John Raymond Kite

John Raymond Kite, a cherished 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. Raised on the family farm, he developed a strong work ethic and a love for 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 from which he earned a bachelor’s degree in music education. In the summers, he worked at the Boy Scout ranch at Red Feather Lakes, after which, John served in the United States Air Force where he learned to love both flight and travel.

John was a true adventurer at heart. He explored Central America and Europe, eager to learn 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 relocated to Grand Junction, Colorado, in 1972, making 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 until 2023. He taught clarinet, as well, 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 commitment 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, Jerry Middaugh, Jeannie (Matt) Smith, and Brian (Rachel) Kite, twelve grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. His presence will be dearly missed, but his spirit and influence will endure.

A celebration of John’s life will be held at Canyon View Vineyard Church South Chapel on Thursday, August 15, 2024, at 11:00 am, followed by a 1:00pm ceremony at Veterans Memorial Cemetery.