John F. Kircher

John F. Kircher passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 30, 2014, one day before his 85th birthday. He was born in Athens, Ohio on January 31, 1929 and was raised in Gallipolis and Middleport. He was preceded in death by his father, John E. Kircher, mother, Katherine Bovie and sister, Katherine J. Bonnell. He is survived by his loving wife and best friend, Patricia; beloved children, Katherine Rich, John D. (Marilyn), Pamela, and Carol Brooker (Michael). He is survived by and most proud of his seven grandchildren, Dr. Megan Rich Green (Benjamin), Erin Rich, Colin Rich, John K. Kircher, Irena Kircher, David Brooker, Esq. and Daniel Brooker. Also surviving are two great grandchildren Gwendolyn and Quinlan Green. John graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Science in 1950 and a Master of Science in 1951. He married his college sweetheart, Patricia on September 2, 1951 after which they began married life in Syracuse, New York. He completed his PhD. at Syracuse University in 1955. John was employed at Battelle Memorial Institute for 37 years as a nuclear chemist, retiring in 1994 with his final assignment spent in Amarillo, Texas for the Office of Nuclear Waste Isolation. John served as the Founding Chairman of the Old Worthington Architectural Review Board. He and his wife were the proud owners and restorers of the Turk-Gilkey House where they lived for 23 years. He was a member of the Worthington Stamp Club, Columbus Bonsai Society, and an avid reader, fisherman and hunter. In 1969 John and his son traveled with the Clintonville Explorers Club for a 14 day canoe trip through the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. In 1974, John joined his wife leading Worthington Senior Girl Scout Troop 378 on a canoe trip through the Kipawa Reserve in Quebec, Canada. John had the joy of flying with his friend, George Burk in his Cessna 180 up to Rankin Inlet on Hudson Bay. He made numerous trips to Wyoming with family members for the fall antelope hunt. John and Pat loved to travel covering most of the U.S. including Hawaii and Alaska. They traveled in the Caribbean and Mexico, much of Europe, especially England. They enjoyed Russia, Greece and Egypt. One exceptional trip was to Ecuador and the Galapagos Islands. With a love of flowers John wanted them in the house and happily presented bouquets to his wife when his garden was in bloom. Family will receive friends from 6-8 P.M. Monday, February 3, 2014 and from 11-1 P.M. Tuesday, February 4, 2014 at SCHOEDINGER WORTHINGTON CHAPEL, 6699 N. High St., where a memorial service will begin at 1 P.M. Tuesday. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Wounded Warriors, USO, or to Harris Nature Center Foundation, attn, Kit Kircher Rich, Nature Center Coordinator, 3998 Van Attack Rd., Okemos, Michigan 48864. To share memories or condolences, please visit www.schoedinger.com .