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Harry Klekas Obituary
1933 ~ 2011
Passed away peacefully on November 29, 2011. Harry was born February 22, 1933 in Magna, Utah to John L. and Wilma Mageras Klekas, Greek immigrants. He graduated from Cyprus High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball and was a member of Magna Drum and Bugle Corps National Championship Team in 1947. Graduated from Westminster College where he played varsity football, basketball and baseball. Harry was sports editor of the school paper and yearbook. Played bass, fiddle and sang with bands. Harry also received a bachelors degree from Weber State in police science.
U.S. Army Korean War Veteran. H-20 Field first sergeant. B-51. 374 M.P. Company.
Harry was an actor, starring on stage, screen and television. He appeared in 32 films, with Jane Wyman, Jack Webb, Forrest Trucker, James Craig, McDonald Carey, Gloria Swanson, Buddy Rodgers, Edmond O'Brian, Dick Powell, Preston Foster, William Bendix, Cesear Romero, David Jansen, James Coburn. Harry Studied acting with Lee Strasberg. He sang in nightclubs in Salt Lake City, Los Angeles and New York City and wrote numerous screen plays.
Harry served as a Salt Lake County Deputy Sherriff for 20 years.
Harry was preceded in death by his father John, mother Wilma, Sister Irene, Brothers Louis, Mark, Frank, Gus and nephew John John Greenberg.
Harry was survived by brothers, Nick, Bill, daughter Laura Medlin (Latney), grandchildren John Robert and Rachel Clarke as well as many nieces and nephews.
Known by many as "Uncle Harry"; he was infamous for his late night phone calls to family and friends. Often wearing one of his robes and with a cigarette in his mouth, Harry could captivate any audience with his stories. Harry was a fighter, having lived through war, heart attacks, strokes, Parkinson's, diabetes and injury. He never gave up on his dreams. He will be missed.
A private family gathering was held. The family would like to acknowledge Father Elias Koucos, who visited with Harry so often as a priest and as a friend. The family would also like to acknowledge the exceptional care and assistance given to Harry these last 11 months by Court Klekas II.
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Memories and Condolences
for Harry Klekas
julie mamales
December 15, 2011
I am so sorry for your loss, I have fond memories of Harry ..always a smile on his face and joking and his stories... dad and I would go visit and sit for hours listening and eating ... my heart goes out to you ..Julie Mamales
Laura Medlin
December 13, 2011
Dad, i miss you so much. i was so glad to be able to say goodbye before you went home to all your loved ones there. Some of the most important lessons i have learned from you. you will always be in my heart. i love you very much and look forward to seeing you again someday. Love, Laura
LaVonne Nadeau
December 12, 2011
Dear Klekas family,
I am saddened to see that Harry has passed. Harry was the bailiff for Judge Uno when I was his court clerk. I worked several years with Harry and we had many laughs and cries together.
I am glad I got to know him and about his life. He had a Hollywood career that a lot of us could only dream about. I loved the pictures he would bring in and the stories he would tell.
I chuckled over the arguments he would have with his mother over the phone in Greek. I couldn't tell if he would win the argument, but I did know that he loved his mother with all his heart. That told me what kind of a person he was down deep.
Just like Bob Lewis, Harry introduced me to the Greek Festival and I used to go every year until I moved away.
Harry you were indeed one of a kind and I'm sure your stories are being enjoyed right now by those who passed on before you. I am glad that you are able to reunite with your loved ones that you have missed, including your mother.
We will miss you here, but will always have the fond memories. Thank you Harry for being you always!
Warmly with affection,
LaVonne S. Nadeau
John Salevurakis
December 12, 2011
I used to love conversing with Mr. Klekas and sharing a drink while cool jazz played in the background. I fondly recall his stories and will always remember the good times I spent with him. May his memory be eternal.
December 12, 2011
Anybody who worked at the Salt Lake County Government Center on 2100 South State Street in Salt Lake City in the 1980's knew Harry. He was nice to everyone and good of example of how just smiling to others and being nice to others can make the day more pleasant. My sympathies to the family for your loss. Sincerely, a former employee of Salt Lake County
December 11, 2011
Harry I remember you and all of your great family. You were a seeker! You lived an extraordinary life and I always enjoyed our brief exchanges when our paths crossed. God Speed to the next adventure.
Nick Mihalopoulos, another friend from Magna
Rachel Clarke
December 11, 2011
Grandpa was a great man. He will be dearly missed by me his grand daughter. Lots of love Grandpa
Bob Lewis
December 11, 2011
I will miss Harry always. I have thought of him often in the past years wishing I knew how he was. He was my Baliff when I was the Court Reporter for Judge Baldwin and Judge Uno. He took me to my first "Greek Festival" and I've gone every year since then. I have great memories of all the stories and times in the District Court in the old Metropolitan Hall of Justice. Rest in peace, my Friend...Bob Lewis
December 11, 2011
Harry, it gets very scary when one of your all time close buddies leaves. We had great times together...You even volunteered for the Army when I was drafted, probably never forgive me for that one. The memories are flowing in as I type. I'm sorry it's been so long since I've been back to the old homestead to spend some time with you. Our football team is breaking up...save a wide receiver spot for me up there. "Dimitrious" Jim Zogg
James (Gizzy) Platt
December 11, 2011
And another old friend of law enforcement days bites the dust...Harry was one of the most interesting and caring person I ever met. Even with illnesses, Harry was the most happy, most willing to share, and most pleased to have been able to live an interesting life...I thank his memory for having shared part of it with me...RIP friend...
marie Russo
December 11, 2011
so sad to here of Harrys passing knew him many years what a delight he was as a person and friend to my husband and I, he will be missed by many. Marie Russo
December 11, 2011
HARRY YOU GAVE ME MANY MEMORIES IN SCHOOL AND WITH THE JAC CARSY BAND. YOUR STORIES AND ADVENTURES WERE ALWAYS FUN TO LISTEN TO. YOU WILL BE MISSED HARRY.
A LONG TIME FRIEND AND SCHOOL MATE.
PHILIP DEBS
December 11, 2011
good by old friend all tho i havent seen you since my old magna days, you were always a great friend.
gregg asbury
las vegas
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