John Bolchunos

John Bolchunos †œBreathe deeply of the fresh, clean air,†� John Bolchunos said. He urged family and friends to fully appreciate every day. He died March 28 after an illness. He was 84. A master carpenter, he built homes and contributed fine work to buildings throughout the Denver area. He was born to Jacob and Patronele Bolchunos Sept. 10, 1926 in Kenosha, Wis., and spent his childhood in Sioux City, Iowa, where as a young man he built the family home and excelled in track and football. His craftsmanship included construction of a magnificent Penguin Class sailboat. He enjoyed participating in regattas across Colorado with friends and family. Beloved for his integrity and his sense of humor, he delighted in picnics near waterfalls and aspen groves in the Rocky Mountains. He took pleasure in golf and playing the harmonica, and in later years engaged in new pursuits including tap dancing. His appreciation for beauty and precision extended to visual art when he created outstanding pencil and pastel portraits. He is survived by his loving wife, Marilyn; daughters Valerie and Julie, sons Thomas and Brad, and granddaughters Tianna and Holly. He was preceded in death by siblings Helen, Maggie and Tony. A memorial service including tributes from family and friends was held Thursday, March 31, at Aspen Mortuary in Arvada, followed by burial at Arvada Cemetery with an honor guard ceremony for his World War II service as a midshipman in the Merchant Marine. His family and friends will miss him and hope to follow his advice to live their lives to the utmost. Birth: Sep 10, 1926, Kenosha, WI. Death: Mar 28, 2011, Wheat Ridge, CO.