John Frank Bookhardt, Jr.

John was born in Nashville, Tennessee on January 15, 1953. The beautiful baby boy was born to John and Ruth Bookhardt. His father was formally referred to as John Frank, and after discussion, it was decided to "skip" all that. Thus, "Skip" became his nickname.
John "Skip" was the first-born of five children. He was an active, precocious child who excelled at every endeavor. He was very protective of his siblings. He was a responsible person and even as a child was ranked as lead general in charge earning him the additional moniker of "Skip the Whip." Skip made certain that all siblings completed homework, dedicated time and attention to proper grooming and by all means, completed chores in a top-notch fashion. Kids in Park Hill neighborhoods knew that they could not mistreat his little brother, sisters or cousins . . . or else!
Primary school days began at Helen Hyatt in Lincoln Nebraska. At the conclusion of his father's medical training, the family moved to Denver and John attended Mile High Academy. He also attended Oakwood Academy, Newberry Park Academy and East High School. He loved the idea of attending East High to become an East "Angel." John always thanked his parents for loving him enough to send him to such special schools. He was loved by his classmates and he loved them.
He often initiated family worship and would invite the neighbor children to come and join the festivities. A music-filled worship service was the highlight of his day. Not many knew that playing the piano was also a highlight for him. John was the first person to be baptized at what was then the brand new Park Hill Seventh-day Adventist Church in Denver.
John married Susan Edwards and became the father of his first born, Dana Renee. Dana was known as his pride and joy. John's self-direction and yearning to provide for his family ignited a desire to "see the world" by sea and he enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1971.
Following the Navy John experienced several life changes. He was challenged to cope with readjusting to the world which reflected his years as a teen-ager, including the loss of two significant friends who passed away in succession, Danny Weiss and Robert Lewis. He was a sensitive soul with a deep and genuine concern for others. He would tell you that he never quite recovered from the loss of his friends.
After his stint in the Navy ended, he met and fell in love with his second wife, Verlina Stafford. His union with Verlina resulted in a complete family union that includes: Dana, Katrina, Cheria, Jason and Justin. John and Verlina encouraged all of their children to stick together.
John was gifted and he was known to be the family genius, an avid reader, historian, debater, mathematician, scholar and common sense supporter. His compassionate nature led him to the field of health care and he completed his certification as a nursing assistant. His dedication and commitment in his field have been acknowledged by his co-workers and those he cared for throughout the years. John embraced the concept of providing for his family, and considered it an honor to work hard for those he loved.
John suffered a massive stroke on October 28, 2009 and was not expected to live through the night. Instead, he survived fifteen months with dignity. He was laid to rest on the morning of January 17, 2011, just two days following his 58th birthday.
John is preceded in death by his father Dr. John Frank Bookhardt (2004), and his wife Verlina Stafford Bookhardt (2010). He leaves to mourn his mother, Ruth; children Dana Renee, Katrina, Cheria, Jason and Justin; son-in-law Ray; daughter-in-law Tiffany; brother Kennyth; sisters Jeannine, Sylvia, Dawn; sister-in-law Sandy; brothers-in-law James, Narzell and Al (who served as his special angel during his protracted illness); grandchildren, nieces, nephews, aunts, an uncle, cousins and a host of friends who will always love him.