John G Zarkis

John G. Zarkis

September 1, 1939 ~ May 1, 2016

John Zarkis, age 76, of Montrose a loving husband, father and grandfather died Sunday, May 1 at St. Mary’s Hospital in Grand Junction.

John Zarkis, the son of George Zarkis and Esther Howlett was born September 1, 1939 in Price, Utah where he was raised and received his education graduating from Carbon Community College in 1959. He served as a LDS Missionary in the Eastern States for 2 years. John was so Blessed to have had a second Mom and Dad in Price. The parents and sister Linda, of his childhood friend Jerry Downard welcomed John into their home and their life. It was through their love of God and Christianity that John became a member of the LDS Church.

In 1967 John moved to Silverton Colorado and worked for Dixilyn Mining Company. He was united in marriage on September 28, 1968 to Gail Young. To this union was born three children, John Paul, Jamie, and Becky. The family lived in Silverton until 1991 when the closing of the Standard Metals Mine forced them to move to Montrose. The “Zarkis Family” loved their life in Silverton, recalling many special events and friendships. John and Gail especially loved going dancing on the weekends with friends.  John enjoyed fishing, hunting and the beauty of the mountains. John appreciated the beauty of woodworking. He spent countless hours sanding, and polishing wood to bring out the beauty of all the projects he worked on.

John also loved his heritage, he just loved being a Greek. He passed that pride onto this children and grandchildren. His oldest granddaughter wants “A Big Fat Greek Wedding.” John enjoyed people and visiting with people. A relative said “When you were hugged by John, you felt loved.”

John is survived by wife Gail of 47 years, sons John Paul (Debby), Jamie (Rhonda), daughter Becky (Paul Scriffiny). Seven grandchildren Garrett, Jarrod, Anna, Nic, Amy, Mae, and Sophia all of Montrose. Sister, Connie Lyon of Prescott Valley, Arizona and many special nephews and nieces. His very special “brother” Jerry Downard (Vonda) and sister Linda Dent (Ralph), and numerous friends.

John is preceded in death by his parents George Zarkis and Esther Olsen and brother-in-law, Bill Lyon.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are asked to be made to the Silverton Hillside Cemetery PO Box 154 Silverton, CO 81433. A Funeral Service will be held Saturday, May 7, 2016 at 4:00pm at the Church of Jesus Christ Of Latter Day Saints, located on the corner of Stratford and Hillcrest. Interment will follow at Grand View Cemetery west of Montrose. Condolences may be made to the family at www.crippinfuneralhome.com.  Crippin Funeral Home & Crematory in Montrose is assisting the family.