Who was John Eric Lust? He was an uncommon adventurer who chose the path less traveled. A native of the Pacific Northwest, he was “Johnny,” proud descendant of Volga Germans, the resourceful pioneers of the Washington Palouse wheat country. He built his own skiff to roam the waters of Puget Sound for sockeye and Chinook; hired out on a longliner in the Gulf of Alaska; and explored the coastal wilderness from Astoria to Nootka Island, BC.

He taught himself woodworking, building creative structures from zany henhouses to classy residences and places of work—a champion of Main Street Narrowsburg. He was a gifted cook, the selfless provider of all things material and spiritual to his family and a legion of friends. It has been said that he who travels fastest travels alone, and so one afternoon, without meaning to, Johnny left us.

One of 24 first cousins, Johnny leaves behind his daughter, Savannah Lust of Kalispell, MT; four siblings: Marsha Comstock of Glen Spey, NY; Lisa Lust of Palm City, FL; Camilla Claeys of Casa Grande, AZ; and Philip Lust of Quincy, WA; and his partner, Lisa Richard of Glen Spey.

Memorial contributions can be sent to the Puget Sound Restoration Fund to help maintain the vibrancy of the waters Johnny loved so much.