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John Wade Knutson

1954 - 2014

John Wade Knutson obituary, 1954-2014, Ventura, CA

BORN

1954

DIED

2014

FUNERAL HOME

Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura

3150 Loma Vista Road

Ventura, California

John Knutson Obituary

Ventura / Las Vegas

John Wade Knutson, 60, passed away on Friday, January 31, 2014. He was born in Hollywood, California on January 31, 1954. The family relocated to Ventura in 1961, were John attended local schools and graduated from Buena High.

He loved the beach, being a lifeguard and enjoyed skiing. John was also an avid reader. He did a lot in his life and enjoyed traveling the world. John was a "people person" and everyone he met liked him. John resided in Las Vegas for over thirty years. He knew many people, including movie stars and celebrities. Often, they would request John at his job. John cared about people and will be dearly missed.

John was preceded in death by his parents, Anund and Eileen and his brother, Sam. He is survived by his sister, Julaine; brothers, Gary, Galen, James and Curtis as well as many nieces, nephews and relatives.

Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 15, 2014, from 9 until 11 a.m., at the Ted Mayr Funeral Home, 3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, with services beginning at 11 am. Burial will follow at Ivy Lawn Memorial Park, 5400 Valentine Road, Ventura.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Ted Mayr Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at TedMayrFuneralHome.com.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The News & Observer from Feb. 12 to Feb. 15, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for John Knutson

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Jeffrey Leonardi

June 19, 2021

I literally just found out about John when I went to visit his townhouse yesterday. We were friends and neighbors for many years and I haven't been back to Las Vegas for 20 years. Knowing of his death has really affected me all day yesterday and today. I am truly shocked. He was such a gently soul who was good to many people. Anyone who met him loved him. I am so sorry as I just am in disbelief. So long my friend and I know we will meet again in Heaven. May God Bless and Rest your soul!

Troy Overfield-Blain

June 20, 2016

I was looking for John a long time now as we became friends waaaay back in the 80s. He let me stay at his home in 1987 for several days while I was in a wedding back then. We had the best time with his music and his pretty dog back then and his flair for the best food. He had the most beautiful apartment back then right off of Sahara. He took some gorgeous pictures of me and later sent me an album of he pictures. He was a wonderful person with such a spirit of love and giving. I am so sorry I missed him and found this.
Love you John and I know the angels in heaven have enlisted another Angel which is you John!

Violet Daraitis

January 26, 2015

Love from tour old Ventura friend.

Violet Daraitis

January 26, 2015

My old friend. I knew him well. we used to joke about the fabulous Viking funerals we would have. I didnt know of his passing 'til just now (2015). Im his friend from his Ventura days. Rest easy, My Friend.

kern darla

April 10, 2014

Miss you terribly John..... :( I want to call u like old times. ...and I can't. ....

Darla Kern

March 14, 2014

I just learned of John's passing last night......what a shock!!!! I am deeply saddened by this news and I want to tell all of you that life is a fleeting moment and we need to tell those people in our lives that we love them before it's too late......I've been friends with John for 30 years and have so many wonderful memories ....I've never met anyone quite like him... he is a shining star that will never diminish ..as nor will my love for him ever fade....he was my best friend(circumstances kept us apart since last April) my brother...Confidante. ...keeper of my secrets ...my heart and my soul. Everyone who had the chance to befriend him, loved him....we used to sit and drink wine and joke about our funerals....I was to stand at the entrance to his.. with a clipboard saying: how well DID you know the deceased?? And we were to play Patsy Cline's song... "who's sorry now"....at his funeral....yellow roses everywhere....(his favorite)...we would laugh and laugh over this....an evening at " the Valhalla" (johns beautiful home)was quite the event....everything was sooooo glamorous. ...just like John...I'm proud to have been his friend and will always treasure the special memories that we shared.. there will never be anyone quite like John again ...he was one of a kind and will be missed....I love you john my heart is broken ....I do know that your mother is happy to see you and your brother Sam and your father and one day we will all get to see you again too....love Darla

Hilari Alberto

March 13, 2014

I'm so heartbroken to learn of John's passing. I knew John for 22 years. When I moved to Vegas at the age of 14, my aunt was John's roommate and good friend. I used to spend the night at his town home and he would let me listen to all his cool music, The Smith's and such. He would make tasty Greek salads and we would play with his little dog. He was such a lover of animals. He came to my wedding and of course brought the classiest of gifts. Whenever a card came in the mail from him, I would display it as the words were always so kind and written in beautiful calligraphy. My husband and I would visit him at the Pamplemousse as well as at Sergio's. He had such a big heart and a smile that warmed the room. Heaven is blessed with angel John.

Love,

Hilari Alberto

Jim Johnson

March 5, 2014

Dear John, Lori and I will miss you dearly. I always enjoyed you stopping by and chatting, I will never forget you or the laughs we had.

Sally Racette

March 4, 2014

I was shocked this evening to learn of my friend's passing. I will always remember John as a great friend, great listener, a shoulder to cry on, and the BEST story teller. John...I'm sure you're in heaven, watching over me and my babies. I wish they had gotten a chance to meet you...but thanks for the good times, the laughs, our fun in Palm Springs, and all of the times you opened up your house to me and asked me to treat it as my own. You will be missed here on Earth, my friend...until we meet again.

Bethany Jezzeny

February 25, 2014

I just know that your God's best angel. John always had a beautiful bright smile and made everyone laugh. We'll all be together again one day but until then, John will be tremendously missed.

February 21, 2014

We knew John from the glory days of Pamplemousse restaurant when he was a waiter, and later, Maitre'd.
He was among the best at what he did, and we always asked for him at our table.
Once he even brought apricots from the the tree in his yard to make a special sauce for the roast duck. He called it "the perfume for the duck".
He most certainly helped make the great reputation which Pamplemousse enjoyed.
We will miss him and his elegant style.
May he rest in peace.

Dennis & Dori Kelley
Las Vegas,NV

Jana Rains-Stillwagon

February 19, 2014

I will miss you John. I was just in Vegas and I called you to get together and I couldn't believe to find out you were gone...but never forgotten. My thoughts and prayer to the family. We lost a shining star.Here's to you my funny, loving friend.

james knutson

February 16, 2014

To all johns friends,realities,family,john loved you all.
The almighty god must have needed john in the see times
Cause he had the qualifications, oh ya! Can he travel,
just wait till he tells each and everyone us about the
Vacation he's on,I'm sure he let you know, he's got so much
Magnetism and spirit, sincerely johns brother,James knutson
And to the Norse gods watch over my Viking brother .das good
Ve vill travar to norseland,vinland asap.

Cindi Trahan

February 16, 2014

To all of you left behind,

I am so sorry for the loss of John. I can't even put it into proper words. His radiance will be missed by so many. The last time I saw him I was "recycling" magazines. I think he was pulling some old ones out as fast as I put them in. He would find an article and then tell me more about this person. When we were really young, he made me like Betty Davis and Barbara Striestand. I will never forget his performance in "Around the world in Eighty Days". I hope the memories make you smile as John will always be with us. I will never forget any of you.

Love,
Cindi Naurath Trahan

Kyle Rains

February 15, 2014

I just learned of John's passing today. I am still very upset and grieving. We met just over a decade ago and became fast friends. He later became friends with my sister and other friends. I had not been in touch with him much in the last couple of years, something I deeply regret today. I knew in my heart that whenever we talked again it would be as if no time had passed. He was that kind of person and friend. I live in Texas but will be in California in April. I would like to have information on the location of his grave so that I can pay my respects. Please contact me at [email protected]. Please accept my sympathy and I share your pain. I can only say that John loved his family and friends so much that I know he is very happy to be with his treasured mother again...Vahalla.

Galen Knutson

February 15, 2014

To our Family out west, we are sorry we couldn't be there with you today. We will truly miss Brother / Uncle John. He was an amazing, wonderful man; we will miss him dearly. He always " rolled out the Red Carpet " for us when we travelled to Vegas!!! He showed us a wonderful time, always! He did that for everyone!!! My mother has a pic of us all in Vegas, the smile on our faces say's it all!! We were having such a great great time. Never forget!!! We will miss your smiles and laughter, John. Thank you for such wonderful memories we will always hold dear to our hearts!!! We Love You, John!!! Say Hi to Uncle Sam, Grandma and Grandpa, for us all. Brother Galen and wife Susie, Nephew Shawn and wife Nikki, in Oklahoma.

heather jeff imhoff

February 15, 2014

we are sorry for your loss ,if there is ANYTHING we can do please let us know
our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
love you
jeff and heather imhoff

Renee Pigg

February 15, 2014

Our hearts and prayers to my cousins over the loss of John. He will truly be missed.

February 14, 2014

To the Knutson family we are so sorry for the loss of John, you are all in our prayers.

Joan & Doris English

Ruth Fitzsimmons

February 12, 2014

I have such fond memories of spending summers with John and my big sister Karen Biederman in San Francisco when I was young. John always had a huge smile, enjoyed life and made me laugh. So sorry to hear of John's passing. I hope he and Karen are together in heaven. Ruth Biederman Fitzsimmons

Sherry Lyons

February 12, 2014

I will keep your smile as one of my stars to gaze upon always. Even after 40 years of knowing you, it never dimmed.

February 11, 2014

I honor you with Love not loss. Always with you in spirit.

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Memorial Events
for John Knutson

Feb

15

Visitation

9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura

3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003

Feb

15

Service

11:00 a.m.

Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura

3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003

Feb

15

Burial

Ivy Lawn Memorial Park

NV

Funeral services provided by:

Perez Family Funeral Home - Ventura

3150 Loma Vista Road, Ventura, CA 93003

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