Arvids “John” Kokaritis passed away suddenly at his home in Vulcan, Alberta March 3, 2007 at the age of 64 years.
John was born December 16, 1942 at Daugaupils, Latvia to Joseph and Janina Kokaritis. The family moved to England in 1945, to Montreal in 1957 and then to Calgary. John purchased a ranch near Strathmore that was sold at the divorce of his first wife Joy. He began working with Reynolds Company in Montreal operating a particular binding machine of which there where only three in Canada. The company was sold to Quebec Core, who John continued to work for until returning to Calgary. Teldon & Company hired him to work the binding machine in Richmond, B.C. where he met Joy Merke. John continued to work with Teldon until 2000 when he was diagnosed with cancer and retired from work. John and Joy moved to Vulcan in 2005 where he has resided since.
John taught himself how to operate the computer and he enjoyed many hours on it. He loved to garden mostly vegetables and was a avid NFL fan. John was a hard worker and called Vulcan home.
Loving companion and best friend of his wife Joy Merke, father of a daughter Angel (Gavin) Willimont of High River, a son Peter (Teri) of Calgary, four grandchildren from his first marriage and two step-daughters Lisa (Stuart) Duncan of Richmond, B.C., Shelley (Sheldon) Jackson of Grande Prairie, a step-son Christopher Merke of Salmon Arm, six grandchildren from his second marriage and his mother Janina Kokaritis of Vulcan.
He was predeceased by his father Joseph “John” in 2005.
A gathering of family and friends will be held Friday March 9, 2007 at 2:00 pm at the Vulcan Hotel with nourishment and refreshments and a time of sharing.
Cremation with inurement in Vulcan Cemetery at a later date.
Tributes in John’s memory can be made to either Long Term Care, Vulcan Community Health Centre, Box 299, Vulcan T0L 2B0 or Alberta Cancer Foundation, 1331-29 Street, Calgary T1M 4N2.
Arrangements in care of Vulcan Funeral Home. Directors. Telephone 1-403-485-2633. E-mail condolences to vulcanfuneralhome@hotmail.com.