John Richard Evanetski

On Sunday, August 8, 2010, John R. Evanetski of Fort Collins, Colorado attained a peace that the world could not give him. He did this under the loving care of his neurologist and friend Dr. Mihaela Alexander and the staff of Littleton Adventist Hospital. John was born in Scranton, Pennsylvania on April 30, 1947 to John R. and Frances Sawejko Evanetski.
He was educated in Scranton Catholic schools and served in the United States Navy during the Viet Nam war. Upon discharge, John became caregiver for his mother until her passing. John attended Pennsylvania State University, majoring in journalism. Upon completion of his studies, John worked for a brief time at Moses Taylor Hospital, Scranton, PA as an orderly. In 1975, John married Ellen Kranick and moved to Warren, PA, where he lived most of his adult life. During this time, John worked as a journalist for the Jamestown Post Journal where he met his lifelong friend, Steve Bishop. He later became a self-employed publisher. He was a member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Warren. John was a man of many interests. He loved the outdoors and spent many happy years sailing, skiing, hiking, camping, cycling, and horseback riding. He was a volunteer for a therapeutic horseback-riding program in Pennsylvania. John was an accomplished fine woodworker, gardener, and cook. He loved to entertain friends. He travelled extensively in the U.S., Canada, and Europe. In his later years, John became a gifted poet. He said that poetry helped him express things that he couldn't talk about. His website, JREPOEMS.BLOGSPOT.COM contains some of his work. John leaves behind family including sister, Nancy and brother-in-law, Robert Turley of Wellington, Colorado and the extended Turley family; Aunt Jean Hodoroski of Saco, Maine; cousins, Marie Purser of Saco, Maine; Carl and Jeffrey Sawejko of Swansea, Massachusetts, and Eileen Hanhauser of Dover, Delaware. John's friends both old and new, include roommate and partner in "John and Don's Hugs and Fun Clubhouse" Don Uhlenhake and many staff�too numerous to name�at Spring Creek Health Care Center. Friends in Warren include Steve and Jetta Bishop, Bob and Sue Klebacha, and Dr. Charles and Lynn Bentz. The entire extended Kranick family of the Scranton area was also a large part of John's life. John's family wishes to thank Drs. Joseph Jacob and Samuel Laney, Northern Colorado Rehabilitation Hospital; Dr. Mihaela Alexander, Colorado Neurodiagnostics; and Drs. David Van Sickle and Adair Prall, South Denver Neurosurgery whose compassion and caring gave John quality of life. Also, the staff of Spring Creek Health Care Center who gave John a home and the Yellow Cab Dial-A-Ride staff who gave John a social life. John and his beloved cat Ted, along with Bob and Nancy Turley, wish to express their sincere thanks to everyone who made John's life so full and wonderful. In response to repeated requests from his sister, John has already sent several signs to let us know there is a better place for us all�and that he is there. Memorial Contributions may be made to the John R. Evanetski Memorial Fund in care of Bohlender Funeral Chapel, 121 W. Olive, Fort Collins, Colorado 80524. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday at 10:00 a.m. at Blessed John 23rd University Center, 1220 University Ave. Interment with Military Honors by the Fort Collins All Veterans Honor Guard will follow at Grandview Cemetery. Those who desire may view Mr. Evanetski at Bohlender Funeral Chapel on Sunday from 12:00 to 4:00 p.m. Prayer Vigil Service will be at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday at Bohlender Funeral Chapel with a reception to follow.