John A. Linker

John Linker North Orange – John Linker, 67, passed away on Saturday, March 23, 2013, surrounded by his loved ones.     â€œJack” or “Link” as he was called was the son of Harold and Isabelle (Dunham) Linker, born in Pittsfield, Massachusetts on August 18, 1945.   The youngest of eight children, he was noted for excellence in gymnastics and track & field when he graduated from Pittsfield High School in 1963. John was a veteran of the U.S. Air Force from 1964 to 1968 and served in the Vietnam War as a member of the 3077th Security Police Squadron.      After serving his country he studied at Northern Michigan University and Fitchburg State College, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1974 and a Master of Education degree in Industrial Education in 1978.  He later achieved a School Administration Certificate from Worcester State College in 1990.        With a passion for teaching and engaging students, John was an industrial arts teacher at Athol High School for 30 years, until his retirement in 2004. He served as advisor to several classes and was known for donating his time to construct amazing prom structures and theatrical play sets.  John always stressed that education was the gateway to opportunity.      “Link” always put his family, friends’ and others’ needs above his own. He had a passion for gardening and landscaping and could often be seen working around his house.  John was an avid trout fisherman who enjoyed the brooks and rivers of Western Mass.  His passion for woodworking was evident in the beautiful pieces he made with his hands.   “Jack” had a unique gift of creativity and was able to develop innovative solutions to repair and restore things.  His other interests included riding his motorcycle in the fall and cheering on his Bruins, Patriots and Red Sox every season.      He is predeceased by his brothers, Harold, Robert, James, Bruce and Raymond Linker.  He is survived by his sister Charlotte Browne, a nephew William Burch and wife Nancy and their children, Sara and Laura.  John also leaves a brother, Ken Linker and his nephew Jason.  John is also survived by a daughter, Deb Keller, her husband Roland and their two children Alex and Christian; John’s son, Kevin Linker and his daughter, Kayla Baillargeon; and John’s youngest daughter, Jenny Linker; as well as other extended family.  John also leaves his dear partner and friend of fourteen years, Christine “Tina” Hause which he cherished every moment with.      In respect of John’s wishes, there will be a small private graveside ceremony.  In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the John Linker Memorial Scholarship at Athol High School Scholarship Association, P.O. Box 338, Athol MA 01331 (www.ahsscholarship.org).   Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements. In memoriam, condolences can be expressed to the family on John’s obituary page at http://www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com. $(document).ready(function(){ });