John Oreiro

Huntsteelum John “JR” Oreiro

March 23, 1952 – September 5, 2025

Huntsteelum John “JR” Oreiro, a beloved husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Friday, September 5, 2025. He was surrounded by his loving family as he began his journey to rest and peace.

A smile that lit up the world.A loyalty that was unmatched.A kindness and joy paired with a positive outlook.A strength that shouldered what life brought. This was JR.

John was born on March 23, 1952, the fifth of seven children to Martha (née Wyse) and John “Juan” Oreiro Sr. He grew up on Bainbridge Island near Gazzam Lake, where the family ran a berry farm. JR was always by his father's side—planting, picking, and working the land with deep love for his family and their traditions.

He graduated from Bainbridge Island High School in 1970 and earned his degree from Seattle University in 1975. Even while studying, John worked hard helping at Bainbridge Island Disposal with Don Palmer, cutting and selling firewood, and taking jobs in Maui and his beloved Alaska at Excursion Inlet.

After college, John explored many meaningful career paths. He worked at the Seattle Indian Center and with the S'Klallam Tribe, forming lifelong bonds and deepening his commitment to Native communities.

In 1979, John married the love of his life, Jackie (née Loe). Together, they built a beautiful life, welcoming two daughters: Casey in 1980 and Sunny in 1982. John was a devoted and enthusiastic father. He coached their sports teams, cheered them on at baton twirls, pageants, basketball games, and ballet recitals, and never missed a chance to show how proud he was. He gave his daughters the tools and confidence to walk through the world with strength and heart.

As the family grew, John began commuting to Seattle, working with HUD, Seattle Metro, and later at Sound Transit—a place he loved and where he built treasured friendships. His colleagues remember him as a wise and steady presence, always willing to lend a hand or offer thoughtful advice.

John was passionate about sports. He was a gifted golfer—good enough for the PGA, if you asked anyone who played with him. He loved local softball tournaments and was a longtime fixture in Bainbridge Island’s softball scene. And of course, his unwavering love for the Seahawks and Mariners ran deep.

He was also deeply committed to his First Nation, Snuneymuxw. His heritage was a central part of his identity. He worked actively to support and uplift his people, right up to his final days. One of the proudest moments of his life was receiving his ancestral name, Huntsteelum. His spirit was full.

“Every day is a gift. Be a good citizen.”These were words he lived by.

John is survived by:

• His wife: Jackie Oreiro
• Daughters:
  • Casey Oreiro Livingston (Josh)
  • Sunny Oreiro Granbois (Jeff)
• Grandchildren:
  • Jackson Livingston
  • Desta Livingston
  • Ella Granbois
  • John Granbois
  • Calvin Granbois
• Siblings:
  • Daniel Oriero
  • George Oreiro
  • Candy Oreiro
  • Marsha Paull
  • Tommie Oreiro
  • Heidi Wettleson

He was preceded in death by his parents, Juan Oreiro and Martha (née Wyse) Oreiro.

A Celebration of Life

Funeral Mass St. Cecilia Catholic Church, 1310 Madison Ave N, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110, Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 11:00, officiated by Father Mark

Reception and Sharing of Memories, House of Awakening 7235 NE Parkway, Suquamish, WA 98392Saturday, October 25, 2025 – 1:00 PM

John leaves behind a legacy of love, integrity, and connection. His presence was a gift to all who knew him, and his spirit lives on in his family, friends, and community.

“He was one of the good ones.”And he always will be.

Arrangement entrusted to Cook Family Funeral Home of Bainbridge Island, WA