John P. Kristovich

1966 - 2016

John Patrick Kristovich, "Binky," was born on Dec. 26, 1966, in Bethel, Alaska, at the old Public Health Service Hospital. He retired to heaven on Sept. 28, 2016. Binky was the sixth child of Bea and Bill Kristovich, and grew up living in Bethel and traveling between Bethel and Napaimute with his siblings. In 1985, Binky graduated from Bethel Regional High School after spending years participating in sports. Upon his completion of high school, Binky joined the Air Force, received a medical discharge and served in the Air Force Reserve until 1996, where he later returned back to Bethel and began his 30-year journey as an employee of the Lower Kuskokwim School District. After much dedication and hard work, Binky retired from LKSD on June 30, 2016, then headed for a new adventure living in Mazatlan, Mexico—a place and culture near and dear to his heart. Along with his love for gardening and cooking, Binky enjoyed spending time in Napaimute and moose hunting with his family; the antlers of his first moose still hang above the smokehouse used by our family every fishing season. Binky is survived by his mother, Bea Kristovich; his father, Bill Kristovich (Sharon); brothers, Bobby, Brook, Nick, David and Matt; and his sisters, Marcie Sherer (Bob), Shelly Leary (Mark) and Devron Hellings (Michael). He leaves behind his nieces, Melissa, Mackenzie, Megan, Audrey, Kaitlin, Katrina and Brianna; nephews, Caleb, Sydny, Connor and Ben; great-nephews, Jeffery, Jack, Finnick and Mason; and many close friends and relatives. Happy Retirement in Heaven, Binky! "Be happy. You never know how much time you have left."