John "Spiderman" Wardwell

John “Spiderman” Wardwell

John Lloyd Wardwell was born April 30, 1960 in Nyssa, Oregon. Developmentally disabled, John spent his younger years growing up in Parma, Idaho. John was a happy child, loved and cared for by his family, his teachers, Doctor Jim Mann, as well as half the town of Parma.  He attended school in Parma, until 1974, when John moved with his parents to Hamilton, Montana, where he was taught in Special Ed by Linda Firebaugh at Hamilton High School. 

John’s needs played a large part in the founding of Ravalli Services Corporation, which was formed by three parents of developmentally disabled children: Glorian (Boyd) Ainsworth, Art Howard and Wayne Wardwell.

Next John was cared for at Opportunity Resources in Missoula by Jack Chambers and his great group of workers.  After spending some time at Boulder River School, John attended Spring Meadows Resources in Helena. Then in 2013 due to severe medical concerns, he was brought back to Hamilton to reside at Discovery Care Centre so he could be near his parents at Sapphire Lutheran Homes.  At Discovery, Rick Bucheit and his great staff provided him with loving, professional care.

John loved all things “Spiderman” and soon the nickname was bestowed upon him by the staff at Discovery.   His sister Kathy visited often, and continuously added to his collection of “Spiderman” memorabilia. John died there at Discovery on October 7th surrounded by a very loving staff.

John is survived by his father, Rev. Wayne Wardwell in Hamilton, his brother Kim Wardwell in Boise, Idaho, and his sister Kathryn Slinker in Pullman, Washington, two nieces and two nephews, and by Sydney, the dog who loved him.  He was preceded in death by his mother Naomi Wardwell.

Memorial services will be held at the Hamilton Presbyterian Church on Oct. 31 at 2:00 p.m. with Rev. Janet Malone officiating.  Memorial gifts may be made to Ravalli Services Corporation in Hamilton, Opportunity Resources in Missoula, or Spring Meadow Resources in Helena.