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John Kite Obituary
John was born on April 12, 1938, in Auburn, Nebraska. Raised on the family farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a love for the outdoors. His family later moved to Fort Collins, Colorado, in 1951, where John graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1956.
He attended Colorado State University from which he earned a bachelor's degree in music education. In the summers, he worked at the Boy Scout ranch at Red Feather Lakes, after which, John served in the United States Air Force where he learned to love both flight and travel.
John was a true adventurer at heart. He explored Central America and Europe, eager to learn and experience new cultures.
His teaching career began in Wray, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Riechers, while teaching her children. They married in 1970 and moved to Oakley, Kansas, where their son, Brian, was born in 1971. The family relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1972, making it their home for the next 52 years.
John was a founding member of the Grand Junction Centennial Band, where he shared his musical talents from 1982 until 2023. He taught clarinet, as well, for many years. His contributions to the community extended beyond his musical endeavors, including a fulfilling career as an instrument repair technician at Roper Music from 1987 until his retirement in 2014.
John's legacy is one of dedication, passion, and service. He touched many lives through his music, his teaching, his commitment to his family and community, and his annual holiday offering of peanut brittle. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernice, his brothers, Lawrence and Milton, and his wife of 53 years, Nancy. He is survived by his children Bill (Shirley) Middaugh, Steve (Jeanette) Middaugh, Jeannie (Matt) Smith, and Brian (Rachel) Kite, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit and influence will endure.
A celebration of John's life will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Church South Chapel on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a 1:00pm ceremony at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for John Kite
2 Entries
Merlin Zimmet
August 3, 2024
John was an icon in our music community, not only as a musician od the clarinet, but instrument repair. Rest easy Mr. kite!
Seth Strickland
July 31, 2024
I was fortunate to apprentice under Mr. Kite, learning Band Instrument Repair at Roper Music. He was one of the greatest teachers I've had and I'm proud to call John Kite a friend. I'll miss your kindness, humor and bits of wisdom. Whenever I hear classical music I'll think of all those years we worked in the basement listening to Colorado Public Radio. Thank you for all the life advise and knowledge. Thanks you for listening... I wouldn't be who i am today without John's mentoring. Mr. Kite was the best!
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