John Raymond Kite April 12, 1938 – July 28, 2024 John Raymond Kite, a beloved husband, father, teacher, musician and community leader, passed away peacefully on July 28, 2024 at the age of 86.
John was born on April 12, 1938, in Auburn, Nebraska. He grew up on the family farm and developed a strong work ethic and a love of the outdoors. His family later moved to Fort Collins, Colorado in 1951, where John graduated from Fort Collins High School in 1956.
He attended Colorado State University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. During the summers he worked at the Boy Scout Ranch in Red Feather Lakes. John then served in the United States Air Force, where he learned to love flying and traveling.
A true adventurer at heart, John explored Central America and Europe, eager to learn about and experience new cultures.
His teaching career began in Wray, Colorado, where he met the love of his life, Nancy Riechers, while teaching her children. They married in 1970 and moved to Oakley, Kansas, where their son, Brian, was born in 1971. The family moved to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1972 and made it their home for the next 52 years.
John was a founding member of the Grand Junction Centennial Band, where he shared his musical talents from 1982 to 2023. He also taught clarinet for many years. His contributions to the community extended beyond his musical endeavors, including a fulfilling career as an instrument repair technician at Roper Music from 1987 until his retirement in 2014.
John’s legacy is one of dedication, passion and service. He touched many lives through his music, his teaching, his dedication to his family and community, and his annual holiday offering of peanut brittle. His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.
John was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Bernice, his brothers, Lawrence and Milton, and his wife of 53 years, Nancy. He is survived by his children, Bill (Shirley) Middaugh, Steve (Jeanette) Middaugh, Jeannie (Matt) Smith and Brian (Rachel) Kite, twelve grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. He will be greatly missed, but his spirit and influence will live on.
A celebration of John’s life will be held on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. in the South Chapel of Canyon View Vineyard Church, followed by a ceremony at 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.
