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John Alkire Obituary

JOHN DAVID ALKIRE

John David Alkire of Clovis, devoted husband and father went to be with the Lord on Saturday, May 1, 2004. Born on May 4, 1962, in Tracy, CA, he graduated from Tracy High School in 1980, and earned his Bachelor of Science degree in business from California State University, Fresno in 1985. John settled in the Fresno area after receiving his first teaching job at Weldon Elementary School in Clovis. He inspired many of his students and was a beloved colleague and friend to staff members at Weldon and throughout the district. Along with his teaching, John thoroughly enjoyed a second career in the mortgage industry at Greatland Mortgage of Fresno. While at Weldon, John met the love of his life Catherine, his future bride and mother of his four children Alexandra, Aaron John "A.J.", Brad, and Emily. His true passion and utmost devotion was to his faith in Jesus and to his family. John loved spending time with his wife and children. He was the number one fan at his children's activities and adored time spent with his wife. He was a baseball coach and avid sports fan. John was loyal to his St. Louis Cardinals and Oklahoma Sooners. He enjoyed a cross-country family vacation last summer that included a stop at Busch Stadium in St. Louis. John will be remembered for his vivacious personality that infected those around him. It was most common to leave with a smile on your face from an interaction with him. While he will be greatly missed by all who loved him, we take comfort in knowing he is in the presence of our Savior. We also take comfort in the smiles brought to our faces by even the simplest of memories of our husband, father, son, brother, and uncle. John is survived by his wife of 14 years Catherine; daughters Alexandra and Emily; sons, A.J. and Brad; parents, Victor Alkire, Sr. and Dixie Alkire; brother, Victor Alkire, Jr. and his wife Marie; sister, Janice Duncan and her husband John; in-laws, Lyman and Barbara Gunst; brothers and sisters-in-law, Nancy Gunst, Jodi and Darrel Dovali, and Laura and Todd Campbell; and numerous nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held at First Presbyterian Church on Tuesday, May 4, 2004, at 4:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, donations to the children's education will be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to The Alkire Children Education Fund, c/o 1st Presbyterian Church, 1540 'M' Street, Fresno, CA 93721. YOST & WEBB FUNERAL HOME1002 "T" St. 237-4147

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Published by Fresno Bee on May 4, 2004.

Memories and Condolences
for John Alkire

Not sure what to say?





PAUL MOE

September 23, 2025

Thanks, man. Thanks for '89.

Nancy Gunst

June 3, 2004

John, I miss you so much. You were one of the brothers I never had. You made Cathy so happy. We will all remember how greatly you loved her!!! I promise with all my heart that your children will always remember how much you loved their mother and them! I promise to do my best to help take care of Cathy {Catherine to you, but always Cathy to me} I have never felt so much pain in my life!! We all miss you so much. Please look out for me as I attempt to help take care of your beautiful family. I am so not worthy. I just cant stop crying I miss you so much. Love You So Much, Your Sis, Nancy

Eric Abdulla

May 22, 2004

Mr.Alkire was a great person with a big heart and a love for his job and his family. Alot of my best memories in school are in his class. He coached me in baseball and how to be a responsible person. One of my best memories of Mr.Alkire is him teaching us how to catch flyballs with a righthanded glove on his left hand. To me that was the strangest thing I have ever seen and still tell people about it to this day. I still remember the day he brought in the tape of the day he proposed to his wife,he was nervouse because it was supposed to be on the big screen and Mark McGuire was up and feared it wouldnt make the big screen. It made it and he was so happy.I still remember that day like it was yesterday him standing giving the class a play by play of the proposal with a red face, chapped lips and his signature perm(at the time).He was all about having fun and making learning fun. Mr.Alkire will always be in my heart and mind. God bless.

Serena Paredes

May 20, 2004

I graduated from Weldon in 1989 and Mr. Alkire was mine and my cousin Eric Abdulla's 5th grade teacher. He was my favorite! We also had a set of twins in the class, Cameron and Paige Franzman. So of course, between my cousin and I and then Cameron & Paige, there was always excitement and family fueding going on. GREAT TIMES! I have so many fond memories of his class. One of the other entries stated that he had nicknames for his students. Mine was "Serena The Great" and Eric's was "Eric Abnormal". It was so fun. After I graduated from Weldon I moved up to Eugene, Or. to finish out my schooling. I'm from Clovis, so whenever I'd go down to visit family I always went back to Weldon to see Mr. Alkire. That was something I always looked forward to doing. Our 5th grade class used to tease Mr. Alkire about his cologne. It was so strong. But it was always in fun. and I think he had a belt to match every outfit he had. On Friday's Mr. Alkire would bring in a huge jug of hot water and we were able to have hot chocolate. I remember before Mr. Alkire and Ms. Gunst started dating. He had the hugest crush on her. Next thing I knew, I came down to visit and they were married. I came down again and they had 4 kids. I was so happy for him.

My aunt works for Fresno Unified School district and told me about Mr. Alkire. I am in disbelief. Im so sorry for your loss. I'm going to miss him so much. He was such a great teacher and an inspiration to me. I WILL MISS YOU MR. ALKIRE.

Paul Booth

May 8, 2004

To the family of my childhood friend, John Alkire. I grew up with john in tracy, ca. Went to central school and senior elementary then tracy high with him. We played lots of ball together. I knew in my heart he would be a great man. I e-mailed with him on occasions. He is the last childhood friend that I could call friend. I wished that I would have kept in touch more often. I have something most important that everyone should have, GREAT MEMORIES. Thank you john.You now walk with our father. I will play some more ball with you when I come home also. John has not gone away, He has gone home. I wish a lot of things, I just pray that we all know jesus christ.Thanks for being my friend john. Paul Booth [email protected]

Robert Nowlin

May 7, 2004

To the family of Mr. Alkire:



I was shocked to hear from my father--one of Mr. Alkire's colleagues at Weldon Elementary--of Mr. Alkire's passing. Colleague to my father, and a school teacher to at least one of my sisters, the sorrow comes very close. While I graduated from the 6th grade at Weldon Elementary in 1993, his name and face are still fresh in my memory. And, after reading the other entries in this guest book I am reminded of the type of person he was. You (his family, friends and colleagues) have been in my prayers.



Grace and Peace,

Danny Teevens

May 6, 2004

Dear Alkire Family,

I worked with John my first year in the 4th grade at Weldon in 1988, or there-abouts. I was on internship and didn't have a clue about much...very wet behind the ears. Well, John took me under his wing and made me feel very welcome. He showed me how to use my time more efficiently and encouraged me when I was a wee bit stressed. He took the time when his time was slim. He served my needs without wanting anything from me. He exemplified a life with me and others that I believe Jesus will be so very proud to accept in heaven as a good and faithful servant. If ever I can be of assistance please call upon me. It's the least I could do. I wish comfort to each of you. D-

Sara Pitts (carla's daughter)

May 6, 2004

My heart goes out to your family, the last time I visited it was your parents wedding anniverery you sat and chatted with us for hours, you were a funny guy,we are all family and need to remember to stay close and stick together because we need eachother in times like this. My mom was a mean sitter ha ha god bless you all. sara witherbee

Stevie Alkire

May 6, 2004

Uncle John,

Thank you for being a great Uncle, friend, and buddy. Your passing will never make sense to us here on earth, but in the grand scheme of God's plan, it makes absoulue sense. You will always be in my heart. Love, stevie

Leslie Hansen

May 5, 2004

I am a former student of Mr. Alkire. He was my 3rd grade teacher the years of 1996-97. He will always be in my heart, and i love him so much. There was never a dull moment when he was around. He had nicknames for EVERYONE, and it was wonderful! One of mine was "More"lie, instead of Leslie, like more and less. He was my favorite teacher ever and I will never forget his fun-loving and energetic personality. He will be missed greatly by everyone that knew him. I love him so much. May God bless the Alkire family.

Laura Champ

May 5, 2004

To the family,

I am so sorry for your profound loss. John was such an inspiring teacher for our daughter and she has wonderful cherished memories of him. May the Lord comfort and guide you in your time of sorrow.

Tom Cabezut

May 5, 2004

Cathrine, I was shocked to hear of Johns passing. I remember his humor and kindness in Growing kids. I have no doubt he is in a better place. May peace fill your heart during these times. The Cabezut Family.

Jennette Armstrong

May 5, 2004

My son Clayton met Brad Alkire in Kindergarden. And that is how we have been blessed in meeting The Alkire Family. They have been an example to us on how to live. I will miss seeing John everyday when I pick up Clayton and his laughing voice as he always had something to say that made me smile. I'm a better person for knowing John. I will miss him. Catherine and Family you our in my prayers...

Susan Hagen

May 5, 2004

Cathy and children--

May the Lord bless and keep you,

May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you,

May the Lord lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. Num.6:22

Love, Susan and family

David & Meg Benda

May 4, 2004

John, my college roommate and friend, we had a lot of laughs and good times. I will always remember your kindness, your friendliness and our shared passion for the Sooners. Your life touched many.

Nina Gonzales

May 4, 2004

I was shocked to hear of the death of Mr. Alkire. I had the pleasure of being in his fourth grade class in 1996 at Weldon Elementary. He was such an amazing teacher and being in his class was so much fun. My heart goes out to his wife and children and I would like them to know that they will be in my prayers tonight.

Carla Pitts

May 4, 2004

John, your love for your family, your laughter, and your teasing always made for such a great family reunion. My heart goes out to your family at this time and I am sure they are surrounded by people who love them and loved you. So wherever you are, I still stand by the fact that I was not a mean baby sitter to you...Love your cousin Carla

diane ferguson

May 4, 2004

My grandaughter Taylor Dhillon loved Mr. Alkire,she says he was her Raider buddy at Weldon. Please accept my condolences on your loss, may God watch over your family and keep you safe and help you with your pain and loss.

Diane Ferguson (Taylor's Nana)

Richie Alkire

May 4, 2004

Uncle John, I love you so much. Thank you for the selfless example you gave me. You always made time for me. I will forever use your example as a father and family man. Your light will always shine bright in our family. You have left quite a legacy.

Lynda Thomassen

May 4, 2004

Cathy, My prayers are with you, the kids and your family. I'm so sorry for your loss and grateful I had the chance to meet John at the reunion.

CRISTINA GARCIA

May 4, 2004

JOHN YOU WILL BE MISSED VERY MUCH. I'LL ALWAYS HAVE IN MY MEMORY WOULD YOU COME IN TO THE OFFICE AND ALWAYS TELL ME "HEY GIRL, WHAT'S GOING ON?" THANK YOU FOR ALL THOSE LAUGHS.

Pamela Adams Johnson

May 4, 2004

We are so very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Alkire. Mr. Alkire has been a wonderful influence in the lives of Corbin and Shelby Adams (students at Weldon). Shelby loves being in Mr. Alkire's class and will miss him dearly. God be with you during your time of loss.

Larry Alkire

May 4, 2004

John, your humor and passion for life will be greatly missed. The many great times we had together will live forever in my heart. May God bless you and watch over your family. Love,your cousin Larry

Paul, Sherri & Christopher Duvivier

May 4, 2004

John you will be greatly missed. Thank you for starting my families day with your warm smile and a "Good Morning". You always made my family feel happy and welcome coming to school. You have touched our family. God Bless You

Chester Goodale

May 4, 2004

John,

You are an inspiration to me. Thanks for modeling for me what a great dad looks like-- through your humility, devotion, humor, and faith. I miss you already.

Vic Alkire

May 3, 2004

You were always an inspiration to me and you always made me laugh. I will miss my little brother dearly.

Marie Alkire

May 3, 2004

Thank you John for your many hours of laughter and love. You will be greatly missed by all. Love Marie

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