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 In Loving Memory of John Kolendich (1955 - 2003)
We will miss you tremendously John. This company will forever be changed by your absence and yet your spirit will float through these walkways and offices reminding us daily of your vision that all who walk through these doors leave here not only as employees, vendors and customers…but as friends. It was truly an honor to know you. 
09/26/03Missoulian.com: John M. Kolendich MISSOULA - John Michael Kolendich, 47, of Trabuco Canyon, Calif. passed away Monday, Sept. 22, 2003, at his family home in Missoula in the arms of his loving wife Kathleen with his children by his side. Our beloved John fought so gallantly in his battle with cancer. He did not lose this fight, but instead went triumphantly to glory, fully restored to the man we all knew and loved, sitting today in the presence of God. John was born in Missoula on Nov. 11, 1955 to Frank and Evelyn Kolendich. He went to Hawthorne Grade School where he met his best friend Bob Pettit. He graduated from Sentinel High School in 1974. He attended the University of Montana and was a lifelong Grizzly fan. John, like his older brothers and sister, thoroughly enjoyed sports during his youth. He worked at Hermie's Drive-In during his high school years before moving on to Bob Ward & Sons. John moved to Southern California in 1978 where he managed the men's clothing department at Robinson's Department Store. In 1980 he joined his brother Matt in owning and operating Valley Building Materials. Their business is now one of the largest masonry supply yards in Southern California with two locations in Lake Forest and Yucaipa, Calif. John regarded his employees as part of his extended family. John met Kathleen McMillin in 1984 and they were married on March 24, 1990 in Kennewick, Wash. His proudest achievement was his three beautiful children - Johnny 10, Nicholas 9 and Katherine 5. John was an avid golfer and spent the last few years enjoying his children's many activities. He recently fulfilled his dream of building a log cabin on Swan Lake for his family and friends to enjoy. One of John's primary passions was to make a real difference in people's lives. He learned his compassion from his parents, who would help anyone in need. Over the years John and Matt have had an annual charity golf tournament for the purpose of raising funds for various charities. The charities have included Operation Santa Claus to benefit Orangewood Children's Home, Byron Scott's Challenge for Children's fund and Home Aid Orange County which provides housing for homeless AIDS patients and battered women and children. In May 2003 he was one of 10 men honored in Orange County by the Boy Scouts of America as a "Man of Character." John was preceded in death by his father Frank in 2000 and his dear friends Kim Wehmeyer, Mike Dorfler and Casey Randles. He is survived by his loving family - wife Kathleen; sons Johnny and Nicholas; daughter Katherine; his mother Evelyn; sister Gail and husband Tom Reidy; brother Frank and wife Toni Kolendich; brother Matt and wife Lisa Kolendich. He is also survived by Ken, Vera, Ben and George Reidy, Brian Reidy, Chris Crowley, Casey and Kamra Kolendich, Kevin Kolendich, Kelsey Kolendich, Barbara and Jerry McMillin and many aunts, uncles, cousins and friends. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. on Friday, Sept. 26 at Christ the King Catholic Church in Missoula with Father Ed Hislop presiding. A memorial service will be held at a later date in Orange County Calif. Burial will be at the Old St. Mary's Cemetery in Missoula. The family suggests donations be made to, Hospice of Missoula, 800 Kensington, Ste. 209, Missoula, MT 59801 or HomeAid Orange County, 1744 Sky Park Circle, Irvine, CA 92614. John will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved him. Arrangements are under the Montana Cremation and Memorial Society. |
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