John Perich

John Matich Perich was born February 19, 1929, in Leadville, Colorado. He grew up in the mining towns of Leadville and Oak Creek, the adopted son of a coal miner, delivering newspapers starting at the age of 6, for income. He joined the Army in 1950 at the age of 21, serving in the Korean War during 1952, relaying radio messages by assisting in setting up microwave stations on Korean hilltops. After the war he met, then married his wife Audrey Irene Hurley in Evergreen, Colorado on July 14, 1956. They had three daughters: Jami, Mary Kay, and Greta. John was employed at Public Service Co. for 46 years and obtained his B.A. degree from Regis College in 1961, after attending night school for seven years while raising his family. He served as Commander of The American Legion Post #1 from 1973 to 1974. He had been a member of The American Legion for over 40 years and was responsible for the dedication of Veterans Park in Denver at Iowa and Gaylord Streets in 1989 after obtaining the necessary signatures from registered voters and the unanimous motion of Denver Parks and Rec and the Denver City Council. Denver had never had a park dedicated to the veterans, and John thought it was about time to honor them, that it would be a wonderful addition to the neighborhood and a nice place to hold events for patriotic holidays. A 30-foot flagpole and lighting were placed, along with two large rocks at the foot of the flagpole. Plaques were placed on the rocks, one which honors all of the veterans who have served this country over the years. The other plaque is inscribed with the poem ""In Flanders Fields"" which describes a cemetery in Belgium, where American soldiers are buried and wild poppies grow. Poppies were planted at the foot of the flagpole and benches were added. For over two decades John maintained the flag, lowering it when appropriate, washing it, and replacing it when it became worn. The illuminated flag still flies 24 hours a day. John is survived by his wife Audrey, two brothers Nick and Bob, three daughters, seven grandchildren, seven great-grandchildren and other loving relatives. A visitation will be Thursday, September 1, 2016 from 5PM-7PM, at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel, 1091 South Colorado Boulevard, Denver, Colorado 80246, with a Celebration of Life, officiated by Father Gerald Rohr, to be held on Friday, September 2, 2016 at 10:00am, also at Horan & McConaty Family Chapel. Immediately following the Celebration of Life, a reception will be held at 1127 South Harrison Street, Denver, Colorado 80246, followed by a 2:00pm procession to Mt. Olivet Cemetery, 12801 West 44th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colorado 80033, for a graveside service. Please share memories of John and condolences with his family by signing the guestbook below.