In Memory

John J Champagne VIEW PROFILE

John Joseph Champagne, 69, died Friday, April 4, 2014 in Durango, Colorado. Cremation will occur at Hood Mortuary Crematory in Durango. Celebration of Life will be held at the Champagne residence at 115 Alamo Drive in Durango on Tuesday, April 8, 2014 from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Mr. Champagne was a friend of Bill W. and memorial contributions, in lieu of flowers, may be made to Alcoholics Anonymous. Mr. Champagne was born February 14, 1945 in Chicago, Illinois, the son of Anthony and Lillian Champagne. Mr. Champagne grew up in Chicago and attended schools there. He graduated from Oak Park-River Forest High School in 1963. Upon graduation, he attended Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Illinois, as an undergraduate, studying Finance. He then attended Kent College in Chicago and graduated with a law degree. He began practicing in 1976 for the State of Illinois. He remained there until the late 1990′s. He then had a private practice for a few years. He moved to the Durango area about 2 years ago, to be closer to his son and grandchildren. He enjoyed an array of outdoor activities: Sailing, skiing, bike riding, walking his dogs. He enjoyed his convertibles, animals, children, and helping others. He attended Sunday church services at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Chicago and also locally at St. Columba Catholic Church. John was a playful, generous, kind, smiling soul. He had a deep love for his family and friends and a contagious love of life that touched all those around him. He so deeply loved his wife Christine, his son, Christian and his daughter-in-law, Katy and grandchildren, Mila and Evan. Also his daughter Amanda, his first wife, Sarah, stepdaughter, Anna and all the cousins, nieces and nephews in the Chicago land area. “His death was peaceful and now he rests in the loving light of those who preceded him in death. Goodbye Johnny, we love you, we honor your life and thank you for the many wonderful memories you gave us. We will cherish them forever. We look to the day that we join you in eternal light,” fondly states his family.



 
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04/09/14 10:00 AM #1    

H Stephen Dahlquist

"...a playful, generous, kind, smiling soul"  is exactly how I remember the John I knew 50+ years ago.  Rest in Peace, old Friend....

 


04/09/14 10:52 AM #2    

Doug Goodwillie

John was a great guy and a great friend who possessed a terrific love of life. Colorful doesn't really begin to describe him but it's a good place to start. His friends are left with lots of memories and have many stories to tell. We had some fun! Rest in peace John.


04/09/14 06:06 PM #3    

Judy McMahon (Almquist)

I couldn't believe it when I checked my email and saw John's name. We had been friends for ages and I was hoping to see him at the 50th. I remember him pulling up to my house in his brother's 57 Chevy and "burning rubber". There are so many great memories of him in high school and afterwards. He was so much fun and I don't ever remember seeing him with a frown on his face. His name has often come up when I have dinner with Linda Johnson, Joan Reich and Barb Hess and it is always  followed by laughter. He knew how to have fun. I'm very happy to have known him. I know he will keep Heaven on it's toes.


04/10/14 12:34 AM #4    

James King

Among a great many other things (eg,Hunt Club), John and I traveled up tp Michigan together more than a few times and they were memorable. John had a "controled electricity" about him. He was fun to be around. He has already been and will continue to be missed. Until that time John, Jim King 


04/10/14 11:37 AM #5    

Tom Mouhelis

John was a very decent soul and will be missed.

04/10/14 11:41 AM #6    

Harry Armstrong

John was a great friend.   He stood up for Cynthia and me for our wedding.  Always life of the party. I will miss him.  Last time I saw him he came and visited us in Saugatuck about 7 years on his way to Pentwater.  He was always a great friend.


04/21/14 05:18 PM #7    

Dale Steffens

Senior year the day started with Shawn Blackwell driving Mike Kaplan's '58 white impala ( 4-barrel carb, dual exhaust , 3 speed on the floor) to pick up John, Mike and me. Shawn had to take the car because he went to Fenwick and Mike didn't have a place to hide it near school . What great company. Lots of stories .Anyone who knew John has at least one story and the rest of us have volumes. I'm sorry he's gone. I wanted to see him again.

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