John Thomas Kanakis

He is survived by his wife of 36 years Doreen, their daughter Nikoletta, and five children from his first marriage of 22 years to Marilyn (deceased 09/2009) - Sandi, Jody (Rick), Ted (Janice), Steve (Julie), Jay (Tammy).

John passed from a complication of several illnesses including diabetes, heart disease, liver and kidney disease but his mind was clear and his humor and observations still as quick as they always were. Doreen with the help of her family and support of her close circle of friends will make it through these difficult times.

God showed him mercy at the end with a quick and painless passing at home with wife Doreen and sister, Katherine at his side.

Born to immigrant parents on the lower east side of Detroit, he attended Eastern HS. Brother to sister Katherine and four siblings who preceded him in death – Gust, Margaret, Nick, Ernie. His father died young leaving his mother and six small children to survive. As was the custom them, the boys got jobs to support the family and his mother took in furrier repair work to get by. Somehow they all got by and made sure their mother was always provided for

John wore many hats in life – assembly worker for Hudson Motor Car, postman, butcher, store clerk, bookie, real estate agent, but the two he enjoyed the most were insurance salesman with Detroit Mutual Insurance and restaurant owner of SIX Clock Restaurants, the Atrium in Southfield being the one he retired from 10 years ago. He perfected his niche as a premier salesman in the restaurant business and with Doreen at his side he continued the frenetic pace of a 24/7 restaurant life.

While living in Roseville in the late 1950’s – early 1960’s, he was a Little League Baseball Manager/Coach and to this day daughter Sandi still gets inquiries from the team players asking about John. He made a very powerful impression in their early lives which he felt blessed to have been a part of. To the end John loved to watch sports and this past summer his son Ted took him to a Tigers game, John’s first trip to Comerica Park.

Even with the demand on his time, he made the effort giving the best he could afford, he made time to make lifelong friends, take many vacations (especially to Las Vegas), but was always there for his six children. Life with John was definitely not boring or ordinary. He always made the effort to give his family the best he could afford and always gave each of them the support and sometimes financial bridging needed to get them through hard times

He especially missed all his friends who passed before him and was at times frustrated with his deteriorating physical condition and limitations, but the church brought him new friends that he thoroughly enjoyed and embraced.

Several years ago he joined Berean Baptist Church in Livonia and was baptized at the age of 82. His love for his wife, children and friends took new life with his beliefs and baptism and the last few years were the best he had in those relationships although his health and body were shutting down.

John leaves a loving extended family including the family of his siblings; his in laws: Don (Sharon), Debbie (Frank), Dale, Denise; neighbors; many friends both professional and personal. He never met a stranger.

Per John’s wishes, his body will be cremated with a service celebrating his spirit by Pastor Terry at Berean Baptist Church, 38303 Eight Mile, Livonia , MI 48215, 248-477-6365 on Monday November 4, 2013 at 11 am with luncheon immediately following. All are welcome to celebrate John’s life. Rather than flowers, please consider giving in his name a donation to Almost Home Pet Adoption, P.O. Box 250602, West Bloomfield, MI 48325, or Berean Baptist Church.