John B. Nikas
1924 ~ 2014
John Bill Nikas, beloved father, grandfather (Papou), great grandfather (Pro Papou), uncle and loyal friend fell asleep in the Lord on June 2, 2014.
Born November 18, 1924, to Greek immigrants Mary Tsouvalakis and William Stavros Nikas in Price, Utah.
John served in the United States Navy World War II on the USS Salt Lake City. After returning home, he met and married Pauline Mortensen in Elko, Nevada on January 20, 1949.
After achieved his Certified Life Underwriter's certification John was appointed the General Agent for Utah and Nevada for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. John and Pauline moved their family to Salt Lake City in 1967 where he continued his career for over 37 years.
John and Pauline loved to travel, they were avid supporters of the Utah Opera and Utah Symphony, University of Utah football and basketball. Dad loved singing, playing the piano, tennis and golf. He was on the course every morning with his pals from the Cottonwood Club. But the greatest love of John's life was his family. Whenever we needed his advice, his special love, his guidance, he always had time for family. John made lasting memories with everyone who knew him, his wisdom and compassion were among his greatest assets. John was a Master Mason at the Carbon Lodge #16 in Price, Utah for 48 years.
John served his church for many years with his beautiful voice, as a choir director and a chanter in Price. He fulfilled the request of countless Orthodox parishioners chanting at funerals, weddings and baptisms. He enjoyed all of the musical events and loved singing "Happy Birthday" to his friends and fellow residents at Sunrise.
John is survived by his daughters Stephanie N. Chachas and Jannette (Kent) Knowley, sons John Nikas, Jr and Chrys L. Nikas. Grandchildren Mikela Chachas and Nicholas (Shantel) Chachas, great-grandchildren Kennedy, Myles, Basil and Klover, step great-grandchildren Kaiden and Bracken all of Salt Lake City, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, step-fataher Louis Berbis, wife Pauline and son Thomas, brothers Tony, Steve, Nick and George and sister Nikki N. Senor.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sunrise of Sandy, for the loving care they gave dad, caregiver Yolanda Cama and Jolene and Lisa from Solstice.
Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 11:00 am, at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 South Highland Drive. Trisagion service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Prophet Elias Church at 7:00 pm where friends may call from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm.
Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association.
MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Salt Lake Tribune from Jun. 3 to Jun. 5, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Nikas

Sponsored by Wasatch Lawn Memorial Park and Mortuary.

17 Entries

June 7, 2014

Many times you were like a second father to me. I remember when you and my dad, Dick Deverall played tennis together at the cottonwood club. Your three sons, John, Chrys and Tom were very fine sons and very good friends of mine. Also, very fond of Jeanette. Rest in peace. Say hello to my dad. Love, Bill Deverall

Kathy Bezyack

June 6, 2014

Sorry for your fathers passing. We are never ready for this to happen. My prayers are with you. John was always well dressed and always smelled nice. Even while walking those 2 little dogs. Enjoyed him passing my home and casual talking. Or a wave if he was going to the Club for Tennis. Wonderful man that was well respected. Always happy with a story to tell. He will be greatly missed.

Leo and Ludmila Davis

June 6, 2014

Dear Stephanie and entire family,
Very sorry about your loss.
May the loving memories of his bright life give you comfort and help to go through this difficult time.
May his memory be eternal!

Mary Kontgis

June 5, 2014

Dear Stephanie,Janette and families, I am so sorry to hear of your Dad's passing. Sending hugs your way. May his memory be eternal. xo

Deb Lewis

June 4, 2014

Kent, Janette and entire Nikas family,
Take comfort in knowing that you now have a special guardian to watch over you. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Dody

June 4, 2014

Jannette and Steph..thinking of you constantly. I'm so happy I got to know your dad, even if only for a short time. What a Sweetheart! Stay strong. Love you.

June 4, 2014

Dear Nikas Family,
I am so grateful to have known your father. He was a very good man with a kind heart. How wonderful to have the knowledge that he is reunited with his dear Pauline. May your souls be comforted at this tender time. My thoughts are with all of you.
Peggy (Perkins) Silva

Mike & Bo Dmitrich

June 3, 2014

The family of John, sorry of then passing of John a friend and great person. May our prayers and condolences be with you.

June 3, 2014

May his memory be eternal. Love you Steph and family. God Bless you all, Bonnie and Keeko

Rayne Carr Jensen

June 3, 2014

Nikas Family:
I hope you know how many lives John touched. His many walks of life, gave him the chance to change many, mine included.
May his memory always be eternal

Nick Marvidakis

June 3, 2014

To The Nikas Family: Our Hearts go out to you at this sad time. Your Father was a good friend of mine many years ago ,Here in Price . What a wonderful Man he was , always stop to chat...May he now Rest in Peace. Aionia Aftou l Mnini ~ May His Memory Be Eternal. Nick Marvidakis & Family

M Radivoyevich

June 3, 2014

Memory Eternal.

June 3, 2014

Nikas Family, we are sorry to hear of the passing of this great man. May fond memories help bring you peace as you mourn. Memory Eternal. With our love and support, Mike and Michelle Radivoyevich

June 3, 2014

We are sorry for your loss. He was a great neighbor and friend. We will always remember John and Pauline.

Judy Jacobson, Donna Taylor & Traci Kesler

June 3, 2014

My thoughts and payers to the Nikas family. This man was the most tolerant, patient, obedient, loving and proper man EVER! A great reunion happened yesterday in heaven...puts a smile on your face. Thanks for being who you were, John. You will be truly missed.
Peay and Kelly Meier (Mitch and Measha, too)

June 3, 2014

Hi Jannette, sorry to hear about John. hope every thing is ok with you & Kent. have a happy life. Ken Lott

June 3, 2014

Stephanie, Jannette, John, Jr. And Chrys, I am so sorry for your loss. I have so many wonderful memories of John and John Hancock. Your dad was a wonderful, bright, and very talented man. I can still hear him singing "Martha, Martha" an old time favorite song of his in his beautiful voice. God bless you all.
Martha Neerings

Showing 1 - 17 of 17 results