May God bless you and your...
A haiku for John:
His star shined so bright
His laugh he loved everyone
He is with us still
- Gordy
Gordy Campbell
September 21, 2014 | Palo Alto, CA
Pea Ridge, Arkansas
Nov 12, 1957 – Sep 2, 2014
John Conklin passed away on September 2, 2014. To many he was known simply as John, to his nieces and nephews he was Uncle Cracker, to his Mom he was Jack, to party goers and karaoke lovers he was Johnny Dollar, to his boys he was Dad, and to his wife he was Honey.
John packed far more than a lifetime of love and fun into his 56 short years. His magnetic personality and contagious smile brought life to every room. He lived to bring happiness and delight to others, while simultaneously extracting the best from those around him. Whether he was dressing up as a rock star and leading a room in song or creating games on the fly that would make you laugh until it hurt, it was impossible to have a dull moment with John.
John's presence was so remarkable that lifelong friends and strangers alike couldn't help but light up when he spoke. This was no more evident than when he was with his family. He spoiled his boys with love and was infinitely proud of their smallest victories. He would convince waitresses and flight attendants that they were rock stars on tour – and he may have actually believed it himself. There was no problem John couldn't solve and, in his eyes, no height his boys couldn't rise to (or amount of food they couldn't eat).
John's love for his wife Sandy was unrivaled by anything else in the world. He took immense pleasure in surprising her with grand gestures of love and kindness. Beyond the important expectations of every man on birthdays and anniversaries, John was an extraordinary husband each day. The small kisses, special meals, and long hugs were aspects of being a husband to which he devoted great attention and pride.
John was an entertainer, a craftsman, a rock star, a chef, a role model, a brother, a son, a father, a husband and so much more. It is all but impossible to think back on his life without smiling at the way he lived it.
A remembrance of his life will be held at a later date. Arrangements are by Sisco Funeral Home in Pea Ridge.
A haiku for John:
His star shined so bright
His laugh he loved everyone
He is with us still
- Gordy
Gordy Campbell
September 21, 2014 | Palo Alto, CA
When John married our daughter, Sandy, 30 years ago he became an important part of our family. He was our go to guy: any request large or small was answered with "consider it done." He was the chef that I handed off the prep for every holiday.. He brought such joy and an extra dash of fun to every visit. He always placed my bets on the Kentucky Derby- for this year's race he said "let's forget the bet and buy the horse!" He always made us laugh. His interest in what everyone was doing...
Gordon and Joan Campbell
September 21, 2014 | Palo Alto,, CA
John hired me at Sara Lee, and mentored me throughout my career. Although I did not see him as much in recent years, the lessons he taught me (having fun, realizing what is really important in life, the power of a great tune) will always be with me. He was truly a great man, and a great friend....he will be missed by all. My thoughts are with his family right now. My very greatest condolences to you.
Rod Steele
September 17, 2014 | Las Cruces, NM
John was the first person that I met when I showed up at Michigan State University, and we ended up becoming lifelong friends.
I know that I am a much better person for having known John.
Sandy, Larry, Sally, Ed, and the rest of the Conklin Klan, my heartfelt condolences go out to you all.
Vern Wrobleski
September 15, 2014 | Corvallis, OR
We have so many warm memories of times with John. Among the funniest were our softball days with the "Caltron Classics." Our hearts to all of you. He was one of kind and we'll all miss him.
Paula & Mike Tye
September 15, 2014 | San Ramon, CA
To John's family, I am so very sorry for your loss. I knew John in college and it has been many years since we were in touch. However, I am not surprised to hear that the man (boy?) I knew way back when became an amazing husband, father and friend. I regret that I was not around to see that for it is apparent that he would have enriched my life in so many ways. To those he has left behind I wish you peace and comfort.
Amy Peters
September 15, 2014 | Monrovia, MD
John always brought out the best in people. He cheered us up with laughs and his one-of-a-kind sense of humor. He was dedicated to being a fantastic host and we all have life-long memories of hanging out with John and Sandy at the lake. He took pride in getting each of us up on the wake board (and shaking us off the inner-tube) no matter how long it took. We will miss dinner table conversations where he shared his wisdom and inspired us with his uplifting philosophy of life. Hazel will miss...
Tish, James, Hannah, Stella, Campbell Robson
September 14, 2014 | Hingham, MA
John was a wonderful neighbor and dock partner at the lake. We will miss him.
Our sympathy and prayers go out to Sandy and the Conklin family.
Jane and Jim Waller
September 10, 2014 | Lakeland, FL
John
RIP you will be missed by all
Mike Brown
September 10, 2014 | Leawood, KS