John Hakemian

John Preston Hakemian, 83, passed away on June 5, 2022, in Ponce Inlet, Florida, after a brief battle with cancer. Born on May 7, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, John lived a life marked by intellectual achievement, professional excellence, and a deep devotion to his close family and community.

John's academic journey began with a mathematics scholarship at the University of Chicago from 1956 to 1958. He went on to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Financial Management with high honors from the University of Arizona in 1961. His dedication to education continued with an MBA from the University of Michigan in 1973-credentials that laid the foundation for a distinguished career in finance.

He began his professional path at AT&T (1961-1967), where he developed his financial acumen before moving into executive leadership roles. From 1968 to 1977, he served as Vice President at Chrysler Finance. He then became Treasurer and President of Finance at Pullman Inc. (1977-1980), followed by his tenure as Chief Financial Officer at Geothermal Resources International (1981-1986). John concluded his career as Vice President of Finance and Chief Financial Officer for Itochu International's America division from 1986 until his retirement in 2001.

Outside of his professional accomplishments, John was a man of many passions. A gifted pianist and enthusiastic singer later in life, he brought joy to friends and family through music. Sailing was another lifelong love-he not only enjoyed traveling by boat but also actively raced sailboats. His adventurous spirit led him across the globe, culminating in a three-week journey around the world in 2018. A devoted Cubs fan since childhood, he celebrated their long-awaited World Series victory in 2016 with great enthusiasm.

In retirement, John dedicated himself to volunteer work, applying his financial expertise to support numerous non-profit organizations, most notably the National Employment Counseling Association (NECA). His final years were filled with joy and purpose-traveling with Kay, sharing music with loved ones, and embracing each day fully. One of his most cherished memories was a final voyage to Madrid, Spain and a cruise along the Gold Coast of Portugal with his wife, Kay, daughter Dava, and her husband, Bill.

John is survived by his loving wife, Kay-his partner since 1987 and wife since 2000-who shared in many of these adventures. He is also survived by his brother Robert Glenn; his children: Thomas (Blanca) Cain, Jennifer (Steve) Cain Roth, James (Merritt) Cain, and Elizabeth Muirhead; his step-children: Dava (Bill) Snider and Sandra (Todd) Everett; and grandchildren: Nicholas Cain; Lindsey, Eric, and Michael Roth; Lacy Cain (Ian Baranack), Olivia (Kyle) Johnson, Presley, Charlie, Ben, and Peyton Cain; Wren and Matthew Muirhead; Gavin and Peyton Snider; and Garrett Thomas.

He was preceded in death by his mother Lille Mae; father George M.; brother Edgar Roy McCarter; and sisters Norma Lee Koss and Doris Mae Carroll.

John Hakemian was an eternal optimist who embraced life with intellect, adventure, and love for those closest to him. His celebrations of life took place near the water in 2022, first at the North East River Yacht Club on the Chesapeake Bay, where he was a member for many years, and second at the Halifax River Yacht Club, near his Florida home. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.