Photo:
John with his wife Ginny and his children Mark, Mike and Michelle. Photo courtesy of the Meisenbach family.
John Meisenbach built his life on hard work, generosity and an unwavering commitment to lifting others up. Born in Bozeman, Montana, and raised in Buckley, Washington, he never strayed far from his roots, carrying his small-town values into a lifetime of philanthropy, mentorship and leadership.
John’s perseverance started young. Working late nights mopping floors while his friends were out, he reminded himself, “This is going to pay off.” It did. After serving in the submarine service and attending Seattle University with the GI Bill, he entered the insurance industry. By 25, he had founded MCM, which grew into one of the Pacific Northwest’s leading financial services firms. His leadership philosophy was simple: “Find great people and then get out of their way.”
But John’s impact stretched far beyond business. He and his wife, Ginny, dedicated themselves to philanthropy, particularly in education. He believed deeply in the power of knowledge to transform lives. From scholarships at Seattle University and the University of Washington to his work with Zion Prep and the Costco Scholarship Fund, he helped thousands of students access higher education.
He honored his mother’s influence by establishing a scholarship and teaching excellence award at his high school, White River. But he didn’t stop at financial aid. He hired former teacher Diane Campbell to mentor students through college, ensuring they had the guidance to succeed. His mentorship extended to friends, employees, and colleagues, always investing in people, not just institutions.
Saul Gamoran, founder and president of Gamoran Legal Consulting, captured John’s spirit best: “John was a giant — not just in stature, but in heart, in vision and in his relentless drive to lift others up. His compassion for those in need and his unwavering commitment to mentoring young people were simply unmatched. When John took someone under his wing, he didn’t just offer advice — he invested in them, heart and soul, dedicating hours, months and years to shaping their success.
For 22 years, we met every six weeks — sometimes over lunch, sometimes over a pool table (where he hustled me more times than I care to admit). John didn’t just mentor; he transformed lives.”
John’s legacy also lives on through his daughter, Michele Huff, and their shared passion for education. Together, they helped build Hamilton School’s chess program into an internationally recognized model of academic enrichment. Even in his final years, John remained an active supporter, believing learning should be nurtured at every stage of life.
Beyond education, John dedicated time and resources to health and social services. His support of organizations like Mary’s Place underscored his mission to uplift those in need. Whether in the boardroom at Costco, where he served for 35 years, or on the riverbanks fly-fishing the Northwest, John led with generosity and vision.
His philosophy was reflected in his daily handwritten affirmations — simple but powerful reminders of patience, gratitude and self-discipline. One read, “I enjoy life to the fullest and live it to the fullest.” He did just that. Whether outplanking his granddaughters, cracking jokes or mentoring the next generation, he lived with purpose and passion.
Later in life, John found love again, marrying Deborah Juarez, who brought him renewed joy and companionship. His wisdom and humor, from childhood pranks to quick-witted one-liners, endeared him to all who knew him.
His final advice? Choose your friends wisely, study accounting, keep your shoes shined and your hair fresh, and take a walk every day with those you love. Though he is gone, his impact continues — through his family, his foundation and the countless lives he touched. A true superhero, John Meisenbach’s legacy of service and mentorship will inspire generations to come.
Remembering John: A Tribute from Jim Sinegal, co-founder and former CEO CostcoJohn’s best friend, Jeff Brotman, introduced us, and from that moment on, I knew I was dealing with someone who operated on a different level. John invited me to breakfast at the ungodly hour of 7 a.m. at the former Olympic Four Seasons so I could present a new business plan. Bleary-eyed, I arrived, only to realize I wasn’t even close to being his first meeting of the day — he had already powered through at least two others before me. The man was a machine. John became a founding director at Costco and served on the board for over 40 years. I can say, without a shred of hesitation, that our company would not be the same without him. His influence shaped our culture, our growth, and our ability to stay grounded in our core values. Jeff Brotman and I had a long-running joke about John — we called him Mr. Wolf after the character in “Pulp Fiction.” If you had a problem, whether it was a business crisis, a personal dilemma or even your kid struggling with math homework, John would somehow have the solution. He didn’t just fix things; he made them better. His generosity wasn’t just about writing checks — it was about showing up, giving his time, his wisdom, and his whole heart to help others. He was, in every sense, a problem-solver, a mentor, and a dear friend. And I can say with certainty — there will never be another John Meisenbach. |
