John Halencak

John H. Halencak of Bayfield, Colorado, born March 29, 1941 on a farm outside of Vernon, Texas, died July 21, 2000. He succumbed to a long illness from cancer in his home in Forest Lakes, Colorado.

John was the youngest of eight children born to and predeceased by Fred and Carrie Halencak, his parents, of Texas but proudly of Czech descent. John attended Northside High School in Texas and was a standout athlete and also District President of Future Farmers of America.

In July of 1960 he married Pamela Lyon Halencak, also of Vernon, Texas, had two children, the youngest, Jeffrey Scott Halencak born in 1964, to whom we owe a great debt of gratitude for giving the last two years to help with his father’s last illness, and the eldest, Michelle Halencak born in 1962, son-in-law, Greg Thortis and one granddaughter, Randi Paige Thortis. The family lived in Wichita Falls, Texas, Dallas, Texas, for four years, Oklahoma for four years, then back to Dallas for about 25 years until they finally obtained their dream of retiring to the Colorado mountains in 2000. Their home in Forest Lakes was their refuge and their many, many friends were extremely precious.

Predeceased by brothers, Albert Halencak and Herman Halencak, and a sister Lilly Halencak Wohl. He is also survived by one brother, Fred Halencak of Vernon, Texas, sisters, Mary Halencak Mayer of Cameron, Texas, Olga Halencak Helms of New Port Richey, Florida, and Elsie Halencak Matthews of Brandywine, Maryland, along with many nieces, nephews and cousins.

John was very proud of his career in the food industry, having been employed by Standard Brands in Dallas, Texas, and Nestle, USA as a coffee specialist. His final years were marked by enjoying the beauty of nature, hunting, fishing, and sharing time with his friends. He will be sorely missed.