Obituary of John W. Cunningham

John W. Cunningham,75, of Evergreen, CO, passed away on September 5, 2023. He was surrounded by love with dear family and friends gathered around him sharing cherished stories.

John was born in Montana to William and Diana (Walter) Cunningham. While he grew up in southern California with his parents and younger brother Dan, the family ranch in Montana, where he spent his summers, was what felt like home to him. He started his career as a radiology tech, managed radiology departments, then transitioned into the medical sales field, and finally into real estate at the end of his career.

John was the fixer of all things and was the guy you called when you needed advice or help on a home project, something with your car, or general personal business issues. More than anything, he loved his family and took exceptional care of them in a quiet and unassuming way. He appreciated a clean car and was known to even wash rental cars. John was always up for a steak, buffet, or chocolate cake and it was a great day when his family obliged. Back in the day, when you went to the mall, you knew to look for him at Sears in the tool section or reading magazines at Barnes & Noble, depending on the era. He teased his family by always wanting to show off his watch, talk about UFOs, or regale them with stories they’d already heard thousands of times. He lived for a good vacation on the beach or a cruise where he’d order a “double thick cut of prime rib” and encourage everyone else to do the same. When he said we were leaving in 15 minutes, he really meant we were leaving in 10 minutes and you’d better be waiting by the door with your shoes on.

In recent years, more of his time was spent traveling to visit his three grandchildren, Bodie, Reagan, and Declan. His family got a kick out of watching John, who had always been a bit gruff, hold babies, play peek-a-boo, climb in tents to build Lego, and line up Hotwheels in the precise line demanded by a 3 year old. It turns out, John was made to be a grandpa.

He is preceded in death by his parents William (Bill) and Diana Cunningham and dear uncle, Vernon Walter.

He will be greatly missed by his wife Phyllis, daughters Kirsten (Doug) Biel and Katie (Peter Gonzales) Cunningham, his grandchildren Bodie, Reagan, and Declan, his brother Dan, and many other family and friends.

A private ceremony will be held at a later date.