John Uno Palmquist

The world is a little bit emptier now. John Uno Palmquist, one of the most loved and loving, stubborn and opinionated men of these times, passed away peacefully surrounded by many members of his family. John will be remembered for many things, not the least of which are such famous sayings as "I'm not sleeping, I'm just resting my eyes" and "thank God we brought the gin".

John was born on June 14, 1927. He always loved that people hung their flags out for his birthday. Of course it was also Flag Day but John didn't let these little details bother him. He had fond memories of spending times with his sisters, like when they each had a nickel to go to the movies and they figured out a way to stay there all afternoon. He worked hard all his life at many different jobs to have money not just for movies but for things like tuition to Cretin. He graduated from there and served proudly in the military; first the United States Navy and then the Army. He married Bonnie Beatson in 1948 and they had eight magnificent children of whom he was most proud and often referred to them as his Magnificent 7 (we still do not know who he was not including): John (Maureen), Anne (Marcel), Steven (Alexandra), Mary, Gregory (Susan), Richard, James (Narrah) and William (Rachel). He worked for many years at Western Electric company, moving all over the country despite the increasing size of the family. Along the way children grew up, graduated from high school and college, married, had children and moved on.

In 1986 he married Adreann, with whom he shared the last 30 years of his life and we are all so grateful for the care and love they shared. John is also survived by his most incredible older sister, Patricia, whom he loved dearly. He was her "little Johnnie". He is also survived by his three step-children, Charmaine, James and Roxanne and by too many nephews, nieces, grandchildren and great-grandchildren to name, one of the benefits of being in a catholic family. He shared in the joy of seeing them make their way in life and faithfully sent birthday and anniversary cards to every one. He had a well oiled system. In fact, there were two birthday cards found in his home office- addressed and stamped and ready to go. He was enthralled with his many great grandchildren and enjoyed visiting with them through the incredible technology of FaceTime. He was at his best and brightest with them.

John loved the theatre and was involved in many community theatre groups. Often compared to Robert Vaughn (although better looking) he held leading roles in dramas such as Laura and Arsenic and Old Lace. He even did a musical or two, which is not surprising considering what a musical family we are. We would be willing to sing a song to display this ability. We just cannot agree on who would get to lead.

He was very proud of beating out Jack Klompus for control of the Palm Coast homeowner's association.

John believed that it built character for his children to do significant chores, like cleaning up after the dogs or after the basement flooded (except of course for Greg who somehow always was excused from these tasks). He took us on many adventures: traveling through the desert, exploring the Grand Canyon and houseboating down the Mississippi. We all surprisingly survived these adventures even though there was more than one close call. John was good at many things, including fudge making, although not so good at haircuts or picking out fashionable clothing items for Christmas presents. As his children were growing up, John was awesome at making sure there were equal amounts of dessert for all of them, whether there were eight, nine or ten people to divide it among. It was a point of honor for him to ensure equal size pieces. He was, without a doubt, a champion pumpkin carver.

John had a special place in his heart for veterans and served proudly on many honor guards that shepherded so many to their final resting place. He was very active in all aspects of the American Legion until his health precluded his activities. He felt a keen attachment to his two grandsons-in-law who served in the military and he was so proud of them.

He was an incredible Broncos fan as anyone who watched their games with him can attest. His year was made when they won the Super Bowl. He loved the Vikings as well and still remained hopeful that one of these times they would make it all the way. We feel certain he will know when they do. He collected cans (really) through his neighborhood and used them to raise funds to support the Legion. He loved the lake, the ocean and the mountains but his favorite place to be was anywhere his family was. He was always joyful when they arrived and sad when they left. He treated our last times together as precious moments that stretched out and sustained him until the next visit came.

John did a tremendous amount of living in his 89 years. We all should do so much.

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