John Edward Fahrendorf Jr.

On September 14th, after 75 full years, John Fahrendorf Jr. left this world far too early. He was surrounded by love and family when he took his last breath. His life impact was profound and beyond measure, influencing people far and wide. John had an incredible sense of right and was not one to shy away from hard work.

John was a Son, a Brother, a Husband, a Father, a Grandfather, a Friend, a Colleague, and so much more. He was always willing to listen, knowing when to offer advice and when to be a therapeutic ear. He had opinions on a few things and more importantly, the courage to share them in a respectful yet powerful way.

An Arizona original to his core, John started and ended his life journey in Phoenix. Along the way he explored many of Arizona’s hidden corners, ghost towns, dirt roads, lost creeks and streams. He hunted and fished much of Arizona, and his desire to be outside far outweighed his actual interest in catching or shooting anything. John found inner peace in nature and spent most of his ‘Retirement’ years at he and his wife Nancy’s cabin on the Rim. They turned what was a rustic couple of buildings into one of the most beautiful cabins in Arizona through blood, sweat and tears. Many mornings, drinking the first cup of strong coffee, watching the world arise in front of him, gave him peace and the type of validation he craved.

John loved the great outdoors and times with friends. His adventures on the Verde Vaquero rides where he got to dabble in the cowboy lifestyle he not so secretly admired were a vision into the soul of John - quiet, unpretentious, deep and profound. John was a voracious reader, with the local Forest Lakes librarian constantly ordering books specifically for him. His passion for Arizona was also found in the books he read about the state’s stories and history.

John was a dedicated Son to Sheila and John Fahrendorf Sr. and Brother to Kathy, Julie, Chris, and Joanne. He attended Our Lady of Perpetual Help in Glendale, was a proud St. Mary’s Knight, and a graduate of Arizona State University and Pacific Coast Banking School .

As a devoted husband to Nancy for nearly 40 years, they were by each other's side for nearly everything. From special dinners out to cold, damp hunting trips and all things in between, Nancy meant everything to John and his devotion and love showed throughout their years together.

An extremely proud Father of five children- Brian, Alicia, Sean, John III, and Tami, he was a dedicated, hardworking Father who loved each of us in our own uniquely special ways. He attended our games, made breakfasts, overcooked chicken/undercooked steak, and sold many fundraising chocolate bars and Girl Scout cookies. He pushed us to figure out how to be our best version of ourselves and offered a safe net when we didn’t find our desired result, often offering a wise word to help us see the true value of a situation. He was so very proud of our accomplishments and quietly glowed as we became unique individuals, chasing our own paths with his instilled focus, hard work and passion.

Grandfather to 12, and Great-Grandfather to 2, his edge softened with each additional member of the clan. Grandpa was there, proudly watching his children impact the next generation of offspring. Being a loving and loyal Grandpa offered John some of his biggest smiles and best times- giving rides in the Ranger, cheering from the sidelines, and maybe over-indulging on occasion. He leaned into it all and loved every minute with the grandkids.

John’s career began in 1969 as a Management Trainee at The Arizona Bank. He rose to the position of Vice President and Manager of the bank’s credit card division and later Sr. Vice President and Manager of the bank’s commercial loan department. John left The Arizona Bank in 1999 and formed Heritage Bank and served as its President and CEO. John later formed Desert Hills Bank and served as its President and CEO. John served on many boards and commissions, being particularly active in Catholic charities. John also served other bankers as he was a director of the Pacific Coast Banking School in Seattle, Washington, during the 1990’s. John retired from his daily activities as a bank CEO in 2010, remaining active as a consultant and helped many bank CEOs and bank boards and directors provide better customer service, improved culture and shareholder returns. John was a consultant for the Findley Group, providing insight through consulting services for community banks and offering his insight by writing a monthly newsletter sharing his perspective on the banking industry. Throughout his adult life John was recognized as one of the leading bankers in Arizona.

A private Celebration of Life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that any memorial donations be made to:

National Eating Disorders Association

Byron Marlowe Scholarship at Washington State University