John Raymond Carvalho

John Raymond Carvalho passed away after an almost life long battle with diabetes on the 19th of January 2007, at the young age of 52 years 1 month and 25 days.
John was born in Honolulu, Hawaii on the 25 November 1954, the youngest of 4 children born to Carlos Godfrey Carvalho and Carita Hart, (both deceased). Carl died in 1999. Two brothers survive him: Roger Carvalho of Hawaii and Eugene of Texas. On the 2nd of December 1972, John joined the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. His valiant testimony and joy within the gospel inspired him to serve a mission in Harrisburg Pennsylvania. He liked to retell stories of his mission and conversion to anyone who would listen.
While in Hawaii, John joined the U.S. Navy in 1978 and served until 1981 when he was honorably discharge. John was proud that he was able and allowed to serve his country. John was a patriot who loved the flag and what it stood for.
John met Leslie Louise Wisner in September of 1984. It was love at first site for both of them and they were married for time and eternity in the Laie temple on 15 December 1984. They had one child, Kimothee Louise Kaimilani Carvalho in their 22 years of marriage. While in Hawaii, John graduated from Brigham Young University Campus with a degree in History and Government.
One of John's greatest adventures was during the clean-up from the Exxon Valdez oil spill that occurred the 24th of March 1989. He was able to work along side his new wife and see the beauty of the untainted Alaska wilderness that he loved while working to save that which was so badly tainted.
In February 1997, John became blind. In October 2001, John's life was greatly enriched and his independence enlarged by the addition of Piper, a Leader dog for the blind. John once said that his training to receive the dog was the hardest thing he ever done. Amateur radio became one of John's passions and by February 1998, John received his Amateur Extra License, this was the highest license available. Many have tried but not achieved this highly prized license.
For the last ten years, John has worked at Marriott as a customer Service representative. He enjoyed the daily challenge of resolving customer's complaints. The more irate the customer the more he enjoyed his work. At work and with his family, John was known for his daily corny jokes. His dry humor was very dry and caused many groans with the laughs.
Three children survive John from his previous wife, Joann. Jared (Alison) of Midvale, Nathan of Quincy, Illinois, Kimberlee of Daytona, Florida. And a new granddaughter Hayley Carvalho of Midvale.
John became an significant part of his wife's family. His family, extended family, church family, work family, and many friends will miss him.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Leader Dogs for the Blind of Rochester, Michigan thru the local Lions Club, as it was John's favorite charity.