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John Sanburn Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for John Sanburn
Karen Perkins
September 7, 2020
John’s kindness and sweet nature will always be remembered! Words do not exist to express our shock and sorrow for your loss. Your family will be in our prayers.
Shelly Christensen -Mercer
August 28, 2020
John was the nicest person. I had the pleasure of working with him at Dillon's back in 1980, John and I shared a Birthday and actually born on the same date and year. Kathy, Jeff & John took me snow skiing for a week. As the week was going on I said my knees hurt. Kathy laughed, you are wearing your boots on the wrong feet. I am sad I did not keep in contact with your family. Memories never forgotten. Your family is precious! I am so sorry for the great loss to your family! My heartfelt prayers for you all!
Karol McGinness
August 26, 2020
Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Kayley Campfield
August 26, 2020
My second week on the job at Berry Companies, I had the pleasure of traveling with John and Gene Bosken for the week to shadow them on their "store reviews" and learn a little more about the business I was getting into. John made me feel so welcome and comfortable as a brand new employee while teaching me every chance he could. Witnessing the friendly banter between John and Gene had me laughing the whole time. Over the next 9 years, I leaned on John's knowledge to help me do my job better and sought his advice often. He was not only insightful when it came to the operations of the business, but how to truly help the individuals of our company succeed in their own jobs. I got to travel with John on occasion and will miss our chats, watching him run the table at "the dice game" while laughing so hard I would cry, teasing each other about our " member status" with Hilton hotels and who had more points acquired, but most of all, our friendship. I feel like I knew your family because he talked about you all often and he was always interested to hear how my kids were doing too. Berry Companies will not be the same without him, professionally and personally.
Steve Meadows
August 23, 2020
I first met John in 2000 when Berry Companies acquired KC Bobcat. Over the years John and I became friends. We worked on many large projects together and traveled together frequently. John was in a position that allowed him to travel to every branch at least once a year. He made friends at each location. He saw the importance of relationships and building trust with our employees. John made sure that he bought breakfast or lunch at each branch review and loved going to dinner with branch employees while he was in town. During these visits, you could expect John to talk about his family and what they were up to and you could also expect him to ask questions about your family and how life was going for you. John invested in people.
The actual job that John was doing during his branch visits was an audit. He would count the cash drawer, inventory parts, equipment, and check all the boxes for a branch audit. He hated to call it an audit though. He wanted more from these visits and he changed the concept of what he was there to do. He continued to check the audit box, but started calling the visits a “branch review” and sat down with each manager in the store to look over the numbers and loved to get off onto “bunny trails” that he considered the most important part of the visit. These were the things behind the scenes that really mattered and could affect our business. I always said that John’s personality allowed him to come into your home (our branches) and tell you that your drapes looked awful (some kind of problem) and somehow you were not offended, you just wanted to make them better. John made a difference at Berry Companies.
On a personal level, John and I just enjoyed being together. We would laugh and sing and work hard and have fun doing it. About 10 years ago we were working on a project in Kansas City. Gene Bosken was with us and John loved giving Gene a hard time. They were talking about singing and John asked me if I knew a certain hymn. I said that I did and we started singing. John said what he lacked in singing talent he made up in volume. From that day when we were working together, we would sing hymns. It was kind of our thing, and John would bring it up around other employees, and if the situation allowed, the next thing you knew we were singing. Not exactly the thing you would expect in an equipment dealership and that made it even funnier.
When we sat down the last few years to do John’s review I would tell him that I trusted him, I valued his opinion and I enjoyed our friendship. John will be missed at Berry Companies on a professional level. The position will probably change some because he made it into what it was. I will miss his insights into our people and our branches, but most of all I will miss John’s friendship. Our off-key hymn sings and laughing until we could not stop. John made things good, he was just a good man and I will miss him.
Rod Opliger
August 21, 2020
John was a wonderful coworker who was very diligent in his work and cared deeply for the people he served. I remember John as a man of faith that who bragged about his family and it was obvious he loved them deeply. I pray that his family will experience God's peace and comfort during this difficult time of separation.
TREVOR SIMONS
August 21, 2020
John was the type of guy that was fun to be around. He liked to joke around. I didn't know him really well, but anytime he came through the shop he would always stop and talk to me. Usually it was about bird hunting or how my family was doing. I always felt like he was genuine and that we had a lot in common. He was a well liked guy and will be missed.
Christine and David Buehler
August 21, 2020
I saw this right after we heard about John's passing and I thought it fit him to a T.
'There are some who bring a light so bright to the world that even after they have gone, their light remains'. I had the honor of meeting him in Atlanta with the Berry Co merge and instantly was drawn to his gentle soul, amazing knowledge and love of family, coworkers and friends. Prayers of peace and strength to all.
Jordan Willis
August 21, 2020
I only knew John for a few months, but in the time I spent with him, I saw a person that loved his company and his family. He was always there to give words of encouragement to all of those around. He will be missed by all. Thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of the Sanburns.
Paul Hall
August 20, 2020
I always enjoyed John’s visits to Tulsa. Everyone liked John. He had a strong faith and loved his family very much. I’ve never met Alicia, Emma, Claire or Johnny in person, but I felt I knew each of you through John & my lunchtime visits over the years. I’m positive if he were here today he would again tell me how proud he is of each of you. May the Lord give you all peace today and joy in knowing John is in a better place.
Dennis & Teresa Ulrich
August 20, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers on the passing of your brother and friend. May the memories that linger be those of joy and laughter.
Cathy Bachrodt
August 20, 2020
Condolences from the Bishop Carroll Catholic High School and in particular the St. Teresa of Calcutta Community. We are truly sorry for your tragic and unexpected loss. We will continue to pray for Johnny, his sisters, his mother and all of the family, friends and co-workers that will miss John greatly.
Love, Peace, and Prayers,
Ms. B’s House
Opening Day, 2015 - John and his family built this wall and grill for their "Shore Lunch".
Debra Nance-Sanburn
August 20, 2020
7-29-2020 The surprise Lilies were in full bloom at the cabin. Fall River State Park
Debra Nance-Sanburn
August 20, 2020
7-29-2020 He loved fishing, especially with his brothers. Fall River State Park
Debra Nance-Sanburn
August 20, 2020
Debra Nance-Sanburn
August 20, 2020
John never met a stranger. He was a joyous, funny, loving man and I was blessed to call him family.
Ray Hubbard
August 20, 2020
I worked with John at White Star Machinery for many years. He was kind, easy going, and had a great sense of humor. He was a diligent worker. I will miss him and the stories he shared about his family (he was so proud of them). I looked forward to him coming to western Colorado every year, and taking a load of Palisade peaches back home to his family. Prayers and condolences to the Sanburns.
John laughing so hard he was crying at a meeting in Estes Park, CO
Marissa Bolton
August 20, 2020
I know that you don't know so many of the people that John worked with but I promise we all feel like we know his family! Everytime I would see John we would have the exchange of information for kids and family. Everyone would look forward to a visit from John. He was so insightful and so knowledgeable about our business, I am not sure how anyone can ever fill his shoes. I will continue to pray for your family and please know that John was loved!
Jonathan Tarpey
August 20, 2020
Will always remember John's visits to Houston. They were more like a friend coming to visit than a coworker coming into town. He truly loved his family and faith and it showed in his every action. Hoping for overflowing amounts of Diet Dr. Pepper! John will be truly missed by all that had the pleasure to know him.
wesley kottas
August 20, 2020
I will forever remember and enjoy my many conversations with John while working at Berry companies. Our conversations spanned work life events and family. John's demeanor and personal swagger and his love of life made work more enjoyable and a pleasure to work with him. Thank you John for being a positive and important influence on my life.
Steve Craig
August 20, 2020
I am so thankful for getting to know John. Each time we were together he talked about his family. He will truly be missed. Thoughts and prayers.
Jim Batten
August 20, 2020
May peace be with you all. John was a great man. His passion and love for his family was seen by all. He brought light everywhere he went. He will be greatly missed.
Joe Spencer
August 19, 2020
I had the pleasure of working with John at Dillons, as well as, knowing him and his family and having a common love for Fall River! Condolences to all the family!
Ronda Smith
August 19, 2020
John was a wonderful friend and coworker to me. I turned to him for many times with questions. Some days just hearing his voice, I would get my answer without even asking. My prayers are with you all.
Eric Wooderson
August 19, 2020
John was a super human being. I've worked with John for a long time in our careers with Berry Companies and I have nothing but great memories from John. He was one of the funniest people around. I'll sure miss getting to spend a couple days a year with him here at the store in Topeka. John, I will go have that piece of pie from Brads Cafe that you loved so much. You will be truly missed.
Michelle Pentz
August 19, 2020
John's light will be greatly missed. He always had a smile and loved to talk about his family. It was great running into him at our various work branches! His presence will be touching so many for years to come.
Cole Young
August 19, 2020
My thoughts and prayers go out to the Sanburn family. John was a wonderful person who had a special way of impacting others. It was always obvious that he loved his family very much. John will be missed in North Texas.
Art & Sherry Hudson
August 19, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Sanburn family. His visits to Colorado will be greatly missed. May God bless you all in these difficult times.
Jon Reeves
August 19, 2020
John will be greatly missed. I pray for peace for the Sanburn family.
WHITE STAR
August 19, 2020
John, the Steely Eyed Missile Man will be sorely missed. Everyone here at White Star Machinery in Tulsa sends our deepest condolences.
Jean Hanks
August 19, 2020
I have never met John but I am old friends of Mike and Deb and have never heard anything but good things about the Sanburn family. May God bless and comfort you all at this very sad and trying time.
JEREMY DOWLER
August 19, 2020
John will be missed by all of us at Bobcat of Mckinney.
Josh Eichler
August 19, 2020
I will miss our lunches at Willies everytime John was down in Houston. It was our time to get away from work and talk about life and our families. He will be greatly missed by everyone on here in Houston
Salina Berry Material Handling
August 19, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sanburn family. We all will miss him greatly.
Mary Cassity
August 18, 2020
My prayers and thoughts go out to the family. My God hold you all close during this very sad and difficult time. Love
Kevin Wilson
August 18, 2020
Your family is in my prayers. I worked with John at Dillons and we had a lot of good times back then.
Maurice Lee
August 18, 2020
Maurice (Mo) , Mary, and Teddy are so sad over your loss. Your family is in our thoughts and prayers. Cabin Host at Fall River.
Steve & Jennifer Becker
August 18, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow. Many prayers to Sanburn Family.
Sharon Nightingale
August 18, 2020
So sorry for your loss. I will be keeping you and your family in my thoughts and prayers. I am a friend of Jackie's.
Kathy Ridder Reed
August 18, 2020
Prayers coming for comfort and acceptance for the family. I was a classmate of Johns’ at All Saints. May he Rest In Peace.
Alli Wilson
August 18, 2020
Tied for #1, best uncle ever, forever. I will love you and miss you always. I’ll make sure Shnannabelle & Maddie Pants never go long without M&M’s. We will never let your memory fade a drop. I love you so much Uncle Johnny Boy! ❤❤❤
Bobcat Company
August 18, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers are with the Sanburn family in these tough times. We will miss him greatly.
Kevin Ewing
August 18, 2020
I would like to send my deepest sympathy and prayers to the family. I worked with John for quite a few years at Dillon's.
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