Obituary of John Wathne

John Wathne was born in Bergen, Norway to Johan and Marit Wathne. At the early age of 15 John joined the Merchant Marines.  After sailing much of the world he returned to study the hotel and restaurant business.  He first interned at the historic Atlantic Hotel Stavanger in Norway. Soon afterwards he was selected to advance his skills at the Hotel Westminster in the heart of Paris (and, John would note, “on the Rue de la Paix”).  It wasn’t long until John was encouraged to move to Texas and in 1961 he moved to Dallas to continue his love of serving the elite.  He served as Maitre D’ and manager at the Ports O’Call, Chaparral Club, Statler Hilton, Dallas Athletic Club, and La Tunisia restaurant.  He then joined Ebby Halliday for 34 years.  As a very successful realtor he was known as the “Man of Bluffview.” Being a close friend of Ebby, she made him the historian of her “Little White House” office. 

Anyone that knew John remembers him as a very kind and caring person - witty, humorous and fond of teasing others.  John loved his family, friends and associates.  He loved his dogs and long walks in the neighborhood. Even during the past few years, he knew every dog in the neighborhood and relished touching them and getting right in their face and saying, “good doggie, yes you are, yes you are!” The dogs always loved him back. 

John is survived by one brother, Einar, and a sister-in-law, Unni; many nieces and nephews, including Marie and Christian, children of his brother, Svein; Katherine, Jens, and Jorgen, children of Einar and Unni; Marit and Trygve, children of his sister, Kari.

Jens and Jorgen have traveled to Dallas to assist with returning John to his homeland.  John always remained a citizen of Norway.

The family would like to thank the staff and caretakers at Medical City Green Oaks, Silverado Memory Care Valley Ranch, Medical City Las Colinas, and the T. Boone Pickens Hospice Center. These talented professionals brought comfort and peace to him during his final days.