Hi Arlene -
I was recalling old Navy memories today and decided to check on John.  Sadly,  I came  across this and watched the touching video.  He was such a great guy and I have many good memories - I wish we had served on the same destroyer because we would have had many more!  I remember when he somehow told me you two had just eloped - must have been an announcement.  We reconnected for awhile a few years ago and I sent him  a pic of the two of us taken in Athens.  Surely wish the two of you could have came to Montana for a visit.  I hope you and all the family he loved so are doing well.
Sincerely,
Larry

My Uncle John was a kind and gentle soul, in addition to being a bachelor for quite a while before meeting Arlene, who was always quite glamorous and outgoing. The two seemed like opposites to me; however, after spending a lot of time with the two of them-who took me everywhere with them when I was a kid, I realized how they balanced one another. I remember their wedding day and how pretty and happy Arlene was because she too had waited to marry the “right man.” I was sad when they left Glenview because I used to stay with them on the weekends, and I missed them a lot. I know they had a happy life living at the Lake on the weekends, in Kansas City during the week, and raising two children they dearly loved. My memories are only happy ones of him and his kindness and sense of humor.

Words can't describe how very special my dad was to me.  I feel extremely fortunate to have been raised by such a loving and caring man.  He was everything I could have hoped for in a father.  He was a great role model and represents everything I wish I could be as a man.  He was very humble and selfless.  He always wanted to make sure his family was taken care of above all else.  He was genuinely happy to share in the successes in life of me and my sister and to give us advice when I needed it.  He loved his grandchildren and would boast about how well they do in school and sports.  Everything about him makes me want to be a better person.  He taught me a lot about life, not through spoken word, but through his actions and the way he lived his own life.  He was a true leader of the family by example.  It is tough to live up to the example of excellence he set, but it is what I strive for every day.  I'm going to miss talking to him and spending time with him.        

He was a very kind and considerate person to others.  I don't think anyone ever had a bad thing to say about dad.  He was a warm and gentle man who could make you instantly feel like you were his buddy.  Animals and children seemed to gravitate to him because of his calm and soothing nature.  He had a genuine smile when he met people that would put you at ease just to be around him.  I wish more people could have met him to see how wonderful he was as a father, a husband and as a friend.  If there were more people like him the world would be a much better place.  

I felt very honored to sit with John 3 nights before his passing where he sweetly told me how he spent his entire life. He shared his love with Arlene, his military life, his career at KC Power and Light and the life he shared with Arlene and Jeff and Lora. It was so great to share about 6 hours just telling me of his life. It was a lovely time and it was so meaningful and I will never forget it! RIP John!!!

May God's loving kindness comfort you and help you through this very sad time
Psalms 29:11

OBITUARY

John Richard Bolton

March 22, 1935 – January 14, 2018

Newcomer's White Chapel Funeral Home

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