John "Jack" McWhinnie

John “Jack” Thomas McWhinnie, Jr. of Umatilla was born January 14, 1941 in Fall River, Massachusetts the son of John Thomas, Sr. and Gladys (Gustafson) McWhinnie. He passed away in Hermiston on December 8, 2025 at the age of 84 years.

Jack grew up in East Providence, Rhode Island where he attended Sacred Heart School, LaSalle Academy and graduated from East Providence Senior High School. He began working as a commercial/industrial insulation installer soon after graduation from high school. He later enlisted in the Army National Guard where he served for six years. 

Jack married Patricia Goveia in 1963 in East Providence, RI and from this union three children; Kevin, Craig and Melissa were born. The couple later divorced.

In the late 1970's, Jack became an traveler in the insulation union where he traveled throughout the United States working as an industrial installer. He eventually traveled out West where he met Toshiko Boullester in Umatilla, Oregon. Jack continued his work as a traveling insulation installer but made his home in Umatilla. He married Toshiko Boullester in New York on August 16, 1986. He retired from the insulation business in the early 1990's.

Jack was very actively involved in community developments and served on the Umatilla City Council. He was instrumental in the construction of the Umatilla Medical Clinic as well as building and remodeling several homes. He was a member of Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church in Hermiston and the Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed traveling, boating, playing golf and watching college and professional sports. He was a hard-working man who had a great vision  and accomplished many things throughout his lifetime. 

He is survived by his wife, Toshiko; sons, Craig and Gerald; daughters, Melissa and Grace; several grandchildren; brother, Donald; and many extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his son, Kevin; brother, David and his parents.

Viewing will be held on Friday December 12 from 4:00 to 7:00 P.M. at the Burns Mortuary Chapel. Recitation of the Rosary will begin at 6:00 P.M. Friday evening.

A Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 A.M. Saturday December 13 at Our Lady of Angels Catholic Church (565 W Hermiston Avenue Hermiston, OR).

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