John Thomas Banas, a key volunteer fire department member in Carnation in the 1980s and ’90s, died Saturday, Feb. 16, in Puyallup, Wash., from an extended illness. He was 52.

Banas was a volunteer with King County Fire District 10 (now Eastside Fire & Rescue) in Carnation, where he served during the late 1980s and well into the 1990s.

Banas is remembered by EFR as a part of the core of the volunteer response group.

“He very much enjoyed serving the community and rarely missed a call, earning numerous awards for his participation level,” commented Fire Chief Lee Soptich.

In addition to the work at the fire department, John loved the outdoors and believed in the preservation of the environment. He enjoyed cooking and baking, travel, camping and singing. He was a traditional man and a perfectionist.

John is survived by his wife of 13 years, Sandra Banas of Puyallup; sons Jason (Denise) Miles, Travis (Cassie) Miles and Jamie Miles all of Olympia; daughter Amber Todd of Puyallup; brother Michael (Sue) Banas of Alaska; sisters Patty Banas of Bellingham, Mary Banas of Kirkland and Kathy Banas of Lynnwood; grandchildren Oztin Miles, Emma Sloboda, Devin Miles, Kody Miles, Andrew Miles and Bryson Miles.

Memorial services will be held on Saturday, March 2, 2013 at 11 a.m. at Tuell-McKee Funeral Home, 2215 Sixth Avenue, Tacoma, 98403. Arrangements are by Tuell-McKee.