JOHN FIRIS John Firis of Kailua, passed away March 14, 2016. Born May 19, 1914 in Barberton, Ohio. The 5th of 13 children, of Yugoslavian immigrants Dimitri Firis/Mary Danco. An apprentice mechanic for TWA in 1930. Moved to Chicago in 1936. Mechanic for Northwest Airlines from 1937 to 1987 with never a sick day. In 1950 he relocated to single- handedly start Northwest Airlines' Honolulu base of operations. Married Mary in 1951, and had 3 sons. A resident of Kailua since 1961. Circled the world 6 times, and saw all the wonders. He ran his first of 13 marathons at age 62, and his final at age 80. As an avid jogger, John's philosophy was to "keep moving." From 1961 on, you could see him jogging his daily 10 miles around Kailua, then walked his last few years to age 101. "Not bad for a farm boy." Remembered by all, with love, for his kindness, gentle good nature, and sense of humor. Survived by sons John/Kathy, George, Mike/Lorie (children Charles and Samantha) of Seattle, and sister Eileen Prince of Wadsworth, Ohio. Casual graveside Memorial on March 24th, 1 pm, at Hawaii Memorial Park Cemetery.
JOHN FIRIS John Firis of Kailua, passed away March 14, 2016. Born May 19, 1914 in Barberton, Ohio. The 5th of 13 children, of Yugoslavian immigrants Dimitri Firis/Mary Danco. An apprentice mechanic for TWA in 1930. Moved to Chicago in 1936. Mechanic for Northwest Airlines from 1937 to 1987 with never a sick day. In 1950 he relocated to single- handedly start Northwest Airlines' Honolulu base of operations. Married Mary in 1951, and had 3 sons. A resident of Kailua since 1961. Circled the world 6 times, and saw all the wonders. He ran his first of 13 marathons at age 62, and his final at age 80. As an avid jogger, John's philosophy was to "keep moving." From 1961 on, you could see him jogging his daily 10 miles around Kailua, then walked his last few years to age 101. "Not bad for a farm boy." Remembered by all, with love, for his kindness, gentle good nature, and sense of humor. Survived by sons John/Kathy, George, Mike/Lorie (children Charles and Samantha) of Seattle, and sister Eileen Prince of Wadsworth, Ohio. Casual graveside Memorial on March 24th, 1 pm, at Hawaii Memorial Park Cemetery.
Our deepest condolences to the family and friends of the deceased
