John Nikas

John Bill Nikas, beloved father, grandfather (Papou), great grandfather (Pro Papou), uncle and loyal friend fell asleep in the Lord on June 2, 2014.Born November 18, 1924, to Greek immigrants Mary Tsouvalakis and William Stavros Nikas in Price, Utah.John served in the United States Navy World War II on the USS Salt Lake City. After returning home, he met and married Pauline Mortensen in Elko, Nevada on January 20, 1949. After achieved his Certified Life Underwriter's certification John was appointed the General Agent for Utah and Nevada for the John Hancock Life Insurance Company. John and Pauline moved their family to Salt Lake City in 1967 where he continued his career for over 37 years. John and Pauline loved to travel, they were avid supporters of the Utah Opera and Utah Symphony, University of Utah football and basketball. Dad loved singing, playing the piano, tennis and golf. He was on the course every morning with his pals from the Cottonwood Club. But the greatest love of John's life was his family. Whenever we needed his advice, his special love, his guidance, he always had time for family. John made lasting memories with everyone who knew him, his wisdom and compassion were among his greatest assets. John was a Master Mason at the Carbon Lodge #16 in Price, Utah for 48 years.John served his church for many years with his beautiful voice, as a choir director and a chanter in Price. He fulfilled the request of countless Orthodox parishioners chanting at funerals, weddings and baptisms. He enjoyed all of the musical events and loved singing "Happy Birthday" to his friends and fellow residents at Sunrise. John is survived by his daughters Stephanie N. Chachas and Jannette (Kent) Knowley, sons John Nikas, Jr and Chrys L. Nikas. Grandchildren Mikela Chachas and Nicholas (Shantel) Chachas, great-grandchildren Kennedy, Myles, Basil and Klover, step great-grandchildren Kaiden and Bracken all of Salt Lake City, nieces and nephews. Preceded in death by his parents, step-fataher Louis Berbis, wife Pauline and son Thomas, brothers Tony, Steve, Nick and George and sister Nikki N. Senor.The family wishes to express their gratitude to Sunrise of Sandy, for the loving care they gave dad, caregiver Yolanda Cama and Jolene and Lisa from Solstice.Funeral services will be conducted on Thursday, June 5, 2014, at 11:00 am, at Prophet Elias Greek Orthodox Church, 5335 South Highland Drive. Trisagion service will be held on Wednesday, June 4, 2014, at Prophet Elias Church at 7:00 pm where friends may call from 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm. Interment: Mount Olivet Cemetery.In lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions to the Alzheimer's Association . MAY HIS MEMORY BE ETERNAL. - See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/saltlaketribune/obituary.aspx?n=john-nikas&pid=171208879#sthash.DomSdTeY.dpufFuneral Services under the direction of Wasatch Lawn Mortuary, Salt Lake City, UT.