John Anthony Rumics

John A. Rumics passed away on April 14, 2009 - his heart was so big it just finally gave out. He is now with his beautiful wife, Linda, enjoying their next great adventure having given the gift of sight to two others through the Arizona Donor Network. John will be cremated and interred next to Linda at St. Andrew's Columbarium.

John was born in Illinois on August 8, 1933, moving across the country to California where he met Linda before finally settling in Sedona in 1990. From cab driver to telecommunication engineer assisting with the development of LA County's 911 system, John continued "working" even after retirement. When he wasn't writing letters, he was an organizer and planner (youv'e all seen his schematics!). He was also the all around go-for for the many organizations in which he and Linda were involved, be it Sedona Flagstaff Symphony, Homeowners Association, Canyon Singers, MNA Sedona Muses, and many others. John was a member of St. Andrews Episcpal Church where he served at the altar, read lessons, washed windows, and was generally indispensable. He was a father, friend, and confidante to many and was always willing to lend a hand (but not without a grumble or two).
John loved to travel with Linda and they spent many wonderful years seeing the world.

The Sedona Police Department offered to put the house on "vacation watch" and apologized for the term but there really isn't a better one. Enjoy your heavenly vacation, John! We're going to miss you so very, very much.

John is survived by his daughter, Karen; sisters Ann in Manassas, Virginia and Elizabeth in Oberlin, New Jersey; his many nieces and nephews and their children; Linda's sister Gail of Whiting, New Jersey and her family; his friends around the world; and of course, that "stupid cat" Koko.

A celebration of life will be held Saturday, May 16, 2009, @ 10:00AM. In lieu of flowers, celebration of life gifts may be sent to the Sedona Flagstaff Symphony, P.O.Box #1110, Sedona, Arizona, 86339 and St. Andrews Episcopal Church, 100 Arroyo Pinon Drive, Sedona, Arizona 86336.

Contact for the family is Karen Averill, 785 Left Fork Humbug Creek Road, Applegate, Oregon 97530; email: [email protected]