John Charles Sanchez

“Johnny”

Our dear sweet beloved father, son, brother, uncle and friend – Johnny Sanchez, 62, passed away on August 5, 2011, after a brave difficult fight, in the comfort of his home with the love support and prayers of his family.

Johnny was born on May 6, 1949 to Alfonso C. Sanchez, Jr. and Efro Hartt Sanchez in Rancho de Taos, NM and was later raised in Magna, Utah. Married Linda Searle Sanchez on August 25, 1973 in Kearns, Utah, later divorced, but forever loving friends. Johnny had four lovely daughters: Stormie Monica (Joshua E. Ulibarri) of Phoenix, AZ, Tammie Joe of Anchorage, AK, Shawnie Marie (Brandon Leiter) of SLC, UT and Ashlie Ann (Matt Pollock) of W. Jordan, UT; and two grandchildren: Anikin Che and Isobel Sophialorca.

Johnny was a disabled Vietnam Veteran who served with the United States Army and was honorably discharged in 1971. Johnny received two Purple Hearts. Johnny attended Cyprus High School and was an active member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church late in life. He worked as a surveyor. He adored his four “brown eyed girls” and two grandbabies. He loved the outdoors, long drives in the mountains, and fishing. Johnny was an amazing artist and loved to create from his found treasures. He said “nothing is ever junk, it just needs a new purpose.”

Johnny told great, funny, but long stories. The point, in the end, always made sense if you took the time to listen. They would leave you with a smile or a tear in your eye or both. His smile could light up a room. He had the skill to make your belly roll with laughter and eyes weep like none other. He touched a special place in any heart, who had the pleasure to cross paths with him. Johnny is also survived by his sisters, Betty Trujillo (Jimmy), Cynthia Vigil (Dana Fowler) and Christina Trujillo (Johnny), his brothers Joseph Sanchez and Steven Sanchez (Terry) and Father-in-law (Philo Searle), as well as an abundance of family and friends who will miss him so. He is preceded in death by his father, sister (Monica), grandparents Alfonso and Agnes (Pacheco) Sanchez and Clorinda (Romero) and Shelby Hartt, mother-in-law Vivian Searle.

The family wishes to extend a special thanks for their continual support and kindness to the staff at Beehive House Assisted Living Facility, especially Lori and Kari and well all his Beehive girls and CNS Hospice, particularly Marina for their loving care with dad since April. A special thanks to Stormie, Ashlie, Tammie, Shawnie, Christina, Conrad, Linda, Gina, Rosa, Sabrina, Marlene and Diane who helped on a daily basis. His family was his life, and he will leave a void in our lives, but will be free from years of pain and struggle he has endured. He was proud to say he left this world clean and sober and looked forward to a great reunion with his father, family and friends who have passed before him.

A Memorial Service will be held on Thursday, August 11, 2011 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, 2840 South 9000 West, Magna, UT. Friends may call beginning at 10:30 a.m., with a Rosary, immediately followed by his Eulogy and traditional Mass. Interment: A Military Dedication of his grave will be held at 2:00 p.m. following Mass at Valley View Memorial Park, 4335 West 4100 South. WVC, UT. Funeral Directors: Valley View Funeral Home

In Lieu of flowers, Johnny would want to know that if you have a substance abuse problem, that you get help; or if you have a loved one that suffers from addiction, that you get them help.

Condolences may be sent to the family at www.valleyviewfuneral.com