Gust John Kontrelos was born Konstantinos J. Kontoravdis in Orhemenou, Mentanios, Greece on May 19, 1934. Gust’s passing on October 29, 2019 was peaceful and his wife, Mary Jane Kontrelos and two sons, John and Mike, were by his side holding his hands.
Gust and Mary Jane were high school sweethearts and were married for 58 years. Settling in their home in the Bonnie Brae neighborhood of Denver, CO., Gust worked as a machine operator for the Redfield Company where he was in charge of the vibrating and duliting operations and was recognized by the company for “duliting more parts than any other employee in Redfield’s history!”
Gust loved the outdoors and caring for his yard and tomato, zucchini, eggplant and okra crops he grew in the back yard. His own children as well as his grandchildren, Korey and Ben, often played hide and seek in the giant tomato plants Gust so loved to grow and share with the neighbors. Gust enjoyed exploring the Colorado mountains and especially hiking alongside the river and through the pines and aspens of the Chicago Creek area. This is also the spot where he would show off his love and talent for playing horseshoes!
Gust was an officer in the Masons Liberty (Berkeley) Lodge 134 and recently received his 50 years of Brotherhood certificate. The Lodge was very important to Gust, coming second only to his family. Gust was a much loved member of the Schlessman YMCA and even landed the cover of their 2018 Christmas card! Gust loved cooking for his family and always said, “Let’s get everyone together.” He grilled a perfect steak, made Christmas baklava with Mary Jane, and a highlight for his family was his Chicken Avgo Lemono soup.
Gust lived as a generous, loving and practical family man who taught his boys a true work ethic and to “save for a rainy day, have patience, and stay out of other people’s business” coupled with being kind to others and to never be judgmental for any reason. His bright and witty sense of humor and joyous laugh will forever echo into a smile and an appreciation of his zest of life and his enjoyment in living.
To know Gust was to love Gust and he will remain in the minds and hearts of many, many people, leaving a profound and important mark on this world. Everyone he touched will forever remember the smart, kind and happy Greek guy sitting on his bench on the front patio waving and saying hello to passers-by, his ever-present smile gleaming from beneath the brim of a baseball cap.
Rest in Peace Gust, loving husband, father, grandfather, friend and legend. OPA!!!
Gust will be honored by a private family gathering. A memorial service is being planned for a future date which will be announced on this website.
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
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