John Stingl was many things to many people.

A skillful and respected leader, the Auburn man was a visionary, passionate about his work in the field of technology. He was a great mentor to many co-workers.

Away from his office, Stingl enjoyed hiking, golfing and traveling. He looked forward to joining his buddy for long excursions on his Goldwing motorcycle.

His laughter was infectious, his practical jokes legendary. Throughout his adventurous and productive life, he touched many people, leaving an immeasurable imprint.

“He had a Type-A personality,” Pam Stingl said of her husband of 33 years. Together, they raised a son and daughter. “He loved his family.”

Given someone so gifted and so full of energy, it is even more difficult to realize that he is gone.

John Stingl was diagnosed in June 2007 with gliobastoma muliforme, a common and aggressive type of brain cancer. Despite surgery, treatment and a swift recovery, the tumor returned and he fell ill again. Ultimately, he would lose his courageous battle to cancer nearly a year later. He was 55.

Pam Stingl left her job to care for her husband.

“It’s a very horrible disease to go through because there hasn’t been much research on it,” she said. “It’s so deadly when it happens.

“They’ve definitely come a long way with the research,” she added. “They’ve made strides, but they have further to go.”

To honor her late husband and to push for a cure, Stingl will join family and friends at the third annual Seattle Brain Cancer Walk on Saturday morning at Seattle Center’s Mural Amphitheatre. The 9 a.m. walk, hosted by the Accelerate Brain Cancer Cure, is intended to build awareness and advance the search for a cure.

Founded in 2008 by a group of committed volunteers and families, the Seattle Brain Cancer Walk has raised more than $400,000 for research, clinical trials and comprehensive care for brain cancer patients in the Pacific Northwest.

Team Stingl, as it has done in the first two walks, will be there in full force – 26 in all – to walk the walk and raise money through donations while supporting others gripped by the disease. Among those who are expected to make the walk will be Pam Stingl’s stroller-bound 10-month-old granddaughter, Kyla.

The walk is growing. Held the first two years on Mercer Island, it has more than tripled in size. Organizers are experiencing record numbers for the walk this weekend, with nearly $300,000 raised and more than 1,110 participants expected.

In the spirit of community support and in an effort to fund the most promising research and treatments possible, proceeds from the walk will benefit organizations focusing on brain cancer research and patient care in the Pacific Northwest, including the Ben and Catherine Ivy Center for Advanced Brain Tumor Treatment at the Swedish Neuroscience Institute.

Through groundbreaking research and integrative patient care, organizations in this region are working together for a cure. The progress brings hope to families, friends, and the 22,000 Americans – 1,200 in the Pacific Northwest – who are diagnosed with a malignant tumor each year.

Stingl hopes one day there will be a cure, so other families don’t have to experience the painful ordeal of losing a loved one.

“The walk means a lot to me,” Stingl said. “The first year was difficult for me, and it’s still tough. But it becomes easier when I realize why I’m there.”

Since losing her husband, Pam Stingl has begun a new chapter in her life. She lost 50 pounds through a diet and exercise program courtesy of Vision Quest’s “Biggest Loser” contest. She has decided to move on, better herself and help those around her. Family and friends have been there for her. She wants to be there for them.

“I want to be a part of my granddaughter’s life,” she said with a smile.

And to continue to walk in memory of a good man.

“You didn’t realize when this happened just how many lives he touched,” she said.

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To learn more about Saturday’s benefit walk, please visit www.braincancerwalk.org.