1918 ~ 2004
In loving memory of a great and humble man, our family would like to announce the passing of our father, husband, grandpa and friend John Palica on Friday, Sept. 10, 2004.
Even though he was 86 and no longer in his legendary prime (when he could out hit the long ball hitter, out run the high school track star as a 56 year old, and had to quit boxing on the water front because he could knock out his opponent with a single, well placed blow), we are quite sure death snuck up on him as he peacefully took a noon nap in his recliner and never woke up.
John was born April 14, 1918, to Arnbroz and Felicya Palica, who emigrated from Yugoslavia and settled in suburb of Los Angeles, California (Lomita). He had five brothers and one sister (who died in infancy) but it was the relationship with these brothers that shaped his young life. They were pro athletes, fanatic fishermen, hard working, full of life and best friends, all of them until their individual deaths (with one still remaining).
John married Toula Efstathiou, August 19, 1954, in Athens Greece. They settled in his California home town where they raised two children (and one daughter by a previous marriage) and that is where the true legend of this man flourishes. John has no worldly titles. No formal degrees. He has no list of accomplishments and accolades except for what are most important, husband, father and grandfather. John's whole life was about loving and serving his family. He literally focused on nothing else even in his last moments as we found the envelope next to his recliner addressed to his grandson serving on his mission in Mozambique with last night's article about the BYU football team. He attended every baseball game and was at every birthday party and every single event, both important and not in the life of his children and grandchildren. What more can we say than that we love him and will honor him forever.
The Chinese have a tradition that the truly blessed and honored of God pass away peacefully in their sleep. John was such a man.
John is survived by his wife Toula, his children Eleni, John Jr, and Jeanette; his grandchildren, Blake, Michelle, Andrew, Kylie, Jamie, Maddie, Jennifer, Micheal; his great- grandchildren, Austin, Justin and the last original "Palica boy", his brother Alex.
Services will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 15th, at 11 a.m. in Walker Sanderson Funeral Home, 646 E. 800 N. Orem. A viewing will begin at 9:45 am prior to the funeral service. Burial will be at 1:00 p.m. at the Orem City Cemetery.