He was a joy to all who knew him whether he was excelling as a track and field star during his high school years or moving up the corporate ladder as the vice president of a Denver geophysical company and later managing the cable telephone division of Waitsfield Telecom. He was a friend to everyone and he never met a stranger he could not become friends with. John had a big heart where his family and friends were concerned.
John was a German automobile enthusiast, favoring Volkswagens, Audis and BMWs. He also loved Houston sports teams such as the Astros and Rockets, forever going back to his roots. He loved listening to old time music from the 1960s and 1970s, with one of his favorite bands being Led Zeppelin.
John and Susan Haskin, his wife of 23 years who preceded him in death in 2003, believed in large families and over the years of their marriage adopted four children whom they loved and adored: Samantha, Michael, Shannon and Bridget, all living in Vermont, who mourn deeply the passing of their father. The family was close knit as they traveled often, seeing the sights across America or visiting their family in Houston.
John is also survived by his mother, Billye, and his brother, Paul, both of Houston. His father, Fulton, preceded him in death two years ago.
Memorial services will be held from the Warren United Church on Thursday, March 20, at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church dining room. The family requests that flowers be omitted; rather memorial gifts would be appreciated to the American Liver Foundation, 75 Maiden Lane, Suite 603, New York, NY 10038-4810 (www.liverfoundation.org). To send online condolences, please visit www.perkinsparker.com. Assisting the family is the Perkins-Parker Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Waterbury.
