 68, showed up consistently to help plan the Eastern Washington Legislative Conference (EWLC), the annual Spring Benefit and Fall Fund Drive.

"We could count on him when we needed a helping hand," said Kaye Hult, volunteer coordinator. "His death on Feb. 22 leaves a hole that will be hard to fill."

John's ideas were behind themes for the 2026 EWLC and Spring Benefit. He helped refine themes for the EWLC faith leaders' panel on "Spiritual Ramifications of Persistence" and for the Spring Benefit on "Persist Together: Inspire Miracles." John embodied persistence.

Some volunteers have a specialty, but John was versatile. He was the quintessential volunteer, as another volunteer said. He did mailings, set up displays, registered people for events and cleaned up afterwards. He also recruited the speakers for the Legislative Conference workshop on affordable housing, tenant issues and homelessness. He began donating and volunteering in 2015.

John attended worship at Westminster Congregational United Church of Christ, where he played in the bell choir, served as a trustee, participated in the Serving Our Neighbors team, helped with tech services for worship, and much more.

John was also engaged with the Peace and Justice Action League of Spokane conferences, fundraisers, protests and Peacekeepers. He was involved with the Dorothy Day Labor Forum, Fall Folk Fest, Spokane Alliance, Spokane Coalition Against Racism, Spokane Homeless Coalition, Tenants Union and Veterans for Peace. He was vice chair of the City of Spokane Equity Subcommittee. He was active politically and testified at City Council and Spokane Transit meetings. He went places by bus.

John was not just present, he was everywhere, smiling and ready to help.

As Pastor Bob Feeny said in announcing John's passing to Westminster UCC members, John was deeply and broadly connected throughout Spokane.

"It was almost a recurring joke, any event I went to that felt like it was worth my time, there was John Alder," said Bob. "John wasn't just there, he was volunteering his time, greeting people with a smile and a joke. He seemed to know what was going on in almost every arena of public life, and he was happy to share what he knew.

"John lived out a faith that reminded everyone that a better world is possible," Bob commented.  "His work in the community made a difference because he kept showing up. It feels impossible to list all of the campaigns, ballot initiatives and other community actions he participated in.

"From now on, when we find ourselves on the fence about showing up for something we care about, or something someone we care about cares about, let's ask ourselves, what would John Alder do? You already know the answer: he'd show up," Bob said. "So, let's keep showing up for John and remember him fondly.

"We love you, John, and we miss you. You showed us how to show up. We'll take it from here. Rest in peace," he shared.

Showing up is a crucial trait, a sign of commitment and persistence.

"John Alder, Presente!" said Rusty Nelson of Spokane Veterans for Peace, adding that John has been one of the most active associate members of Spokane Veterans For Peace and already is being missed in their nuclear weapons education project.

Program coordinator Hollis Higgins recalled him this way: "John Alder was always present, always conscious, always witty and always concerned for the wellbeing of others. With a great heart emoji, he worked for peace."

Gary Jewell, moderator of The Fig Tree Board, commented, "John was an inspiring worker for the good of the world."

Marijke Fakasiieiki, Fig Tree development and editorial associate, said "John was a quiet philanthropist, devoted to the betterment of the community. He was a person of integrity who didn't shy away from expressing his views. He volunteered with and was a fearless supporter of The Fig Tree and other nonprofits.

"He was kind-hearted," Marijke continued. "He was relentless about detail. He was a deeply committed person of faith who wanted politicians to stand for something and be concerned for the marginalized. He will be sorely missed by many and leaves a lasting impact on this community."

Spokane nonprofits are now going to need a lot more volunteers.

Mary Stamp - Editor